PHILIPPINE drag continues to be recognized internationally as the second season of the reality drag competition “Drag Den” was nominated for the Best Reality Show at the 29th Asian TV Awards.
Manila Luzon—who serves as the show’s host, head judge, and executive producer—delivered the news on Instagram, expressing how “super proud” she was for the creators, cast, and crew of “Drag Den with Manila Luzon Season 2: Retribution.”
“We strive to push the needle forward for LGBTQ+ representation especially in Asian society as we proudly showcase more Filipino drag artistry and tell queer stories to the millions of subscribers of [Prime Video] worldwide,” the drag queen, who was named the Best Entertainment Host at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2023, wrote.
“Drag Den with Manila Luzon Season 2: Retribution” is competing against “Swap Project,” “The Great Escape 2,” “Gadeha,” “Become A Farmer Season 2,” “Do Big Things — Let’s Go Kayaking!” “Shermin’s March,” and “MUA Star,” based on the Asian TV Awards’ website.
Founded in 1996, the Asian TV Awards annually recognizes “excellence in programming, production, and performance” in the Asian television industry. Over 60 judges across Asia evaluate and select entries for more than 50 award categories, including the Best Reality Show.
‘Drag Den’ S2
“Drag Den with Manila Luzon Season 2: Retribution” crowned Baguio City’s Deja as its newest “Drag Supreme,” besting nine other drag queens and succeeding the show’s first winner NAIA.
Deja also won a cash prize of P1 million and a talent management contract with Cornerstone Entertainment.
The show’s second season had a new show format, which included the elimination segment where one drag queen would go home each episode.
In a previous interview with republicasia, Manila Luzon said she hoped to enlighten more viewers about drag and give more LGBTQIA+ community representation in the media through “Drag Den with Manila Luzon Season 2: Retribution.”
She also highlighted how creative Filipino drag queens are in putting on “the most spectacular drag shows, despite having limited resources.
Hopes for season 3
Meanwhile, many drag fans celebrated the show’s nomination and hoped that “Drag Den Philippines” would be renewed for a third season.
“Mag [season 3] ka kase mah kung gets mo lang ako,” one netizen commented on Manila Luzon’s post.
“Werk we need a [season 3],” another Instagram user said.
While we await for a new season announcement, Manila Luzon is set to release a new song with Republic Records on October 25. This will follow her 2023 single “POM POM (Take Me High)” featuring Sassa Gurl, the theme song of “Drag Den with Manila Luzon Season 2: Retribution.”
