Manila Luzon On Revving Up The Philippines’ Drag Culture And Scene

Who hasn’t yet heard of and seen the glamorous Manila Luzon? The Filipino-American drag queen, who rose to fame through her unforgettable stint in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3, has always been a true inspiration. As a role model who raises the flag of our country internationally as well as the rainbow banner of the LGBTQ+ community, her influence has reached thousands of miles, proving that her power transcends the four corners of our small screens.

Now joining Cornerstone Entertainment as its newest talent, she aims to rev up the Philippine drag scene, setting off to further introduce the glittering drag culture that’s distinctly Filipino. “I've been able to bring a lot of awareness to the Philippines through my drag. And now, I want to use the fame that I've gotten to kind of bring it back to the Philippines and let the Filipinos all realize that there is a whole world of drag, and this art form is in its purest form,” Manila shares.

She remembers her early days of doing drag; Manila describes it as her way of unleashing her creative energy. It was also a way for her to get through struggles growing up. “It really helped take my focus and put it to something creative; to channel that away from the negative side and make it into something positive,” the drag queen recalls.

Fast forward to recent years and Manila has made a mark worldwide through the glitz and glamour of the world of drag. While this art expression remains underground, especially in a conservative country like ours, this artist believes that the Philippines is slowly yet consistently keeping up in this department.

“There are so many people in the Philippines right now that are loving the drag scene, that are going to the shows, that are competing in pageants, that are really forwarding the art of drag in the Philippines. The Philippines has one of the best drag scenes in the whole world and the whole Philippines is completely unaware of it,” she points out.

So, Manila’s next step? To put herself out there, just like what she’s been doing for some time now. As she now gets closer to the Philippines via the decision to join her new agency, the drag queen will further open up and tell more stories that will encourage more people, just like her, to embrace and celebrate their real (fabulous!) selves.

“I want them to think, ‘That person is brave and just being themselves and being unapologetic for who they are!’” Manila muses. “It is okay to unleash that diva and be as fabulous as you can. We’re only on this earth for a little bit of time, so why not make it fabulous?”

Photos courtesy of Cornerstone Entertainment