DRAG Race Philippines Season 3 has reached its conclusion, with Maxie Andreison claiming the Philippines’ Drag Race Superstar title.

Maxie stood for their impressive track record, never placed at the bottom throughout the episodes. With three RuBadges secured for their captivating performances and runway looks, many Generation Z viewers were not surprised to see them take home the crown.

Even Bryan Manlapaz, 22, who was rooting for Khianna, expressed his joy for Maxie’s victory. “I know Maxie is such a great performer, kahit saang banda at anong stage pa ‘yan,” he said.

Before joining DRPHS3, the newest superstar gained recognition on the global stage as a contestant in Queen of the Universe Season 2, although they had to withdraw from the drag singing competition because of a medical issue.

Out and proud since childhood, Maxie has embraced their identity through theater, films, and various competitions, while also advocating for SOGIE and HIV awareness.

For Maxie’s dedicated fans, witnessing their journey and struggles has made this victory more meaningful, as they felt that Maxie is truly deserving of the crown.

Beyond the Art of Drag

The remarkable success of Drag Race Philippines Season 3 has strengthened its place in the mainstream media, as evident by the lively discussions among fans across social media platforms.

This season has also reached impressive heights, topping IMDb rating among all Drag franchises, both locally and internationally. It has been hailed as one of the most iconic seasons of Drag Race Herstory.

The queens have really shone in their mini and maxi challenges, runway looks, and lip sync performances, showcasing not just their talent but also their excellence, passion, and creativity in their crafts.

This dedication has resonated deeply with audiences, garnering increased support from Filipinos, the queer community, and international fans.

The show has also become a platform for advocacies, representation, and awareness of LGBTQIA+ and social issues. From season 1 up until the recent season, the drag queens have openly expressed their journey and struggles, extending their impacts far beyond entertainment.

Manlapaz shared with republicasia that watching the queens made him discover that dressing up and performing is not merely a fantasy. It is an expression of identity that makes him feel seen within the community.

Jamesandrei Arrojo, 21, has also conveyed that DRPH helped other people understand how diverse queer community is. “Our community is now viewed as artists that deserve equal respect as those in the mainstream. Naalis na tayo dun sa kahon na ‘pag miyembro ka ng LGBTQIA+ is sa parlor ka nagtatrabaho, or komedyante ka dapat,” he said.

For several audiences within the queer community, Drag Race Philippines and other international franchises have made them realize that they are more than themselves. This platform affirms them that they can be anyone they aspire to be and that they have a space in society.

Drag goes beyond the art of performing, lip syncing, designing, and competing but it also challenges the social norms, traditional gender roles, and expectations placed on queers.

The drag excellence

With the Filipinos’ strong religious values, DRPH being on the mainstream has truly opened the doors for the community to be understood and hopefully get accepted as a whole.

“I grew up in a conservative place where I hardly interact with more members of the community, now with Drag Race Philippines, it opened me to the local drag scene where I was able to immerse myself and feel that I belonged and accepted,” Arrojo shared.

Winnie Tusi, 21, also conveyed that the determination of the queens reminds her of the importance of self-expression and embracing your own uniqueness.

On the other hand, Jermaine Brillante, 21, has expressed that Drag Race Philippines has changed her stance as an LGBTQIA+ ally. “The fact na hindi nawawala ‘yung connotation that drag is political really grounded me in things that I should put focus on. ‘Yung admiration ko rin sa dedication ng queens to pursue their passion had shifted the way I view my own future,” she added.

With queens like Eva Le Queen and Marina Summers representing Filipinos’ excellence on global stage, Precious Paula Nicole and Bridgiding having their own houses to nurture young drag artists, and other drag queens trying their best to uplift the community— have set the momentum on fostering inclusiveness and empowerment in the society.

“The talents they have is something that we, Filipinos, should be proud of,” Bryan pointed out.

These sentiments from the Gen Zs reveal that the drag queens have successfully made a great contribution to the awareness, pride, and inspiring not only the queer community but also the whole country.

The hope of the new era

As the drag community progresses in the Philippines, so does the hope for a more inclusive and bright future for the LGBTQIA+ community, where everybody can express their true selves without judgment but with love and respect.

“It’s been years of having LGBTQIA+ kids only being tolerated by the society and not necessarily well accepted or welcomed. I really hope na mas maraming tao ‘yung makaintindi na we need to end homophobia in general, and to celebrate the queens and community as it is,” Brillante said as she shared her aspiration for the future.

Similarly, several Gen Zs have expressed that their wish for the future of the drag community, or queer community as a whole, is to be accepted, recognized, and respected the way they are. They are also hopeful to see more talented individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, not only in the mainstream but in different fields.

Maxie, the newly crowned superstar, has also consistently shown her humility and commitment to helping aspiring queens and younger audiences. Their performance of “Slay Accla” and winning speech reflect her desire to motivate and provide a platform for others.

“Sa mga bata, sa mga young generation, sa lahat ng mga drag queens na gustong mag-show, tutulungan ko kayo— pangako ‘yan, dahil ang entablado ay para sa ating lahat,” Maxie declared in her speech.

Following the successful execution of the Drag Race Philippines Season 3, a wave of inspiration and hope has encouraged the younger generation to pursue their dreams, advocate for their rights, and proudly embrace their identities.

With reports from Ashly Mae Nabus