The art of drag derives its power from its ability to allow any and all to embody their barest, truest selves wherever they may be. Drag-as-expression is a concept highly revered, with its roots connecting back to the Gay Liberation movement, it is the quintessential ethos by which artists operate. However, drag-as-performance is an idea whose roots lie in the ability to entertain—its impetus is more than just serving looks and being pretty.

Enter, Rupaul’s Drag Race, whose fifteen minutes of fame has extended into 14 long seasons in the US alone. Providing entertaining avenues for drag artists to cross into the mainstream, its contestants have become beacons of representation around the world. After much speculation, this year the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community was graced with its own franchise—perhaps indeed, all roads lead to Drag Race Philippines!

Drag Race PH had its viewers waiting patiently for 7 o’ clock on a Wednesday to strike as new episodes dropped weekly. With a nine-episode run, the series concluded with a stunning lip sync extravaganza coronation on Wednesday night, October 12th. Praise be Precious Paula Nicole! The epitome of drag-as-performance here in the Philippines, as the first ever Drag Race Philippines winner. As our inaugural Drag Superstar, it’s only fitting to recap her growth on the show with all of her stunning looks that only prove her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent!

Promo Look - With the theme of “Jeepney Runway,” Precious stuns in this red look that resembles the front bumper of the iconic Filipino mode of transport. Adding her own touch with a personalized plate number, the pompoms decorated around her arms and legs are also a reference to the decoration commonly seen on jeepney windshields.@dragraceph on Instagram

Entrance Look - Everyone knows that a queen’s first impression is manifested through her entrance appearance the moment she walks down the runway. Precious Paula Nicole’s bubblegum teddy bear chic had us all keeping an eye out for the queen! She indeed lives up to her name, as she looks absolute precious in this ensemble!@dragraceph on Instagram

Ter-No, She Betta Don’t! - Inspired by the Kalinga indigenous group, her first runway made waves as netizens were in awe of this gorgeous display of Filipino pride. With three pots on her head she represents the Banga or Pot Dance. Precious displays an expert reminder that we are a diverse country—and we should be proud of all of its cultures.@jagger_studios on Instagram

SaGala-mazon - Having to make your own outfits early on in the game is a staple of new-generation Drag Race seasons. The ability the queens must harness to create a gem out of flowers and leaves—and yet Precious does exactly that. With varying textures and colors, we’ve always been a fan of looking at the greener side.@dragraceph on Instagram

Shake, Rattle, and Rampa - In what may seem like a simple scary runway to adhere to the theme, Precious expands on the look’s narrative. According to her, the three children of her “Tiyanak”-inspired look are a mirror of the queen and her two other siblings. Her cry of “Anak! Uwi! (My child! Come home!)” is an ode to her mother’s sentiments before passing.@preciouspaulame on Instagram

Pearls of the Orient Seas - Who could forget Precious Paula Nicole’s runway from the episode she won a Ru Badge? Looking stunning as she embodies the siren of the seas, the queen’s “Pearl of the Orient Seas” reminds us why she deserved the crown! Dripping in pearls to embody its opulence, she is a star(fish) for all seasons!@preciouspaulame on Instagram

Pink Pak Boom! - Inspired by yet another Filipino mode of transportation, Precious’ Pink Pak Boom runway looks is the Kalesa come to life! With a beaded and jeweled fascinator that resembles a horse’s head, she truly reminds us that she is the dark horse of the season coming up to snatch the crown!@preciouspaulame on Instagram

Two-in-One Ru-velation - Precious Paula Nicole takes it all the way back to the 90s with her Two-in-One Ru-velation look on the main stage! Inspired by the world-renowned game Pokémon, she embodies the glorious transformation of Eevee to Flareon. A fitting storyline for how she’s been this competition!@preciouspaulame on Instagram

Shop-ulence, She Buys Everything - Talk about coordination! In this blue and orange ensemble, Precious truly exudes opulence and sophistication. The navy trench coat and orange dress are made to match the number of paper bags she sashayed down the runway with and it’s totally giving Miranda Priestly, like she described!@preciouspaulame on Instagram

Divi Divas - Truly, this queen knows how to look back to where she came from. Inspired by the bubblegum, candy-coated fantasy of her entrance look, her second DIY outfit that debuted on the main stage is a purple and pink fantasy we’d love to get into. She looks like a cotton candy dream, and we’re here to eat up whatever she’s serving.@dragraceph on Instagram

Drag Family Ru-semblance - One of the most emotional moments with Precious this season was when she was reunited with her brother to walk down the runway for the season’s makeover challenge. In this shimmery blue number, we’re overjoyed to see this gorgeous and poignant reunion!@dragraceph on Instagram

Dripping in Gold Eleganza - She’s a champion! The greatest of them all! For the penultimate episode, queens were asked to dress up in gold for the ‘Champion’ music video. Precious took this opportunity to stun us all and show us what she’s made of in a stunning crystal-encrusted ensemble fit for a queen.@dragraceph on Instagram

LED There Be Light - Our heads are in the clouds with this look! This ensemble may as well light up the room be it in the dark or when well-lit. Precious dons a beaded bodysuit underneath all the costume’s glamour. Her runway regalia is fit for a saint with the tiered petticoat look accompanied by a blooming background. @dragraceph on Instagram

Best Drag - This is: Precious Paula Nicole. Bigger is better to the queen, with an over-the-top sequined body and hat to match! With patterns reminiscent of the dyed patterns of batik weaves of the Philippines, Precious elevates the Filipino look by parading down the runway in her best form.@preciouspaulame on Instagram

Drag Race PH Finale Coronation - Precious’ look at the Drag Race PH Official Viewing Party at Okada is proof that gold never goes out of style! I mean, why switch it up when you can look this good? In a dynamic silhouette of a one-legged gown, she is truly the ultimate queen of the season! To the ultimate representation of Filipino drag, Con-drag-ulations Precious!@jimdrix on Instagram

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