MANILA, PHILIPPINES — It’s the Filipinos’ time to shine as discovery+, HBO GO, and WOW Presents Plus brought audiences the first-ever Drag Race Philippines on August 17. In this long-awaited version of the worldwide hit, 12 iconic queens slay and race to the finish line to be crowned the first Drag Race Superstar from the Philippines.
Following the launch, new episodes of Drag Race Philippines will drop every Wednesday on discovery+ and HBO GO.
On the starting line is this season’s host, Paolo Ballesteros. Known as the face of one of the longest-running noontime shows in the Philippines, the multi-awarded actor, model, and drag artist well-known for his stunning makeup transformations will steer our contestants as they battle it out to the end.
Coming from a family of artists, including his great-grandfather, the Philippines’ first national artist and painter Fernando Amorsolo, it’s no surprise that Paolo is a talented artist himself. Paolo shows his creativity by posting on Instagram his makeup transformations to Mariah Carey, Julia Roberts, and other international artists. This gave him attention not only locally but internationally as well and played a pivotal role in his first award-winning lead film Die Beautiful which garnered local and international acclaim, where he expressed his creativity through the art of drag.
A stellar lineup of judges joins Paolo for the new series, including American singer, actress, and drag performer, Jiggly Caliente, best known for competing in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 6. Second is writer, presenter, and producer, and Karen Davila impersonator, KaladKaren.
Jiggly Caliente was born in Laguna, Philippines, and moved to America at the age of 10. Jiggly also appeared in several films and TV shows including Broad City and as Veronica Ferocity in Pose.
KaladKaren rose to fame after she impersonated broadcast journalist Karen Davila in a satirical show at the University of the Philippines. Since then she has hosted shows on ABS-CBN, such as Philippine versions of The Voice and I Can See Your Voice.
More star-studded guest judge appearances will also be featured this season and will be announced soon.
Who has what it takes to reach new heights, impress the judges, and race to the very top? Keep on the lookout these coming weeks as we reveal the queens battling it out for the title of Drag Race Superstar.
Drag Race Philippines is produced in the Philippines by Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc. in conjunction with World of Wonder Productions, Inc. Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey, Tom Campbell, and RuPaul Charles serving as executive producers on the series.
Download and subscribe to discovery+ available across multiple platforms, including connected TVs, web, mobile, and tablets. For the latest updates and promos, follow discovery+ on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Drag Race Philippines will also be available on HBO GO from August 17.
Subscribe to HBO GO online through its website or on the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. Access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe, and Skycable. Follow HBO GO on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
