“I wanna try everything,” declared drag queen-turned-recording artist Viñas Deluxe. “Kung anong i-offer sa akin, subok lang subok until makita ko kung ano talaga ‘yung pinakabagay sa akin.”

Viñas looked back on her journey, especially having experienced being a part of Drag Race Philippines. Although she didn’t win the crown, Viñas felt that the show was instrumental in changing the culture for drag performers in the country.

“Noong first time kong mag-perform, ang offer sa akin, ₱150. Uwian pa ako sa Bulacan,” she reminisced. “Tapos karamihan sa mga queens dati, pinagsho-show sila ng walang TF, for exposure lang.”

When work was scarce previously, drag performers now get invited to more events. Because of renewed appreciation for what they do, their talent fees also increased.

“I’m happy na nagkaroon ng value ‘yung art of drag dahil sa Drag Race,” said Viñas. “Noong nagka-Drag Race, nag-iba talaga ‘yung landscape ng drag scene sa Philippines. Hindi lang para sa aming mga kasali sa Drag Race. Karamihan ng mga drag bars, nag-iba ‘yung sistema, so super thankful kami dahil ang daming doors ang na-open dahil sa Drag Race.”

To those wishing to follow in her footsteps, she advises them to pave their own way.

“Gumawa kayo ng sariling lakad,” she quipped. “Sa mga gustong i-try ang drag, i-try niyo lang. Enjoy. Mag-practice, tumingin kayo sa salamin. Laban lang ng laban. Be confident. Huwag kang makikinig sa sasabihin ng iba.”

Now that she has gotten her feet wet in the music industry, show business is not far behind. In fact, Viñas is already part of the cast of an upcoming series.

“Ongoing na po ‘yung series na aming shinoo-shoot with Andrea Brillantes, ang Drag You and Me,” she revealed.

Viñas revealed that she and fellow drag queen Brigiding actually first met in a theatre group at FEU. 

“Dati pa kami uma-acting,” she shared. 

While acting is not new to her, Viñas admitted that she had to adjust her acting to fit the demands of the small screen. 

“Naninibago ako sa TV ating, kasi paliitan pala dito ng galaw,” said Viñas. “Pero ang saya ng experience!”

“Ang saya-saya ng set. Chill lang ‘yung direktor,” she continued. “Nakikipagchikahan lang ako dun, nakaka-beso ko si Andrea Brillantes. Ang ganda niya pala talaga!”

Of course, this doesn’t mean that she’s done with her music career. 

“Panimula pa lang po ito,” she promised. “Makaka-expect po kayo ng marami pang songs sa susunod.”

Viñas shared that being a singer is really her childhood dream. 

“Nauna akong matutong kumanta kesa matutong mag-makeup,” she said. “Sabi ko, someday I want to sing. Pero noong bata ako, wala masyadong venues to sing. Hindi siya available sa akin, especially ang mga gusto kong kantahin mga pambabae.”

She is beyond thankful that what was once a fantasy is now her reality. 

Apart from Beyoncé, her top pick for a dream collaboration is Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez. 

“Si Ate Reg talaga,” said Viñas. “Super fan ako ni Ate Reg tsaka nakaka-inspire ‘yung mga kanta niya.”

She is also excited to share her all-original songs. 

“Umiinom ako ng alak mag-isa,” she revealed candidly about her writing process. “Kasi parang mas gumagana ‘yung utak ko at mas lumalabas ‘yung emosyon.” 

Viñas actually has several compositions already. Admittedly, Viñas is not a fan of romantic love, so most of her songs revolve around self-love. 

“Soon, makikita niyo po ‘yung mga nanggaling mismo sa utak ko,” she revealed. “I’m excited for that.”

Viñas Deluxe’s debut single I’m Feeling Sexy Tonight is now available on streaming platforms. You can also watch the music video on YouTube.