The stage is finally set for this year’s bonggang-bonggang battle royale! “Drag Race Philippines” is gearing up for “Slaysian Royale,” the series’ first continental clash of queens that brings “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants all over Asia on one herstory-making stage.
This season, our Filipino Ru Girls will compete against their fellow international franchise contestants from Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, the U.K., the U.S., and Thailand.
Viñas Deluxe, Yuhua, Khianna, and Ivory Glaze. Photo: Drag Race Philippines/X
With a top-notch panel of judges and Paolo “Mawma Pao” Ballesteros returning to host the show, we wouldn’t miss this competition for the world. Are you ready for a season of total “Slaysian” domination and Asian drag excellence? Here are the 12 fierce and fabulous queens of “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale,” all dolled up and ready for a monumental slay of a lifetime.
Arizona Brandy (Philippines, Season 2)
This lip sync assassin always has a trick up her sleeve. Anyone who’s watched Arizona Brandy on “Drag Race Philippines” or seen her perform in person would know that she doesn’t hold back. Her naturally daring personality landed her in the top 2 of her season and booked her a comeback on “Slaysian Royale.” Will we witness her devour another pair of colored contact lenses? Will she burn her competitors with her unhinged jokes in a much-awaited roast? Guess we’ll have to tune in to this season to find out.
Bernie Barrantes (Philippines, Season 2)
This trans queen is a fighter, gamer, and now, a “Slaysian Royale” contender! “Drag Race Philippines” Season 2 finalist Bernie brought her A-game to every challenge and steadily thrived with a consistent track record. As she returns for a second shot at the crown, we’ll never forget her compelling story of trans power and perseverance, as well as how she overcame her struggles towards becoming a fully realized queen for the community.
Brigiding (Philippines, Season 1)
The brightest star and ina of the iconic House of Ding is here to show the competition that mother truly knows best. Brigiding was a force to be reckoned with on the pioneer season of “Drag Race Philippines” (“no branding” allegations aside) as she told us stories of grit and stardom through her powerful lip syncs and runway ensembles. After finishing sixth on Season 1, Brigiding went on to host “The Brand,” her online talk show that showcased the stories, secrets, and tea of her fellow Filipino Ru Girls. We can’t wait to see more of the star power and contagious energy she’ll bring to the competition this season.
Ivory Glaze (Down Under, Season 3)
Half Chinese and half Dutch queen Ivory Glaze striving to turn her international “Drag Race” run from a “total sitcom” to stars aligning. On “Drag Race Down Under,” she made waves online for her never-before-seen moment of fainting in front of RuPaul before lip syncing for her life. She was the main character then, and she has all the makings of a main character now. Ivory’s sharp wits, comedy, and conceptual fashion can guarantee a jam-packed season ahead. After all, she said it best: “Asians bring it every time.”
Khianna (Philippines, Season 3)
She puts the K in TOTAL K.O.! “Drag Race Philippines” Season 3’s runner-up, artsy queen, and maxi challenge slayer, Khianna (still with a K), is back to dominate the “Slaysian Royale” stage. She championed Cagayan de Oro’s culture, pride, and artistry in her original season with unforgettable runway looks, holding her own as a relatively new drag artist among her more experienced competitors. Now, she’s ready to bring more kulit, kabog, and iKhiannic moments to the Werk Room and main stage in this lineup of Asian drag royalty.
Kitty Space (France, Season 2)
Kitty Space is saying bonjour! to “Slaysian Royale” this August. This trans doll is giving us French cabaret realness as the first Asian queen on “Drag Race France.” Born in Vietnam and raised in Canada, France, and China, drag has helped Kitty Space elevate her art and confidence, while staying proud and true to her roots throughout the competition. She’s ready to power through every challenge with a newfound toughness and grit.
Madame Yoko (Belgique, Season 2)
Live singing sensation Madame Yoko is back with a vengeance on “Slaysian Royale.” After her stay got cut short on “Drag Race Belgique,” she’s set to perform her heart out and represent Asian drag from all parts of the world. Outside the “Drag Race” world, Madame Yoko is a seasoned cabaret performer whose talent is highly revered across Asia and Europe. In August, the “Slaysian Royale” stage will witness her elevated looks and undeniable vocal prowess.
Siam Phusri (Thailand, Season 3)
Despite finishing seventh on “Drag Race Thailand” Season 3, Siam Phusri already feels like a winner on all levels. The show wasn’t just her chance at earning a crown, but a platform and creative avenue for her to kick her drag into full-swing. Siam Phusri—35, flirty, and thriving—radiates with a goddess’ aura and personality that translates through her “Slaysian Royale” glow-up. With her in the competition and “Drag Race Thailand’s” host Pangina Heals as a guest judge, all eyes are on Siam and the vibrant culture she’ll bring forth this season.
Suki Doll (Canada, Season 2)
Did anybody summon Miss Congeniality? “Slaysian Royale” sent a call up north, and Suki Doll picked up the phone. This certified fashionista from “Canada’s Drag Race” Season 2 is letting her Vietnmese, Chinese, Cambodian, French-Canadian, and Spanish heritage flourish in this star-studded franchise. With a background that diverse, how could she say no to sharing the stage with Asia’s best of the best queens? We’re stoked to learn more about Suki Doll this season, and how she’ll showcase her drag as a love letter to her mother with her show-stopping designs.
Sum Ting Wong (U.K., Season 1)
There’s nothing “wong” about a solid redemption arc. For Sum Ting Wong, “Slaysian Royale” is a major opportunity for her to show how much she’s improved since being the first Asian contestant on “Drag Race UK.” She may not have been ready yet during her first season, but this time, she’s facing the competition head-on with a better and more extensive understanding of her mixed Asian heritage. This “proper Asian bloke” is here to stay, and so are we!
Viñas Deluxe (Philippines, Season 1)
This is it, mga Misis! Prepare your laughs and utter awe because Season 1’s resident Misis and master of wits, Viñas Deluxe, is back with campy performances and polished presentations fit for a queen. Nobody can forget the jaw-dropping manananggal look she brought to the “Drag Race Philippines” main stage, her unhinged confessionals and Werk Room entrance in nothing but a towel and heels, and the hilarious alumni dress she wore for her guest appearance on Season 3. Her sensational vocals and unmatched humor will also light up our screens this season, and we’re all ready to see her shine like the Divine Diva she is.
Yuhua Hamasaki (U.S., Season 10)
Yuhua Hamasaki (simply known as Yuhua this season) has taken her drag and knack for content creation to chronically online levels after her run on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 10. During the pandemic, she focused on her growing YouTube channel through episode reviews of the show called “Bootleg Opinions.” To this day, she’s been consistently sharing her thoughts and keeping conversations going on her channel with her fellow Ru Girls. “Slaysian Royale” will be Yuhua’s well-deserved second chance to honor her roots and showcase her growth.
Stay tuned for the pakak na pakak premiere of “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale” this August 13, streaming on Wow Presents Plus.
Who are you rooting for this August on “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale?” Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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