From August to October, Wednesday nights were something to look forward to, thanks to
Drag Race Philippinesairing weekly on HBO Go. Week after week, we got to catch our favorite drag artists battling against each other to become the Philippines’ first drag superstar–all with lots of laughter, tears, and tea!
Check out our favorite Drag Race Philippines moments from Season One–and if you find yourself wanting more, stream Drag Race Philippines and Untucked on HBO Go powered by PLDT Home!
RuPaul’s homage to Cherie Gil on Snatch Game
Every Drag Race franchise includes the Snatch Game, where the queens show off their improv and make-up skills to impersonate local and international celebrities and other famous personalities. While introducing the contestants to that week’s challenge, RuPaul introduced the game by uttering the late Cherie Gil’s iconic line from the film Bituing Walang Ningning: “My queens, I have one thing to say: you’re nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat!”
It’s not only a fitting line to best describe the Snatch Game; it’s also a beautiful tribute to one of the most celebrated kontrabidas of Philippine cinema.
Uniquely Pinoy challenges
The local franchise of Drag Race stands out for its celebration of our culture, giving it a unique and eclectic flavor. In the pilot episode alone, the queens dressed up as Darna while famed photographer BJ Pascual shot their portraits. In later episodes, we watched the drag artists engage in palosebo–and who could forget that hilarious Chinese garter episode?
Xilhouete’s looooooooong speeches
The drag mom and Nectar Nightclub creative director was well-known for her gothy brand, expensive-looking outfits…and long speeches at different moments in the show. Drag Race PH fans were quick to laugh at and create copypastas of her monologues. Despite that, her upward trajectory from the beginning of the season to reaching the Top 4 proved that Xilhouete was a formidable competitor–hate her or not, you gotta admit that Xilhouete stole the show and gave us meme-worthy material.
Pop off, Ate!
The queens were divided into two groups for the Girl Group challenge, where they showed off their songwriting, singing, and dancing skills. The Flexbomb Girls, composed of Turing, Lady Morgana, Eve Le Queen, Marina Summers, and Brigiding, bested the rest thanks to their flashy vocals, killer dance moves, and excellent synergy. As if that wasn’t enough, their group’s version of the song topped the iTunes Philippines song chart the weekend after the episode was aired. Talk about making herstory happen!
All in the family
In one of their last few challenges, the remaining queens had to do a drag makeover for their loved ones to make them look like members of their drag family. While Xilhouete bested that challenge with her real-life partner, Xhadow, it was Precious Paula Nicole’s entry that won us all over, thanks to her genuine connection with her younger brother, Janjan. Their love for each other was very evident in the episode–proof that family is always important, no matter what.
Relive your favorite Drag Race Philippines moments with PLDT Home
Drag Race Philippines season 1 may be over, but the moments of the local franchise live on! Subscribe to HBO Go today to relive iconic moments and find new gems. Subscribe via your PLDT Home Fiber Plus plan for a seamless streaming experience, all day, any day. That’s #EntertainmentMadeBetter!