The third season of Drag Race Philippines is set to premiere next month, the local franchise announced Thursday, July 11. The popular competition series will return on August 7, featuring 11 queens vying for the title of the Philippines' Next Drag Superstar. 

Paolo Ballesteros will resume his role as host, however, details about who will be this season’s judges have yet to be announced.

This season's contestants include Angel, J Quinn, John Fedellaga, Khianna, Maxie, Myx Chanel, Popstar Bench, Tita Baby, Versex, Yudipota, and Zymba Ding. The show aims to continue its mission of promoting “Pinoy drag excellence” globally.

Returning with the main series is its after-show segment, Drag Race Philippines: Untucked, which features behind-the-scenes moments of the competing queens, often showcasing uncensored banter and heated confrontations.

Previous winners of Drag Race Philippines include Precious Paula Nicole, who won the inaugural season in 2022, and Captivating Katkat, who took home the crown in 2023. 

The series, which is part of the Emmy Award-winning RuPaul's Drag Race franchise, has showcased the talents of Filipino drag queens both in the US and in various international editions.

All episodes of Drag Race Philippines and Untucked will be available on WOWPresents Plus and HBO Go.

Among the queens competing this season is Angel, a 23-year-old transwoman from San Andres, Manila. With seven years of experience, Angel began her drag career after senior high school, inspired by her older sibling Maxie, who is also competing this season. 

J Quinn, a 25-year-old from South Caloocan, calls herself the Asian-Pop drag idol. Drag has been her passion for eight years, and her love for oriental aesthetics stems from her upbringing in a Chinese-centric family. Known for her vibrant performances and a strong drag family, J Quinn aims to leave a mark this season.

John Fedellaga, 34, hails from Cavite. Using her real name as her drag persona, John is known for her pageant style and social media content, particularly her Barbie on Omegle videos. She has been in the drag scene since 2008, starting her career at O-Bar.

Khianna, a 22-year-old from Cagayan De Oro City, began her drag journey after the pandemic. Known for her dynamic stunts and dance moves, Khianna is also a skilled makeup artist and shares a deep bond with Season 2’s Hana Beshie.

Maxie, 24, from Santa Ana, Manila, is recognized as “Asia’s Drag Singing Superstar.” She has competed internationally in "Queen of the Universe" and has been involved in singing competitions from a young age. Maxie’s performances highlight the immense talent within the Filipino drag community.

Myx Chanel, 27, from Marikina, started doing drag in 2020. Co-founder of the Bekenemen podcasts, Myx Chanel's name is a clever play on the Myx Channel and her biological name, Sean L. Her multifaceted approach to drag makes her a standout performer.

Popstar Bench, 26, from Santa Ana, Manila, has been performing for 11 years and is known for her high-energy dancing and impersonations, especially of Sarah Geronimo. Her dedication to her craft has earned her the title “Tala of Sangkabaklaan.”

Tita Baby, a 46-year-old from San Juan, has been doing drag since 2017 and is affectionately known as the “ultimate campy drag aunt.” She explains, “Growing up in the 80s and 90s ang dami kong ‘Tita Baby’ pero nagsi-matayan na yung iba, wala nang tita baby ang mga millennials tsaka Gen Z, di pwede walang maldita sa buhay nila ‘no? Ako na yon!”

Versex, 25, from Manila, is a fashion queen and sought-after hairstylist with an impressive clientele. Her clients include Heart Evangelista, Liza Soberano, and Dolly de Leon. Her drag name, inspired by a Versace top, and the play on word ‘very-sex’ reflects her dedication to high fashion and the glamour of the entertainment industry.

Yudipota, 27, from Bacolod City, is an alternative drag queen known for her conceptual performances that often scare and gag her audience. Dubbed the “glamorous aswang of Bacolod,” she brings a unique edge to the competition.

Zymba Ding, from the House of Ding, is the drag daughter of Season 1 contestant Brigiding. With just over a year of experience, Zymba is determined to carve her own path and is known for her distinct independence and authenticity.

The return of Drag Race Philippines promises another season of fierce competition, showcasing the diverse and vibrant talents of Filipino drag queens.

— By Samantha Prats