'Drag Den Philippines' Season 2: What's new inside the Den?

The pilot season of the first ever all-Filipino drag reality pageant, "Drag Den Philippines," had a successful run, with NAIA of Las Piñas being named the country's first Drag Supreme. 

While the first season of the drag series was well-received, it also faced several criticisms from fans worldwide for its non-elimination format and the intriguing "dragdagulan" lip-sync battle with a wrecking ball. Birth pains, so to speak.

The sophomore season of "Drag Den Philippines," which will stream on Prime Video starting on January 18, promises an elevated show with a new den, a new game, and new rules in response to its audiences' feedback to the show.

"Ano ba talaga gusto 'yung gusto ng audience namin [What does our audience want]?" Rod Singh, the creator and director of "Drag Den Philippines" told GMA News Online.

"We were able to hear from our fans. What else can we improve from Season 1? From there, we were able to incorporate [changes] in the new season," Rod said.

New season, new den

The drag cartel has moved to a new den with three parts for season 2—the alley, the arcade, and the mainstage, and the main drag showdown can be in any of these locations. 

The new den features a mix of steampunk and cyberpunk and promises to be a more intense and psychedelic experience than its pilot season.

"Ito 'yung pinakapasabog [This is our most remarkable feature]," Rod said.

"Drag Den Philippines" was originally conceived naman talaga to change sets every season. Kaya 'yung cliffhanger in season one was like, there's a raid. So, they need to find a new den," she added.

["Drag Den Philippines" was originally conceived to change sets every season. So the cliffhanger in season one was like, there's a raid. So, they need to find a new den.]

According to the creator, the design story for Season 2 is Tondo, Manila in 2052. It features brighter and more lively set colors, a revolving stage, and an overall trippy scene inspired by a psychedelic trip. 

The location is also a bit tighter than the previous season to bring more organic interaction among the competing queens.

New game, new rules

The Season 2 of "Drag Den Philippines" also introduces the elimination format, which will happen after every episode. 

But contrary to the usual format of several reality shows where the eliminated contestant gives their last words and then leaves, in "Drag Den Philippines" S2, Drag Lord Manila Luzon walks with the eliminated queens while giving them supportive messages. 

Compared to Season 1, filmed during the pandemic, Rod said that in Season 2, they were more strict with how they filmed the show.

"Noong S1, mas compassionate kami sa queens because we came from a pandemic, and we wouldn't want to place them in a situation na 'yung level ng stress and anxiety in a competition, sumasabay doon sa stress and anxiety ng pandemic," she said.

[In S1, we were more compassionate with the queens because we came from a pandemic, and we wouldn't want to place them in a competitive setting with the same stress and anxiety level as the pandemic.]

"For S2, we were able to give them more time to prepare," she added. "By more time, we mean more time than any other show."

New queens, new talents

More than the diversity of the competing queens, "Drag Den Philippines" takes pride in casting drag queens based on their wit and talent.

"We want different forms of drag," Rod said. 

"Kailangan namin ng iba't ibang atake sa drag kasi, after all, the format of 'Drag Den Philippines,' hindi lang siya pagandahan ng drag eh, its more like paano mo i-i-incorporate 'yung drag mo for specific challenge," she added.

[We need different forms of drag because, after all, the format of "Drag Den Philippines" is not just about how they look but more about how they will incorporate their form of drag in a specific challenge.] 

Similar to Season 1, Rod reassured that the challenges for the upcoming season would allow the competing queens to showcase their wit and talent, regardless of how they interpret their drag.

"It's a battle of wit and talent," she said.

"Hindi kami nagbibigay ng challenge na kailangan ganda-gandahan lang, so 'yung mga catergory namin, regardless kung anong klase ng drag mo, meron at meron kang mabibigay," she added.

[We don't give a challenge that requires them to just be beautiful. Our categories would allow our queens to showcase their talent and wit regardless of how they do their drag.]

Last month, "Drag Den Philippines" revealed its cast for Season 2, which includes Deja, Elvira, Feyvah Fatale, Jean Vilogue, Margaux, Maria Lava, Marlyn, Moi, Mrs Tan, and Russia Fox.

The teaser also reintroduced Sassa Gurl as the Drag Runner, Nicole Cordoves as the Drag Dealer, and Manila Luzon as the Drag Lord. 

The show also named Dolly de Leon, Megan Young, Rufa Mae Quinto, Yeng Constantino, BINI, Alodia Gosiengfiao, Andrea Brillantes, and "RuPaul's Drag Race" legend Alaska as the guest judges, also known as Drag Enforcers.

"Drag Den Philippines" Season 2 is set to stream exclusively on Prime Video Philippines beginning January 18.