The first season of Drag Race Philippines holds much promise, being the first of its kind in the country. The local franchise, adapted from the Emmy-winning reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race, streams from August 17 on HBO Go, powered by PLDT Home.
The queens of Drag Race’s local adaptation will be joined by celebrated names in local and international show business!
As the queens go up against each other on their individual charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, the series will also feature well-known talents to serve as permanent judges in the competition–including two transwomen, a first in the entire herstory of Drag Race. Three other judges, who are prominent names in their respective fields, will be serving as recurring judges and will be appearing on specific episodes throughout the season.
Let’s get to know the judges on Drag Race Philippines!
Host: Paolo Ballesteros
Paolo Ballesteros is the host and one of the three permanent judges of Drag Race Philippines. He’s one of the mainstays of the local variety show Eat Bulaga! since 2001, and has starred in films such as Die Beautiful and The Panti Sisters.
Paolo is also a celebrated impersonator, having transformed himself into mainstream stars such as Madonna, Angelina Jolie, and Drew Barrymore.
One of Paolo’s most recent and noteworthy achievements is designing one of the costumes for Binibining Pilipinas 2022, the folklore-inspired design worn by Graciella Sheine Lehman who represented Oriental Mindoro.
Main Judges: Jiggly Caliente and KaladKaren
For the first time in Drag Race herstory, two transwomen will be serving as main judges of a Drag Race franchise: Jiggly Caliente and KaladKaren.
Jiggly Caliente will serve as one of the three permanent judges on Drag Race Philippines. She is best known for competing in Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Season 6 of Drag Race All Stars. Hailing from Laguna, Jiggly and her family moved to the US when she was 10, where she made a name for herself in the drag circuit. Under the name Bianca Castro, she is a recurring character in the TV show Pose, and she also has numerous TV series and web series guestings under her belt. She even released the first hip-hop album by a Drag Race alumni!
KaladKaren is the third main judge on Drag Race Philippines and is a comedienne, impersonator, and TV personality. She is best known for her impersonations of news anchor Karen Davila, rising to fame after she first impersonated the veteran broadcast journalist in a satirical comedy show at the University of the Philippines.
Recurring Judges: Rajo Laurel, BJ Pascual, and Jon Santos
World-renowned fashion designer Rajo Laurel will be one of the panelists of Drag Race Philippines. Prior to making a name for himself globally, Rajo was formally trained abroad and has received numerous accolades for his groundbreaking designs. He now co-heads the House of Laurel, one of the most successful and enduring fashion enterprises in the Philippines.
Fashion photographer BJ Pascual is also one of the recurring judges of Drag Race Philippines. His work has been featured in leading publications here and abroad, with over 300 magazine covers under his belt. His photography work has also been featured on billboards and ads for some of the country’s major brands.
Jon Santos is an alternating judge on Drag Race Philippines along with Rajo Laurel and BJ Pascual. He is a celebrated actor, comedian, impersonator, and writer, having been in the industry for over 30 years. He is well-known for his comedy skits that tackle social issues in the Philippines.
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Drag Race Philippines streams from August 17 on HBO Go. Don’t forget to catch the rest of Hollywood blockbusters, award-winning series, and original titles only on this streaming service, powered by PLDT Home.
Banner images from Drag Race Philippines Official Instagram Account