Drag Den

Last updated

Drag Den
Drag Den (Logo).png
Genre
Created byRod Singh
Written by
  • Rod Singh
  • Andy Tejada
Directed byRod Singh
Presented by Manila Luzon
Judges
Opening theme"Drag Den" (theme)
Country of originPhilippines
Original languages
  • Filipino (Tagalog)
  • English
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Antoinette Jadaone
  • Rod Singh
  • Dan Villegas
Camera setup Multi-camera
Running time45–65 minutes
Production companies
  • Cornerstone Studios
  • Project 8 Projects
Original release
Network Amazon Prime Video
Release8 December 2022 (2022-12-08) –
7 March 2024 (2024-03-07)

Drag Den is a Philippine drag pageantry reality competition television series that premiered on 8 December 2022, through Amazon Prime Video. Manila Luzon acts as the host, head judge, and executive producer of the series. [1] Cornerstone Studios and Project 8 Projects produce the series, with Rod Singh as the series creator, director, and producer. [2]

Contents

The first season's contestants and judges were revealed on 17 November 2022. [3] Eight drag queens competed for the title as the "Filipino's First Drag Supreme". [4] The first season premiered on 8 December 2022, and it concluded on 19 January 2023. Naia won the first season, with Shewarma and Maria Cristina as the runners-up. [5]

Production

Concept

The series takes inspiration from many beauty pageants with challenges based on Philippine culture. The series has shown many political aspects of comedy challenges or shared "anecdote[s] about Philippine society." [6]

Format

In season one, contestants are instructed to participate in two challenges in the series; the judges will critique both challenges and choose their winner for the episode. The episode's winner and their chosen opponent will enter the Dragdagulan involving a wrecking ball. The winner of the battle will gain an advantage for the next episode and the opponent won't be eliminated and will continue in the competition. [7]

Judges

The competition series is hosted and judged primarily by drag queen, Manila Luzon, also known as the "Drag Lord". Philippine model Nicole Cordoves and comedienne Sassa Gurl, made appearances as the competition's prominent judges. [8] The three judges are known as the "Drag Cartel" in the series. In every episode, a guest judge appears for the series, known as the "Drag Enforcer". [9] "Drag Agents" were introduced in the second season, where season one contestants come back as judges. [10]

Judges on Drag Den
JudgeSeason
1 2
Manila Luzon Main
Nicole Cordoves Main
Sassa Gurl Main

Contestants

Currently, there has been a total of eighteen contestants that competed in the Philippine reality series so far, with Naia being crowned "Filipino's First Drag Supreme". [11] In the first season, the series welcomed its first openly trans woman contestant, Barbie-Q. [12] In season two, the series also welcomed its first cisgender female contestant, Marlyn. [13]

Series overview

SeasonContestantsEpisodesOriginally airedWinnerRunner(s)-upPrizes
First airedLast aired
1 888 December 2022 (2022-12-08)26 January 2023 (2023-01-26) Naia Shewarma
Maria Cristina
  • ₱1,000,000
  • Title of "Filipino's First Drag Supreme"
  • One-year supply of Téviant Beauty cosmetics
2 10818 January 2024 (2024-01-18)7 March 2024 (2024-03-07)DejaMrs. Tan
Moi		TBA

Season 1 (2022–2023)

Drag is still kind of underground here, so I'm excited to bring the Filipino audience and let them see underground and see the scene that's happening and to fall in love with these queens and to be inspired by their creativity, to be in awe of their beauty and their transformations, and so it's going to be like a pageant.

— Manila Luzon, introducing Drag Den to Mega Entertainment. [14]

In July 2021, RuPaul's Drag Race alumna Manila Luzon exclusively told Entertainment Weekly about an upcoming project she is up to host and judge. [15] On 16 August 2021, Luzon partnered with TikTok and announced a casting call for the series. [16] The deadline for the casting call ended on 31 August 2021. [17]

On 17 November 2022, eight contestants were shown in the new trailer heading down the runway, [18] revealing the panel of judges, [19] and the date of the premiere episode. [20]

The first season premiered on 8 December 2022, through Amazon Prime Video. The contestants competed to become "Filipino's First Drag Supreme" and win ₱1,000,000. The season ran for eight episodes and concluded on 26 January 2023. Shewarma and Maria Cristina are the runners-up, and Naia was crowned the first season's winner. [21]

Season 2 (2024)

On social media, Amazon Prime Video joined the trend involving promotional material from the film Barbie (2023), and posted an image of a Manila Luzon doll-like figure. [22] On 14 April 2023, Manila Luzon and Rod Singh announced the renewal of the reality competition series and a casting call for season two on social media. The casting call was open until 30 April 2023. [23]

Throughout the month of December, ten contestants were shown in a new trailer with the panel of judges coming back, and the date of the season's first episode. [24]

The second season premiered on 18 January 2024, through Amazon Prime Video. The contestants competed to become "Filipino's Next Drag Supreme" and win ₱1,000,000. The season ran for eight episodes and concluded on 7 March 2024. Mrs. Tan and Moi are the runners-up, and Deja was crowned the second season's winner. [25]

Reception

Critical response

Ysmael Suarez from CNN Philippines mentions the series mainly focuses on the contestants' "growth before and during the competition" and that "no queen was put in a bad light, each having their clear strengths and defined perspective to Filipino drag." [26] Rafael Bautista from Nylon Manila describes the series "made an emphasis to highlight how diverse the Philippine drag scene is" and showcasing "viewers even more slices of local drag that go beyond location and gender." [27]

Accolades

The series was nominated for "Best Reality Show Entertainment" from the Asian Academy Creative Awards and "Best Reality Show Entertainment" by the Asian Television Awards. [28] Manila Luzon won both entertainment hosting categories from the Asian Academy Creative Awards and the Asian Television Awards. [29]

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
AwardYearCategoryRecipient(s) and nominee(s)ResultRef.
Asian Academy Creative Awards 2023Best Entertainment Host [lower-alpha 1] Manila Luzon Won [30]
Best Non Scripted Entertainment [lower-alpha 2] Drag DenNominated
Asian Television Awards 2023Best Entertainment Presenter or HostManila LuzonWon [31]
Best Reality Show EntertainmentDrag DenNominated [32]

Discography

List of singles
TitleSeason
"May Kapa" 1
"Sustah" 2

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ The series won both categories, National Winners and Grand Final Winners for the Philippines, awarded by the Asian Academy Creative Awards.
  2. ↑ The series won National Winners for the Philippines, awarded by the Asian Academy Creative Awards. They were nominated for the Grand Final Winners.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transportation in the Philippines</span> Overview of the transportation in the Philippines

Transportation in the Philippines covers the transportation methods within this archipelagic nation of over 7,500 islands. From a previously underdeveloped state of transportation, the government of the Philippines has been improving transportation through various direct infrastructure projects, and these include an increase in air, sea, road, and rail transportation and transport hubs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clark International Airport</span> Commercial airport near Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines

Clark International Airport, known as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport from 2003 to 2014, is an international airport covering portions of the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat within the Clark Freeport Zone in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. It is located 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of Manila. It is accessible by way of the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

<i>Philippine Idol</i> 2006 Filipino reality television series

Philippine Idol is the first version of the Idol series in the Philippines, the 35th country in the world to air a local Idol adaptation and the sixth in Asia broadcast by ABC 5. Similar to the premise of original show Pop Idol, Philippine Idol aims to find the best singer in the country who can be defined as the "national" singer. Local television personality Ryan Agoncillo hosted the program. Ryan Cayabyab, Pilita Corrales and Francis Magalona were also judges of the show. Agoncillo, Corrales and Magalona auditioned to be part of the program, while Cayabyab was chosen by the program's producers. Meanwhile, actress Heart Evangelista hosted the daily updates program I ♥ Philippine Idol: Exclusive. Composer Mel Villena was the show's musical director.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regine Velasquez</span> Filipino singer and actress (born 1970)

Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez is a Filipino singer and actress. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and belting technique. She had unorthodox voice training during her childhood, where she was immersed neck-deep in the sea. Velasquez rose to prominence after winning the television talent show Ang Bagong Kampeon in 1984 and the Asia Pacific Singing Contest in 1989. Under the name Chona, she signed a recording contract with OctoArts International in 1986 and released the single "Love Me Again", which was commercially unsuccessful. The following year, she adopted the stage name Regine Velasquez for her debut studio album, Regine (1987), under the guidance of Viva Records executive Vic del Rosario and producer Ronnie Henares. She explored Manila sound and kundiman genres on her second and third studio albums, Nineteen 90 (1990) and Tagala Talaga (1991).

RuPaul's Drag Race is an American reality competition television series, the first in the Drag Race franchise, produced by World of Wonder for Logo TV, WOW Presents Plus, VH1 and, beginning with the fifteenth season, MTV. The show documents RuPaul in the search for "America's next drag superstar". RuPaul plays the role of host, mentor, and head judge for this series, as contestants are given different challenges each week. Contestants are judged by a panel that includes RuPaul, Michelle Visage, an alternating third main judge of either Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, or Ts Madison, and one or more guest judges, who critique their progress throughout the competition. The title of the show is a play on drag queen and drag racing, and the title sequence and song "Drag Race" both have a drag-racing theme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jujubee (drag queen)</span> American drag queen, reality television personality, and recording artist

Airline Inthyrath, known by her stage name Jujubee, is an American drag queen, reality television personality, and recording artist from Lowell, Massachusetts. She first rose to prominence in 2010 as a contestant on the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race, and later returned to compete on the first and fifth seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, and the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World (2022), becoming one of the most popular queens from the franchise. She has the unique distinction of being the only contestant to reach the finale of the competition four times. Additionally, she was a main cast member on the makeover television series RuPaul's Drag U (2010–2012), Dragnificent (2019–2020), and RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race (2022). In 2021, she competed in the first season of Paramount+ singing competition Queen of the Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NAIA Expressway</span> Expressway in the Philippines

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAX), signed as E6 of the Philippine expressway network, is an 12.65-kilometer (7.86 mi) elevated highway in Metro Manila, Philippines, which links the Skyway to Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Entertainment City. Traversing the cities of Pasay, and Parañaque, the NAIAX runs along Andrews Avenue, Electrical Road, and NAIA Road connecting the Skyway to Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Macapagal Boulevard, New Seaside Drive and the Manila–Cavite Expressway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manila Luzon</span> Filipino-American drag performer (born 1981)

Karl Philip Michael Westerberg, known professionally as Manila Luzon, is a Filipino-American drag queen, reality television personality, recording artist, and comedian. Luzon came to international attention as a contestant on the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race and on the first and fourth seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.

<i>The X Factor Philippines</i> Filipino TV series or program

The X Factor Philippines is a Philippine reality music competition, adapted from the original UK series as part of The X Factor franchise, to find new singing talent in the Philippines. The show was hosted by KC Concepcion while the judging panel consists of Charice, Gary Valenciano, Pilita Corrales, and Martin Nievera. It was the first franchise to be adapted in Southeast Asia.

<i>The Voice Kids</i> (Philippine TV series) Filipino TV series or program

The Voice Kids is a Philippine reality singing television competition. It aired from May 24, 2014 to May 21, 2023 for five seasons on ABS-CBN, replacing Bet on Your Baby and was replaced by Everybody, Sing!. The show is set to return via GMA Network. A spinoff of The Voice of the Philippines, the series, like its parent show, is based on the original The Voice of Holland, and is part of the wider The Voice franchise. It aims to feature young aspiring singers aged 6–12. It is the third national franchise in the Southeast Asian region to produce a kids' edition of the show, after Thailand and Vietnam. Since its inaugural season, it has aired a total of five seasons. The winners of the five seasons were: Lyca Gairanod, Elha Nympha, Joshua Oliveros, Vanjoss Bayaban, and Shane Bernabe.

<i>RuPauls Drag Race All Stars</i> American reality television series

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars is an American reality competition spin off edition of the original RuPaul's Drag Race, which is produced by World of Wonder, for Logo TV and later VH1. The show premiered on October 22, 2012, on Logo TV, before relocating to VH1. However, it was announced on February 20, 2020, on the show's official Twitter account that the fifth season would premiere on June 5, 2020, on Showtime. Following the cast announcement on May 8, 2020, producers announced that the show would remain airing on VH1 instead of Showtime due to the COVID-19 pandemic which caused "various scheduling and programming adjustments". On February 24, 2021, Paramount+ announced via Twitter that the streaming service would be the new home to the series for the sixth season.

<i>Drag Race Philippines</i> 2022 television series

Drag Race Philippines is a Philippine reality competition television series. It is a spin-off of RuPaul's Drag Race. The series is produced by World of Wonder and Fullhouse Asia Production Studios. The series airs on WOW Presents Plus, Discovery+, and HBO Go in the Philippines, Crave in Canada, and WOW Presents Plus in the rest of the world.

Amadeus Fernando Pagente, better known by their stage name Pura Luka Vega, is a Filipino drag performer. They were a Drag Den contestant. In 2023, they came into public attention for a drag performance dressed as Jesus Christ to the tune of a remix of the Tagalog language version of the Lord's Prayer.

<i>Drag Den</i> (season 1) First season of Drag Den

The first season of Drag Den premiered on 8 December 2022, through Amazon Prime Video. The premiere season showcased a total of eight contestants competing for the title of the "First Filipino Drag Supreme".

<i>Drag Den</i> (season 2) Second season of Drag Den

The second season of Drag Den premiered on 18 January 2024, through Amazon Prime Video. The second season showcased a total of ten contestants competing for the title of the "Filipino's Next Drag Supreme".

Timothy Brian Black, better known as Naia Black or mononymously as Naia, is a Filipino drag performer. She is best known for winning the first season of Drag Den and was crowned as "Filipino's First Drag Supreme".

O Bar is an LGBT-friendly bar and drag venue in Metro Manila. Tatler Asia has ranked O Bar among the top safe queer spaces in the Philippines.

Vinzon Leojay Rubia Booc, better known as Lady Gagita, is a Filipino drag performer. She is best known for impersonating many American musical artists such as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. She also competed in the first first season of Drag Den.

References

  1. ↑ "Manila Luzon on hosting 'Drag Den Philippines': I'm excited to live my own RuPaul fantasy!". CNN Philippines . 15 November 2022. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  2. ↑ "Drag Den Philippines to premiere on Prime Video tomorrow". CNN Philippines . 7 December 2022. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  3. ↑ Antonio, Josiah (17 November 2022). "Look: Meet the cast of 'Drag Den Philippines' season 1". ABS-CBN News . Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  4. ↑ Street, Mikelle (17 November 2022). "Watch Manila Luzon's 'Drag Den' Trailer—Meet the Queens, Get All Deets". Out . Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  5. ↑ Tunac, Hermes Joy (26 January 2023). "Naia is the first-ever Drag Supreme of 'Drag Den Philippines'". GMA News Online . Archived from the original on 26 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  6. ↑ Bautista, Rafael (16 December 2022). "Drag Den is a Filipino Drag Reality Show Worth Supporting". Nylon Manila . Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  7. ↑ Franco, Kai (28 December 2022). "Dissecting "Drag Den": The Road to be the First-Ever Filipino Drag Supreme". Wonder. Archived from the original on 13 December 2023. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  8. ↑ Antonio, Josiah (17 November 2022). "Nicole Cordoves, Sassaa Gurl join 'Drag Den PH' judges' panel". ABS-CBN News . Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  9. ↑ Cruz, Dana (1 December 2022). "Catriona Gray confirmed to appear in 'Drag Den Philippines'". Inquirer Entertainment. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
  10. ↑ Arsua, Koji (22 December 2023). "Here's Everything You Need To Know About "Drag Den Philippines" Season 2". When in Manila. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  11. ↑ "Place your bets! 'Drag Den Philippines' introduces its competing queens". Rappler . 17 November 2022. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  12. ↑ Samonte, Jujiin (8 December 2022). "Get To Know Barbie-Q, The Trans Queen Of Drag Den". Mega Drag. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
  13. ↑ Samonte, Jujiin (24 January 2024). "Drag Den Season 2 Grand Opening Night Captures the Essence of Pinoy Queer Fun". Mega Drag. Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  14. ↑ "From Drag Kings To Trans Queens, Manila Luzon Welcomes All To Drag Den Philippines". Mega Entertainment. 1 December 2021. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  15. ↑ Nolfi, Joey (21 July 2021). "'Drag Race' queen Manila Luzon says new 'Drag Den' series will 'take over the world'". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  16. ↑ "Digital: Drag Den Philippines with Manila Luzon kicks off auditions on TikTok". Adobo Magazine Online. 31 August 2021. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  17. ↑ "Manila Luzon Wants To See You Get Your Drag On for Drag Den Philippines!". ClickTheCity.com . 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  18. ↑ Colcol, Erwin (19 November 2022). "Get Set! Here's the Cast of the Manila Luzon-Starring "Drag Den Philippines"". Preview Philippines. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  19. ↑ Cruz, Dana (17 November 2022). "Watch: 'Drag Den Philippines' introduces full cast in official trailer". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  20. ↑ Samonte, Jujiin (17 November 2022). "Drag Den Finally Has A Birth Date". Mega Drag. Archived from the original on 22 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  21. ↑ Mallorca, Hannah (26 January 2023). "Naia named as first-ever 'Drag Supreme' in 'Drag Den Philippines'". Inquirer Entertainment. Archived from the original on 26 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2023.
  22. ↑ Roque, Nika (13 April 2023). "Are we getting 'Drag Den Philippines' Season 2?". GMA News Online . Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  23. ↑ Pasajol, Anne (14 April 2023). "'Drag Den PH' renewed for season 2". Inquirer Entertainment. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  24. ↑ "'Drag Den Philippines' season 2 to premiere in January 2024". Rappler . 1 December 2023. Archived from the original on 2 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  25. ↑ Tunac, Hermes Joy (7 March 2024). "'Drag Den Philippines' reveals new Drag Supreme for Season 2". GMA News Online . Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  26. ↑ Suarez, Ysmael (18 January 2024). "Why 'Drag Den's' second coming is crucial for Filipino drag". CNN Philippines . Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  27. ↑ Bautista, Rafael (26 January 2024). "With Drag Den 2, Manila Luzon is Going Bolder and Braver". Nylon Manila . Archived from the original on 29 January 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  28. ↑ Arsua, Koji (29 September 2023). ""Drag Den" And "Drag You & Me" Win Big At The Asian Academy Creative Awards 2023". When in Manila. Archived from the original on 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  29. ↑ Hicap, Jonathan (11 November 2023). "Nominees for 28th Asian Television Awards revealed". Manila Bulletin . Archived from the original on 12 November 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  30. ↑ Enriquez, Em (10 December 2023). "Manila Luzon Wins Best Entertainment Host at the 2023 Asian Academy Creative Awards". Preview Philippines. Archived from the original on 10 December 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  31. ↑ Tunac, Hermes Joy (14 January 2024). "Manila Luzon of 'Drag Den Philippines' wins Best Entertainment Presenter at Asian TV Awards". GMA News Online . Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  32. ↑ Tunac, Hermes Joy (14 November 2023). "'Drag Den Philippines,' Manila Luzon nominated at 28th Asian Television Awards". GMA News Online . Retrieved 14 November 2023.

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.