Metro Manila, Philippines – The first episode of “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale” debuted this week, launching the franchise’s first all-Asian all-star season with fierce performances, a repeat premiere win for Khianna, and an emotional tribute to the late judge and drag icon Jiggly Caliente.
The 12 returning queens–Arizona Brandy, Bernie, Brigiding, Ivory Glaze, Khianna, Kitty Space, Madame Yoko, Siam PhuSri, Suki Doll, Sum Ting Wong, Yuhua, and Viñas DeLuxe–kicked things off with the “Miss Shutacca” pageant, which featured three segments: “From Roots to Runway” (national costumes), “Ruveal Yourself” (evening gowns), and a Q&A round.Philippines’ Khianna and Thailand’s Siam PhuSri emerged as the top contenders, while Sum Ting Wong and Madame Yoko landed in the bottom. Following the season’s format, the top queens lip-synced for their legacy and chose who would go home. Khianna secured the first RuBadge of the season and sent Belgium’s Madame Yoko packing — repeating her feat from Drag Race Philippines Season 3, where she also won the premiere challenge.
Honoring Jiggly Caliente
The premiere also took a heartfelt turn with a tribute to Jiggly Caliente, “Drag Race” Season 4 and All Stars 6 alum, original “Drag Race Philippines” judge, and “Pose” actress, who passed away in April following complications from a severe infection and leg amputation.After the judging segment, a portrait of Jiggly appeared on screen with the words “Forever fabulous,” describing her as “Our Dalagang Filipina, RuGirl from Laguna.”Her family announced her passing on April 27, calling her “a luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy” and remembering her “infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.”A similar “Forever fabulous” title card was shown during the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10 premiere in May as part of a global tribute to the late performer.
