“I’m a winner baby!!”

This is what Maxie told her thousands of followers on X (formerly Twitter), after winning as the newest drag superstar of the third season of “Drag Race Philippines.”

Maxie bested 10 other queens, succeeding Captivating Katkat who won in the show’s second season. She took home P1,000,000 cash prize and a one-year supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics, in addition to a crown and a scepter.

The finale episode featured Maxie, competing against three other remaining drag queens Angel, Khianna, and Tita Baby. 

The four contestants strutted the catwalk in three different looks for the “Grand Finale Eleganza Extravaganza,” which had themes of “First Time’s a Charm,” “Art Attack Extravaganza,” and “Come in Your Best Drag.”

For the “First Time’s a Charm” category, the queens had to show an elevated version of their first-ever drag look. Meanwhile, they showcased Philippine art and culture for the “Art Attack Extravaganza” category.

The drag queens then walked the runway in their best looks for the “Come in Your Best Drag” category.

The contestants also performed their original songs for the “Grand T.I.T.E (Totally Impressive Talent Show Extravaganza),” which led Maxie and Khianna to the final lip-sync battle. Meanwhile, Angel and Tita Baby concluded their “Drag Race Philippines” journey.

For the final lip-sync battle, the top 2 queens performed “Lipad ng Pangarap” by Angeline Quinto and Regine Velasquez, with Maxie besting Khianna and winning the next drag superstar title.

Winning speech

Maxie becomes the first drag queen to win in three maxi challenges: “Dapat Pakak,” “Pao Presents Plus,” and “Super Queens.”

In her winning speech, Maxie encouraged everyone not to give up on their dreams.

“Bata pa lang ako lagi na akong sumasali sa mga contest. Syempre, may mga ups and downs, minsan natatalo tayo, minsan nanalo tayo. Pero gusto kong sabihin sa inyong lahat na huwag na huwag kayong mapapagod na ipaglaban ang pangarap niyo dahil balang araw makakatam niyo ‘yan kagaya ng nangyari sa’kin ngayon,” she stressed.

Maxie also vowed to help other drag queens, especially the young ones.

“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’ting lahat!” she said.

The third season of “Drag Race Philippines” was hosted by Paolo Ballesteros, also known as Mama Pao. It premiered in August, featuring 11 drag queens.