The first season of Drag Den premiered on 8 December 2022, through Amazon Prime Video.[1] The premiere season showcased a total of eight contestants competing for the title of the "First Filipino Drag Supreme".
| Drag Den | |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | |
.png) Promotional poster for season one. | |
| Hosted by | Manila Luzon |
| Judges |
|
| No. of contestants | 8 |
| Winner | Naia |
| Runners-up |
|
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Release | |
| Original network | Amazon Prime Video |
| Original release | 8 December 2022 – 26 January 2023 |
| Season chronology | |
Casting calls for the first season were opened in August 2021, and the cast was officially revealed in a teaser trailer in November 2022. The season also welcomed its first openly trans woman contestant, Barbie-Q. The winner of the season received a cash prize of ₱1,000,000, a one-year makeup supply from Téviant Beauty cosmetics, a one-year contract with Avignon Clinic, and a three-year management contract with CS Entertainment.[2] The first season was won by Naia, with Shewarma and Maria Cristina as runners-up.[3][4]
Production
editIn July 2021, RuPaul's Drag Race alumna Manila Luzon exclusively told Entertainment Weekly about an upcoming project she is up to host and judge. Luzon said, "I'm excited that we're going to create an opportunity similar to [what] RuPaul and World of Wonder have given to me."[5] The upcoming show is not affiliated with RuPaul's Drag Race or its production company, World of Wonder.[6]
On 16 August 2021, Luzon partnered with TikTok and announced a casting call for the reality competition show.[7][8] The deadline for the casting call ended on 31 August 2020. After the casting call announcement for Drag Den, RuPaul announced a casting call for Drag Race Philippines. Many fans called this announcement from RuPaul and World of Wonder: "foul" and "shade".[9] A year later, Drag Race Philippines started to premiere in August 2022. Jiggly Caliente (presented as a judge) addressed the situation with Digital Spy saying, "There is definitely no rivalry because Manila knew about me doing Drag Race, and I knew about her doing Drag Den."[10]
Format
editContestants are instructed to participate in two challenges in the series. In both challenges, the judges will critique based on both challenges and choose their winner. The episode's winner will enter a battle with their chosen opponent, named the Dragdagulan, involving a wrecking ball. The winner of the battle will gain an advantage for the next episode; the opponent will not be eliminated and will continue in the competition.[11]
Promotion
editAfter the series' long hiatus, the show's social media posted an update with the caption saying, "#justwokeup".[12] Many people speculated that the show is yet to come sooner.[13] On 16 November 2022, an official teaser was revealed with Manila Luzon sitting on a throne in the dark.[14]
On 17 November 2022, eight contestants were shown in the new trailer heading down the runway.[15] Sassa Gurl, Nicole Cordoves, and Manila Luzon, who served as the competition's main judges, all made appearances in the same trailer.[16] Additionally, it revealed the official premiere date, which is slated for 8 December 2022, and will be available through Amazon Prime Video.[17] On 30 November 2022, an official series trailer debuted, showcasing the candidates taking part in challenges while being judged, as well as the first challenge from the season premiere.[18] It was revealed in the same official teaser that Catriona Gray will serve as a guest judge on the premiere of Drag Den.[19] Luzon was recently signed with Warner Music Philippines, and announced the theme song for the series that is set to release on 2 December 2022.[20][21]
Contestants
editOn 17 November 2022, throughout the show's social media, they presented "Manila by Night" where they showed promotional images of their contestants' looks.[22] This was a nod to the controversial Philippine film, Manila by Night (1980), directed by Ishmael Bernal. The series also welcomed its first openly trans woman contestant, Barbie-Q.[23] Ages, names, and cities stated are at the time of filming.[24]
| Contestant | Age | Hometown | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naia[a] | 26 | Las Piñas, Metro Manila | Winner |
| Shewarma | 22 | Pateros, Metro Manila | Runners-up |
| Maria Cristina[b] | 28 | Bulacan, Central Luzon | |
| Barbie-Q | 35 | Quezon City, Metro Manila | 4th place |
| Lady Gagita | 29 | Davao City, Davao del Sur | 5th place |
| Aries Night | 24 | Antipolo, Rizal | 6th place |
| O-A[c] | 24 | Parañaque, Metro Manila | 7th place |
| Pura Luka Vega | 32 | Manila, Metro Manila | 8th place |
Contestant progress
editLegend:
| Contestant | Episode | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1[25] | 2[26] | 3[27] | 4[28] | 5[29] | 6[30] | 8[31] | |
| Naia | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | Winner |
| Shewarma | TOP | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | Runner-up |
| Maria Cristina | SAFE | WIN | TOP | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | Runner-up |
| Barbie-Q | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | SAFE | SAFE | ELIM | Guest |
| Lady Gagita | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | SAFE | ELIM | Guest |
| Aries Night | DDW | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | TOP | ELIM | Guest |
| O-A | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | WIN | ELIM | Guest |
| Pura Luka Vega | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | SAFE | ELIM | Guest |
Rankings
edit| Rank | Round | Final Ranking | Total Points | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||
| 1 | Shewarma | Maria Cristina | Maria Cristina Barbie-Q |
Lady Gagita | O-A Aries Night |
Barbie-Q Aries Night |
Maria Cristina Naia Shewarma |
—[d] |
| 2 | Lady Gagita | Naia | Shewarma | |||||
| 3 | O-A | Aries Night | Naia | Maria Cristina | Naia | Naia | ||
| 4 | Maria Cristina | Pura Luka Vega | Pura Luka Vega Shewarma |
Naia | Pura Luka Vega | Shewarma | Barbie-Q | 90.2 |
| 5 | Pura Luka Vega | Lady Gagita | Pura Luka Vega | Barbie-Q | O-A | Lady Gagita | 90.14 | |
| 6 | Aries Night | Barbie-Q | Lady Gagita | Barbie-Q | Lady Gagita | Lady Gagita | Aries Night | 87.53 |
| 7 | Barbie-Q | Shewarma | O-A | O-A | Shewarma | Maria Cristina | O-A | 87.43 |
| 8 | Naia | O-A | Aries Night | Aries Night | Maria Cristina | Pura Luka Vega | Pura Luka Vega | 87.2 |
Guest judges
editGuest judges are known as the "Drag Enforcer" in the series. Guest judges are listed in chronological order.
- Catriona Gray, model and Miss Universe 2018[32]
- K Brosas, actress and comedian[33]
- Eula Valdez, actress[34]
- KZ Tandingan, singer and rapper[35]
- Francis Libiran, architect and fashion designer[36]
- Antoinette Jadaone, filmmaker and podcaster
- Mela Habijan, model and Miss Trans Global 2020
Special guests
editGuests who appeared in episodes, but not judge on the main stage.
Episode 8:
- Mama Bobby, drag queen
- Mama Let-Let, drag queen
- Mama Pie, drag queen
Episodes
edit| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Drag Raid" | 8 December 2022 | |
|
Eight drag queens entered an underground "drag den" in the first episode, where they were greeted by Sassa Gurl, the "Drag Runner", and Nicole Cordoves, the "Drag Dealer". As soon as everyone is present, Manila Luzon, who is dressed as a "Drag Lord", emerges and greets her competitors to the competition, and explains its guidelines. The drag queens are instructed to participate in a "Themewear Drag Test" during which they are judged based on their theme attire. The contestants in this episode of Themewear Drag Test are showcasing their Pinoy National Symbols looks.
The "Drag Cartel" instructs its competitors to display their distinctive drag from Philippine festivals for the "Main Drag Showdown", where the category is Philippine National Costume after they have demonstrated their Themewear Drag Test. Shewarma was named the Main Drag Showdown winner by Manila Luzon. Shewarma was informed that in order to participate in the fight in the "Dragdagulan", she had to choose an opponent. Shewarma decides to battle against Aries Night in the Dragdagulan. She was unfortunately defeated after losing to her opponent. However, in a surprising turn of events, Manila Luzon declared that no contestant will be eliminated from the competition.
| ||||
| 2 | 2 | "Drag Trippin'" | 15 December 2022 | |
|
The rankings from the first episode were revealed by Sassa Gurl after the queens reunite together in Drag Den. It was revealed that Shewarma was given first place and Naia was given last place. Following the announcement of the rankings, the competitors engaged in a mini-challenge in which they teased one another by saying, "I got a text!" According to Sassa Gurl, the category for the contestants' mini-challenge is: Pinoy Novelty Songs.
After showcasing their Themewear Drag Test, the queens reunite on the runway where Manila Luzon announced the Main Drag Showdown. The contestants must perform in pairs to demonstrate their skills in a comedic sketch on politics. With Aries Night earning an advantage in the last episode, she assigned her competitors in pairs. As they enter the Drag Den, Nicole Cordoves and K Brosas talk with the competitors and offer tips for the comedic sketch in the Main Drag Showdown. Following the performance of the comedic sketches, many partners received positive criticisms from the judges. The judges chose Maria Christina and Naia as the winners of the Main Drag Showdown, though in the guidelines of the series they can choose one winner for the Dragdagulan. Maria Christina was selected for the Dragdagulan with Naia as her opponent. After battling, Maria Christina won the Dragdagulan.
| ||||
| 3 | 3 | "Dangerous Drags" | 22 December 2022 | |
|
Sassa Gurl reveals the rankings from the second episode while the drag queens are back in Drag Den. Maria Christina ranks in first place with O-A ranking in last place. After revealing the ranks, one of the competitors began to open their difficulties to their rival, and they both made amends in the show. Sassa Gurl announced the Themewear Drag Test which is Pinoy Kontrabida which highlights the competitors' wicked and villainous side. The Drag Runner put the competitors into pairs so they could create their appearances for one another.
After the contestants have displayed their Themewear Drag Test outfits, the Drag Lord announces the competitors' Main Drag Showdown, where they need to display their looks inspired by urban legends, mythology, or horror stories from the Philippines. When the contestants go back to the workroom, the Drag Dealer and the Drag Enforcer visit them and give advice on the contestants' looks. After showcasing the contestants' looks for the main challenge, they listened to the judges' comments. Maria Christina and Barbie-Q were declared the winners of the Main Drag Showdown in this episode by Manila Luzon due to a tiebreaker. Both winners were informed by Luzon that they must participate in the Dragdagulan in order to determine the challenge's winner.
| ||||
| 4 | 4 | "High On Drags" | 29 December 2022 | |
|
Sassa Gurl reveals the rankings from the second episode while the drag queens are back in Drag Den. Maria Christina and Barbie-Q rank in joint first place with Aries Night ranking in last place. Sassa Gurl announced the Themewear Drag Test which is Pinoy Fantasy Character which highlights the competitors' magical and creative side.
After the contestants have displayed their Themewear Drag Test outfits, the Drag Lord announces the competitors' Main Drag Showdown, where they need to work as groups of four to present a superhero-inspired talent show. The first team consists of Barbie-Q, Lady Gagita, Naia, and Pura Luka Vega while the second team consists of Aries Night, Maria Cristina, O-A, and Shewarma. When the contestants go back to the workroom, the Drag Dealer and the Drag Enforcer visit them and give advice on the contestants' looks. After showcasing the contestants' looks for the main challenge, they listened to the judges' comments. Team 2 is declared the best team of the week, but Lady Gagita is announced as the overall winner of the two challenges. Lady Gagita chooses Aries Night as her opponent for the Dragdagulan and Lady Gagita wins the battle.
| ||||
| 5 | 5 | "Drag Mafia" | 5 January 2023 | |
|
| ||||
| 6 | 6 | "Drag is Political" | 12 January 2023 | |
| ||||
| 7 | 7 | "#DragOutSpecial" | 19 January 2023 | |
|
This episode takes a look back at how the series began. Including audition tapes from the queens that did and didn't make it to the show, unaired clips, and discovering the struggles and triumphs of the eight contestants. | ||||
| 8 | 8 | "Drag Encounter" | 26 January 2023 | |
|
| ||||
Notes
editReferences
edit- ^ "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.
- ^ "'Drag Den PH' Teases Fans in New BTS Photos for Season 2". BLTai. 17 July 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ James, Michael (28 July 2021). "Drag Race Star Manila Luzon to host new drag TV show". QNews. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Baska, Maggie (17 August 2021). "Manila Luzon speaks out after Drag Race fans call shade on RuPaul". PinkNews. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
- ^ Anderton, Joe; Opie, David (20 August 2022). "Drag Race Philippines judge addresses rivalry with fellow legend". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
- ^ Franco, Kai (28 December 2022). "Dissecting "Drag Den": The Road to be the First-Ever Filipino Drag Supreme". Wonder. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ "'Just woke up': 'Drag Den Philippines' hints at release". Rappler. 14 September 2022. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
- ^ "#JustWokeUp: After long pause, 'Drag Den Philippines' teases arrival". ABS-CBN News. 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
- ^ Tunac, Hermes (16 November 2022). "'Drag Den Philippines' drops teaser featuring Manila Luzon, announces release date". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Nolfi, Joey (30 November 2022). "Watch the first 'Drag Den' trailer with 'Drag Race' icon Manila Luzon". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ Cruz, Dana (1 December 2022). "Catriona Gray confirmed to appear in 'Drag Den Philippines'". Entertainment Inquirer. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ Sanchez, Sam (15 March 2022). "Manila Luzon is the latest Drag Race alum to perform at San Antonio's Bonham Exchange". San Antonio Current. Archived from the original on 30 November 2022. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ Manila Luzon [@manilaluzon] (28 November 2022). "New Song drops this Friday! @dragdenph them from @WarnerMusicPH Dec 2" (Tweet). Retrieved 30 November 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Drag Den Philippines [@dragdenph] (18 November 2022). "Drag Den presents Manila by Night What's your drink of choice? Dito sa Quiapo–she got you covered. She's campy, she's classy, and you will WANT to drink her up, honeeeyy~ 🐝 OA, 24 years of age, the Campy Chameleon of Paranaque! Or something #DragDenPH #PrimeVideoPH" (Tweet). Retrieved 21 November 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Drag Raid". Drag Den. Season 1. Episode 1. 8 December 2022. Amazon Prime Video.
- ^ "Drag Trippin'". Drag Den. Season 1. Episode 2. 15 December 2022. Amazon Prime Video.
- ^ "Dangerous Drags". Drag Den. Season 1. Episode 3. 22 December 2022. Amazon Prime Video.
- ^ "High on Drags". Drag Den. Season 1. Episode 4. 29 December 2022. Amazon Prime Video.
- ^ "Drag Mafia". Drag Den. Season 1. Episode 5. 5 January 2023. Amazon Prime Video.
- ^ "Drag is Political". Drag Den. Season 1. Episode 6. 12 January 2023. Amazon Prime Video.
- ^ "Drag Encounter". Drag Den. Season 1. Episode 8. 26 January 2023. Amazon Prime Video.
- ^ "Trailer: Catriona Gray joins 'Drag Den PH', Sassa Gurl's role". ABS-CBN News. 1 December 2022. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
- ^ Antonio, Josiah (15 December 2022). "'Drag Den PH': Maria Cristina wins comedy challenge, gets advantage". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on 16 December 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
- ^ Antonio, Josiah (27 December 2022). "Maria Christina leads 'Drag Den PH' with 2 wins; Barbie-Q gets advantage". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
- ^ "'Drag Den' fourth episode: A little drama and whole lot of fantasy". Daily Tribune. 1 January 2023. Archived from the original on 1 January 2023. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
- ^ Tunac, Hermes Joy (8 January 2023). "'Drag Den PH' queens flaunt bridal looks, vows in latest ep; Aries Night, O-A clinch a tie win". GMA News Online. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
