‘It’s Showtime’ hosts perform in drag, show appreciation for queens

The “It’s Showtime” hosts had an explosive drag performance on Friday!

Vice Ganda led the “Dragpasikat” performance as Fanotra Phenomena, the mother of the House of Ganda. She performed her song “Rampa” and “Queen” by Todrick Hall.

Then hosts Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Ogie Alcasid, Ryan Bang, Jugs Jugueta, and Teddy Corpuz surprised the Madlang People with performances dressed as drag queens.

They were joined by drag superstars Precious Paula Nicole, Viñas Deluxe, Eva Le Queen, Arizona Brandy, Popstar Bench, Turing, Minty Fresh, Matilduh, Angel Galang, Hana Beshie, Shewarma, Khianna, and dance group Femme MNL.

Following their performance, Jhong expressed his appreciation at drag queens’ artistry and creativity more.

“Ang hirap ng ginagawa niyo," he said. "Para ma-achieve ‘yung pagpapasaya sa mga tao, para ma-achieve nila ‘yung passion nila, grabe ‘yung preparations kaya bow kami,” he added.

Vhong piped in, emphasizing the dedication of the queens and thanking them for inspiring other people.

Meanwhile, Ogie pointed out the queens' next-level discipline. “’Yung lip sync lang nila tsaka ‘yung choreography — ito na ‘yung highlight ng career ko. Ang hirap ng ginagawa niyo,” he said.

Vice Ganda said the performance was not to mock or joke about what drag artists do. “Kundi para i-acknowledge at i-recognize ‘yung art form ninyo, ‘yung inyong form of expression,” she said.

“Drag is not just for entertainment, it has a bigger purpose," Vice said. "Drag is a form of protest. Ito ay paraan nila para magprotesta sa pangaabuso at diskriminasyon na dinadanas ng napaka daming miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ community.”

“Listen when I tell you that the drag artists in the Philippines are the best in the whole world,” Vice declared.

Precious Paula Nicole thanked “It’s Showtime” for giving the queens a platform.

The Dragpasikat is the latest of the week-long 16th anniversary celebration of "It's Showtime."

“It’s Showtime” made a splashy debut when GMA's GTV first aired the show in July 2023.

In April 2024, "It's Showtime" started airing on both GTV and the GMA main channel. — Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News