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A reality show for Pinoy drag queens? "It's about time," says Manila Luzon

By Bong Godinez
Published June 18, 2021 10:38 AM PHT

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The 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star wants to help bring attention to the Philippine drag scene.

How about a reality show focusing on Filipino drag queens? Why not, according to RuPaul's Drag Race star, Manila Luzon.

In fact, there are plans to do one with Manila herself starring in the program.

Nothing has been finalized yet and Cornerstone Entertainment, the talent management group behind Manila, is not spilling details at the moment.

But make no mistake about it, a show focusing on the Philippine drag community would be monumental, groundbreaking even, and something that local television has not seen before.

“Well, it's about time. I don't know why it took a Filipino-American to start bringing attention to the drag scene in the Philippines, but if I have to do it, I will do it,” Manila said in a virtual press conference organized for her on Wednesday, June 16.

Some modifications though might be needed to make the program tailor-made for Philippine television and relatable from a cultural standpoint.

“The thing about it is it would be completely different because the Philippines is a very unique place in the world [and] you just can't roll the same formula,” she told GMANetwork.com.

“You might [have to] change a few things. I think that the opportunities are endless, so who knows.”

What is certain though is the huge impact of such a show in broadening people's minds and opinions on both the drag scene and LGBTQIA+ community here in the Philippines.

“Representation is really important and a lot of times, if you don't see a group of people being portrayed regularly, then you don't really have a way of relating to them and it's harder for you to be accepting and supportive of them because you're not around it, you're not aware of it,” mused Manila.

“Hopefully, with my help, we can bring more attention to the drag scene in the Philippines and opening people's minds to how fabulous a drag show can be and that it's an art form and drag queens are multi-faceted, talented artists and creators, and performers, and make-up artists and fashion designers.

“We do it all and it's something that's really impressive and I don't think a lot of people know how much work goes into it,” she added.

“Just being visible I think will help move the movement forward.”

For now, she encouraged the public to learn more about the drag scene and watch the performances, if possible.

“Philippines, there is a huge, amazing scene that you have not even been introduced to yet, but it is thriving and it is wonderful and it is full-on fantasy and it is right in your backyard full of the most creative, talented artists in the world. And it's right there,” she said.

Manila also gave her opinion on whether transgender individuals should be allowed to join international beauty pageants.

“Look, if you want to be the most beautiful woman in the world where you started from should not matter as long as your journey is taking us to a place where you are proud of who you are and you make everyone around you proud of who you are and wants to do something,” she commented.

“Be inspirational. Be something to aspire to. I don't know what the timeline of it is like, I know that society is moving at a glacial pace but with hard work, and acceptance, I feel like anything is possible.”

Get to know more about Manila Luzon in this gallery: