FROM conquering Drag Race Philippines to earning her first international acting nod, one thing is clear: Precious Paula Nicole is fully prepared to transition between industries, bringing the same drive and passion.
Precious’ journey has been one of continuous evolution, showcasing her adaptability and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story is not just about talent, but also resilience, ambition, and an unwavering drive to push her limits.
It’s been three years since her historic crowning as the first winner of Drag Race Philippines. This year, she continues to gain recognition and inspire younger LGBTQ+ members due to her latest onscreen success.
As she begins her journey into acting, it’s clear that the confidence and creativity that made her shine in the drag world are only the beginning of a broader talent she’s ready to showcase.
Representing the Country
On September 15, Precious received her first international acting honor, winning Best Lead Performance at the recently concluded CinePride Film Festival in Los Angeles, California.
As the star of the short film Lip Sync Assassin, Precious flew to the US earlier this month to attend its world premiere, held at Landmark Theatres Sunset in West Hollywood on September 13.
To celebrate the recognition she brought to the Philippines, a press conference and private screening of the short film were held Wednesday at Spritz Studios in Makati City, where republicasia was invited.
Photo Courtesy: Bryan Gadingan | republicasia
“Hindi namin alam na may makukuha kami, kasi ang gagaling talaga ng mga kasabayan namin,” Precious told select media during the intimate event, when asked about her initial reaction.
“Kaya I’m so thankful din na pinuntahan ko talaga siya, na pinuntahan talaga namin siya ni direk, kasi grabe ‘yung natulong na confidence sa akin pagbalik ko rito,” she went on to explain.
While the drag queen delivered a standout performance as Sampaguita, she’s not the only one celebrating—Lip Sync Assassin director Jon Galvez also took home the Best Director award.
“We’re so grateful na we got to represent the Philippines. Sa CinePride, kami lang ‘yung Filipino film. We were so blessed na we’re recognized nga kasi hindi namin ine-expect,” Galvez said.
“Gusto lang talaga namin gumawa ng pelikula para mapanood ng mga tao. Tapos nakapunta ng CinePride, and then na-recognize, kaya sobra sobrang grateful lang sa experience naming dalawa,” the director added.
Manifestation Works
Precious’ path to acting started with manifestation. When she joined Drag Race Philippines, she wasn’t just performing—she was carving out a place for herself in an industry that often favors bold, in-your-face acts.
However, it was her authenticity and range that truly set her apart. She brought emotional depth and vulnerability to her performances, creating a connection that resonated with audiences.
Proof that it was never just about lip-syncs or fierce runway looks—it was about telling stories, connecting on a deeper level, and using drag as a way to explore and express different parts of oneself.
Photo Courtesy: Bryan Gadingan | republicasia
“Minanifest ko siya eh, kasi to be honest, nitong lalabas na yung Slaysian Royale ng mga kapatid ko, parang naka-feel ako na baka ma-left out ako. Baka makalimutan na ako ng mga tao kasi may bago ng show na inaabangan,” she said.
“Noong nag episode one na, nafe-feel ko talaga siya na ‘Ay hindi na ako ‘yung priority ng mga fans.’ Pero syempre, hindi ko naman siya tinake in a negative way. Kumbaga siguro, tapos na ‘yung time ko to show my talent sa drag.”
“Panibagong page na ito ng life ko, kasi before pa ako nag-drag gusto ko na talaga maging artista, gusto ko na talaga umarte. So nung binigay siya sa akin, reminder siya na ang pag-arte ay isa talaga sa mga ginugusto ko dati at binigay siya sa right time,” she added.
Though Precious had envisioned stepping into acting one day, she never imagined winning an award this early—just like during her first run on Drag Race Philippines. Well, destiny tends to reward those who put in the work.
“Parang drag race lang din, gusto ko lang siyang salihan dati, hindi ko naman talag ine-expect na manalo. Hindi ko siya ginagawa para ma-achieve yung premyo, but for some reason nabibigay siya,” she said.
“Siguro kasi, alam ko sa sarili ko na binibigay ko lahat. Ang mantra ko kasi is: expect the worst, hope for the best. Hindi naman palagi ang goal ko is manalo. Gusto ko lang maipakita ‘yung talent ko at gumaling pa sa mga bagay na pwede kong gawin,” she added.
No Other Choice
The lead role of Sampaguita—a drag queen who turns to crime to provide a better life for her daughter and ailing mother—reflects the struggles of a breadwinner and the harsh realities of systemic corruption.
What makes it even more personal is that director Jon Galvez is a breadwinner himself, having worked abroad as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) for 14 years to support his family’s needs.
Photo Courtesy: Bryan Gadingan | republicasia
“I worked abroad for 14 years, in Singapore, para masuportahan ‘yung family ko. Nakakalungkot lang na may mga taong kagaya ko na kailangan pang lumipad sa ibang bansa para masuportahan ‘yung family,” he said.
“Kaya ayun ‘yung kwento ni Sampaguita. But of course it’s very fictionalized and gusto ko lang din maipakita ‘yung drag excellence and drag artistry in a very creative way.”
“Aside from that, nainspire din ako sa buhay ng mga entertainers and comedians, dahil most of the time hindi natin nakikita ‘yung mga challenges nila in life, ‘yung mga pinagdadaanan nila, gusto ko rin maipakita ‘yun sa kwento ni Sampaguita,” he added.
Meanwhile, casting Precious was an easy decision for the Filipino director, given her success in the drag scene. Beyond that, a role this soulful needed an artist with the heart and depth to bring the story to life.
“She’s one of the best drag artist here in the Philippines, and also in the world. So ‘yun palang, naisip ko na agad na maju-justify agad ni Precious ‘yung pagiging drag artist ni Sampaguita na unbeatable sa lip syncing,” Galvez said.
“Complex kasi ‘yung character, kaya kailangan puno siya ng puso. And mayroon akong nakikitang magic kay Precious na all heart lagi ‘yung binibigay niya. Ayun palang justifies the character of Sampaguita agad na all heart din ang binibigay sa pamilya,” he added.
Take It From the Queen
An event like this wouldn’t be complete without a few words of wisdom from the queen herself. For young queer individuals who look up to her and her journey, Precious offers one simple piece of advice: always dream big.
“Yes lang nang yes,” Precious said. “Mahirap ang mundo natin. Mahirap maging mahirap, mahirap maging bakla. Pero ‘wag mong bibitawan ang pangarap mo kasi hindi mo alam kailan siya ibibigay.”
“Pero dapat lagi kang handa kasi maraming pwedeng umagaw sa’yo eh. Pwedeng mapunta ‘yan sa iba. So dapat lagi kang ready, hindi ka dapat nadi-distract, dapat alam mo ‘yung gusto mo.”
“Mahirap siya talaga. After 20 years siya nangyari sa akin, ‘yung pag-arte, pero hindi ko po binitawan. Kaya kung mangangarap kayo, dream big, kasi kapag tinupad yan ng universe, maloloka ka kasi iba rin siya tumupad,” she went on to say.
In this new chapter of her career, Precious Paula Nicole isn’t just after accolades; she’s continuing a bigger conversation about what it means to be a queer artist in today’s entertainment world. Proving that success doesn’t have to come in just one form or genre.
The future looks bright for Precious as she moves forward, bringing her energy and talent to every stage, screen, and space she enters. The industries may shift, but her drive to create and grow will always stay the same.
Lip Sync Assassin is now showing in Philippine cinemas as part of the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2025’s Shorts Set D, screening from September 24–30 at Gateway, Robinsons Manila, Robinsons Antipolo, SM Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, Trinoma, and Market Market.
