In the drag world, drama is the spice and an essential ingredient that keeps the reality TV cauldron bubbling and viewers glued to their screens. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” across its various franchises has shown that without the flair of conflict, the show’s magic could crackle out faster than a failed lip-sync.
From the get-go, the drama has been a cornerstone. Take Xilhouete and Marina’s clash in the first season—such explosive tension set the stage for what viewers would come to expect. It’s the kind of riveting confrontation that turns a regular competition into a high-stakes drama fest. Fast forward to Captivating Katkat and M1ss Jade So’s confrontational—another moment where drama didn’t just add to the entertainment, it somehow defined it.
And here we are, in the current season, with Khianna seemingly caught in the crossfire between Versex and J Quinn. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill petty squabble. It’s a full-blown reality TV spectacle where tempers flare, and the audience is left on the edge of their seats. The drama injects a level of unpredictability and excitement that a more calm and boring season simply couldn’t deliver.
But beyond the drama, it’s the must-see moments that make “Drag Race Philippines” a standout in the franchise. Even in its first episode, the show is serving up unforgettable highlights from jaw-dropping fashion to emotional backstories. Buckle up as we dive into six of the see-worthy moments we saw first-hand on BekeNemen’s Live Viewing Party from the premiere episode of “Drag Race Philippines” Season 3.
1. Pop Off, Werk Room Entrance Fit!
If there’s one thing that’s etched into Drag Race history, it’s the werk room entrance. It’s where queens make their first, unforgettable impression—from head to toe, it’s a full-blown statement of what they’re bringing to the table. It’s also the moment that fans start picking their favorites. Who could forget Vivacious’s iconic “Mother has arrived” line, or Ariana Grande’s playful nod to it? But let’s not overlook our moment of glory: Viñas Deluxe from Season 1, making an entrance wrapped in nothing but a towel—a bold twist on the usual rhinestones and gowns.
This season, Yudipota’s werk room entrance didn’t just make waves as it was a statement in spikes, glamour, and couture. She’s got the attention of a lot of viewers and fellow queens, proving once again that in the world of Drag Race, the entrance is everything.
2. Bring Back My Queens!
Ever since RuPaul’s Drag Race sashayed onto the local scene, the Drag Artist community has been living its best herstory. The show has opened doors and elevated queens to greater heights, both locally and internationally. Now, Season 3 of Drag Race Philippines is turning up the glam with some fan-favorite alumni. Season 1 stars Viñas DeLuxe, Brigiding, and Minty Fresh, alongside Season 2’s Arizona Brandy, Bernie, and M1ss Jade So, graced the premiere episode of the new season as judges for the mini challenge.
Courtesy of Drag Race Philippines.
When it comes to standout moments, Viñas De Luxe is the queen who truly knows how to make an entrance. From the very start, she’s been a campy force to be reckoned with. Remember her entrance look in Season 1? Fast forward to the “Return of the Queens” episode in Season 3, and Viñas did it again, this time rocking an alumni T-shirt that hilariously mirrored those classic reunion looks from school days. The resemblance was spot-on, making her return not just memorable, but outright iconic.
This season’s first mini challenge, the 11 queens are taking on a mini challenge to showcase their voguing skills, proving if they’re truly “kavogue” or just “savogue.”
3. Werkroom Drama
The first “Untucked” episode of Drag Race Philippines Season 3 brought a mix of drama, tension, and emotional moments, giving fans an inside look at the queens’ interactions off-stage. The episode highlighted early conflicts, with some queens expressing their frustrations and opinions more openly, leading to confrontational yet captivating moments. Additionally, Zymba Ding’s emotional journey continued to resonate with viewers, offering a deeper connection to her story. Overall, “Untucked” provides a raw, behind-the-scenes drama that adds depth and intensity to the main competition.
Zymba’s story is a poignant reminder of the struggles behind the spotlight. Despite her parents’ battle with leprosy and the heartache of losing one, she finds a glimmer of solace in knowing that her parent’s pride still shines from wherever they are.
Meanwhile, the drama surrounding Versex and J Quinn’s critiques of Khianna raises a few eyebrows. Their take on Khianna’s “doing the most” might just be another chapter in the classic tale of provincial queens getting flak. With the season still unfolding, the full narrative is yet to be revealed. But despite the chatter and controversy, Khianna has done more than just survive, she’s snagged the season’s first RuBadge. It’s a comeback that’s not just a win for her but a cheeky wink and a nod to those who doubted her. It’s clear: in this competition, it’s not just about the drama but about proving your prowess and claiming your place.
4. Mama Pao's Look
Remember last season’s buzz over Mama Pao’s look from Season 1 and the shift in her style for Season 2? This season, she’s come back with a bang, debuting a self-made gown that’s both regal and deeply Filipino. It’s a stunning contrast to previous looks and sets a high bar for the new season.
Speaking of outfits, the runway challenge category on Season 3’s first episode was “Hometown Realness.” Khianna from Cagayan De Oro, who was a stand-out on the runway made waves by channeling the mythical Oro fish—a local legend known for its impressive size and shimmering gold scales. This urban tale, cherished by Kagay-anons, symbolizes both the protection and destruction of Cagayan de Oro City. Khianna’s look captures the essence of this enchanting legend, blending tradition with modern flair.
5. Splits and Stunts Yet No One Went Home
While it is a non-elimination episode, Versex jokingly says, “Parang hindi worth it ‘yung kagatan ng walang umuwi.”
The Maxi-challenge this week tasked the queens with creating a viral dance video in just five minutes. Each queen had to bring their A-game to the shoot, all while strutting their stuff on the runway with the theme “Hometown Realness.” Khianna snagged top honors in both the mini-challenge and the maxi-challenge, impressing the judges with her viral video and winning the lip sync battle to “Puede Ba” by Maymay Entrata, scoring a double cash prize.
The lip sync showdown of Khianna and Zymba Ding was a showstopper, setting the tone for the season with splits, stunts, and a fierce, refreshing style of performances. If this is any indication, we’re truly in for an electrifying ride.
6. Untucked Moments
The truth is, without the dramatic elements, “Drag Race” could easily slip elsewhere. It’s the drama that fuels the narrative, creates unforgettable moments, and keeps the show relevant in a crowded media landscape.
Versex, who’s been cast in what some are calling a “villain edit,” isn’t too thrilled about how things are shaping up. While it’s true that the full story of a show can be elusive and not always captured in its entirety, sometimes the queens are just responding to the cues they’re given. It’s a classic case of how editing can spin a tale, but let’s not forget that the queens are often just playing along with the narrative handed to them. She mentions, “I don’t want to blame it on the edit, pero kasi they asked us questions… on what’s your first impression, chika mo lang ‘di ba?”
It’s the drama that turns every season from a standard competition into an unmissable rollercoaster. This season of “Drag Race Philippines” has us all strapped in and holding tight, as it’s already shaping up to be the wildest ride yet. And guess what? The season has just started.
