RuPaul’s Drag Race may be on a quest to find America’s next drag superstar, but it’s often the show’s contestants from the Philippines, or of Filipino descent, that catch our attention and leave us gagging.
Since Ongina landed herself a spot on season one, Filipino queens have continued to make a significant impact, while often proudly representing their heritage on one of the world’s most popular television shows.
Manila Luzon (Karl Westerberg)
We can’t start a Filipino drag list without kicking off with the legendary Manila Luzon. Despite the name, Manila was actually born in the US. Her drag queen name is a play on words of the capital city (Manila) and the largest island (Luzon) of the Philippines, where her mother was born.
Manila has been a firm favourite on the show, appearing in season three, and All Stars seasons one and four. Her most recent All Stars elimination came as a big shock when challenge winner Naomi Smalls sent Manila home for being a strong contender, causing uproar in the Philippines and the world.
Manila still deserves a Drag Race crown, whether it’s now or All Stars season 35.
Most memorable quote: “The thing I have, that you haven't seen on your show is that I'm Asian – and I am taller than 5'2’’!”
Vivienne Pinay (Michael Pinay)
Vivienne, who was born in America but is of Filipino descent, only lasted through the first four episodes of season five until she was eliminated.
Throughout the show she was accused of “resting on pretty”, and when she lip-synced for her life against Honey Mahogany, Ru was still not impressed. In fact, remember when Ru shockingly sent both queens home for “half-stepping” the lip-sync? That famously became the very first double elimination on the show.
These days Vivienne isn’t an active performing queen and sells wigs instead.
Most memorable quote: “I will always be the fishiest queen today, tomorrow, next month, the past seasons, and the next seasons to come.”
Phi Phi O'Hara (Jaremi Carey)
We’re not entirely sure how much the Philippines really want to claim controversial queen Phi Phi, but yes, she really has Filipino roots. While Phi Phi was born in Texas, her family is of Filipino and Portuguese descent.
During season four, Phi Phi quickly became known as the villain of the season, often acting aggressively, attempting to sabotage her fellow contestants. This led to a huge public backlash and dip in popularity.
Five years later, Phi Phi headed back to redeem herself on All Stars 2, but quickly reverted back to her old ways and was swiftly eliminated.
But other queens need no longer fear Phi Phi’s antics, because she retired earlier this year.
“I've been wanting to stop performing in drag for years now,” she wrote in a recent post to Twitter. “When my hobby became a job … it kind of killed it for me. I love the reaction and response I get for creating amazing pieces and characters and with drag becoming mainstream has created a pool of 'experts' who have no experience in the art [other] than entering their Netflix login, and [in my opinion] soured the fun for me.”
Okay, bye! Close the door behind you, please (we’re got our reading glasses on, FYI).
Most memorable quote: “At least I am a showgirl! Go back to Party City where you belong!” (to Sharon Needles)
Rock M Sakura (Bryan Bradford)
Remember Rock M Sakura? You’ll be forgiven if you don’t, because she only made a brief appearance on the show, lasting only two episodes on season 12.
Originally from San Francisco, Rock is of Filipino and Vietnamese descent and her drag name is an ode to her love of anime and all things camp.
Most memorable quote: “When I get there, the first thing they notice is the smell.”
Ongina (Ryan Ong Palao)
Until recently, it was only diehard Drag Race fanatics who remembered petite queen Ongina from the very first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Born in the Philippines in 1982, Ongina was the show’s very first Filipino contestant and remembered for bravely revealing her positive HIV status during an episode.
Most recently, Ongina made her Drag Race comeback on All Stars 5, a full decade after she first competed. Sadly, she was the second queen to be eliminated, placing her only 9th.
Most memorable quote: “If I don't win this, I swear to god I'm gonna cut someone!”
Jiggly Caliente (Bianca Castro)
It’s hard to believe the charismatic and often hilarious Jiggly only appeared on one season (four) of Drag Race. What? No All Stars? Outrage!
Who can forget Jiggly strutting her stuff down the runway dressed as a boat in the trash challenge, leaving a trail of litter in her wake? Classic Drag Race moment!
Born in Laguna, Philippines, Jiggly is the fifth contestant (after Sonique, Carmen Carrera, Kenya Michaels and Monica Beverly Hillz) to come out as transgender after competing on the show.
These days Jiggly is known for her recurring role as Veronica on the FX series Pose.
Most memorable quote: “I went from a baked potato to a sweet potato!”
Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter .