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Once upon a time, the Paper Dolls were Manila’s drag sensations

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RHIA GRANA

<p>As the Philippine franchise of the Emmy Award-winning series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” continues its search for the country’s next drag superstar, older netizens couldn’t help but recall a popular group of drag performers and impersonators from a much earlier time—the groovy 1970s to be exact. </p><p>The group was called Paper Dolls—and they were composed of some of the most versatile and uber talented performers, some of whom remain recognizable names up to now: Fanny Serrano, Boots Babushka, Angel Bautista, Mari Boquer, Henri Calayag, Peter Estocado, Benny Gamboa, Klakling, Edcel Reyes, Xaviera Petell, Micky Tanaka, and Biba Varona.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Paper Dolls" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/2pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Paper Dolls were dubbed as “Manila’s sizzling versatile show-stoppers.”</figcaption></figure></div><p>Managed by the Layug family who owned Cabaret Royale, an entertainment complex then located in Greenbelt, Makati, the Paper Dolls practically pioneered the drag culture in the Philippines. But back in the 70s, it wasn’t called “drag” yet, says Edcel Reyes, the group’s youngest member. They were called “female impersonators” as they mimicked some of the most dazzling female performers—Liza Minnelli, Marie Osmond, Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand, Marlene Dietrich, Sophia Loren, and Pilita Corrales, among many others. The Paper Dolls were sought-after entertainers in Asia. One show poster dubbed them as “Manila’s sizzling versatile show-stoppers.”</p><p>“They would parade in <em>ternos</em> at the PICC (Philippine International Convention Center) and even entertained guests at the opening of the WHO (World Health Organization) Conference,” recalls writer Isidra Reyes in a Facebook post. “The Paper Dolls always looked spectacular in their costumes which were designed by the very best designers of the era: Ernest Santiago, Joe Salazar, Aureo Alonzo, Romulo Estrada, and Tony Decena.”</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Paper Dolls" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/5pd.jpg"/><figcaption>One of their show posters in Singapore.</figcaption></figure></div><h3>Paper roses </h3><p>It was Quito Cu-unjieng and Budji Layug’s idea to form a group of impersonators who will perform at the Cabaret Royale in the mid-1970s. Knowing Edcel, Henri and company loved to dance at discos, Quito invited them to become part of the group. The group would eventually be managed by Budji&#x27;s brother, Bong. </p><p>“In those days, <em>nagkikita ang mga bakla sa</em> Coco Banana <em>pag</em> weekends,” says Edcel, who at that time was a fashion designer for Shoe Mart. During his free time, he would moonlight as a choreographer for the city’s fashion shows. Henri, now one of Manila’s most respected hairdressers, remembers he was still in high school, about 17 or 18 years old, when he joined Paper Dolls.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Paper Dolls" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/9pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Henri and Edcel waiting for a Love Bus ride in Makati</figcaption></figure></div><p>With their caliber as impersonators, you’d think they all went thru rigorous auditions and training to be part of the act. In truth, all of them had no background in performing—except for Mari Boquer, an Atenista fashion designer who had acting stints at the CCP and the Meralco Theatre. Mari would become the group’s director. <em>“Siya ang matiyagang nagturo sa amin,”</em> says Edcel, the designated Marilyn Monroe. “I had never done drag before that, siya ang nagturo sa akin how to move or act in a feminine way.”</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Paper Dolls" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/3pd.jpg"/><figcaption> To fully immerse himself in the character, Henri says he had to read Marlene Dietrich&#x27;s life story and listen to all her records.</figcaption></figure></div><p>Edcel recalls the makeup trial sessions, and when the Dolls would test their makeup under the stage lights. “Ernest Santiago, one of the top designers in those days, noticed that my makeup was always <em>morena</em>,” he recalls. <em>“Sabi nya, ‘Gawin n’yong kasing puti ng espasol ang mukha ni </em>Edcel.’ There you go, <em>lumabas ang mukha ni </em>Marilyn Monroe. Maybe I had the bone structure at that time, I was young. I think I was 16 or 17 in those days.”</p><p>Edcel did not only look the part, he studied his role very well. <em>“Talagang pinag-aralan ko </em>by myself <em>papano gumalaw si</em> Marilyn Monroe. Her lips, her eyes. I didn’t even know her. I didn’t know <em>na hawig ang </em>face <em>ko sa kanya kapag may </em>make-up <em>na ako.”</em></p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Paper Dolls as The Three Degrees" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/14pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Henri, Edcel and Xaviera as The Three Degrees</figcaption></figure></div><p>Meanwhile, Henri’s first exposure as an entertainer was as backup singer for the group’s performance of <a href="https://youtu.be/2TyipwcgLqg">The Three Degrees’ popular ditty, “When Will I See You Again.” </a></p><p>The Dolls literally oohing and aahing in their fabulous dresses always proved an instant hit with audiences. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Henri Calayag as Marlene Dietrich" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/8pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Henri as Marlene Dietrich performing &quot;Falling In Love Again&quot; from the movie &quot;Blue Angel,&quot; at Hotel Indonesia ballroom.</figcaption></figure></div><p>Eventually, Henri was given the role of the mysterious Hollywood enchantress Marlene Dietrich (“Lili Marleen,” “Falling In Love Again,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”). And to fully immerse himself in the character, Henri says he had to read her life story and listen to all her records. “At that time, <em>wala pang</em> YouTube, videos or movies for reference,” he says. He trained himself to totally mimic Marlene—from the actress-singer’s smallest movements down to her brooding glances.</p><div> </div><h3>Where’s the bulge? </h3><p>“We were all boys. <em>Walang</em> transgender <em>o </em><em>nagpa</em>-sex change <em>sa amin. Hindi pa gaano uso ‘yan noong </em>70s,” Edcel explains when our conversation reaches the subject of transformations and the process of hiding “the bulge.” “Well, we can manage to make it flat, <em>may sikreto doon,”</em> he says laughing.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Henri Calayag " src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/11pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Henri  warming up backstage</figcaption></figure></div><p>But to achieve feminine hips, they wore what is called a <em>“kadera.” “Pinasadya namin yun sa isang bading na </em><em>taga-</em>Marikina. It’s made of a spongy material shaped like a ham,” says Edcel. “It goes from the hips all the way down to the knees, <em>panipis nang panipis. </em>Then sa butt <em>meron ding pampatambok.” </em>To make it appear they have boobs, they wore bra pads with nipples from Rustans, after which they wore skin-colored body stockings over them. </p><p>It usually took Edcel less than an hour to transform into the blonde bombshell, Ms Monroe. <em>“Meron kaming sariling </em>makeup artist, si Oscar Santos. <em>Nagwo-work siya dati sa</em> Budjiwara,” Edcel shares, referring to the top Makati salon of then hairstylist Budji Layug. There would be times when Edcel would play Donny Osmond first in a show. And then it would take him 20 minutes to turn into Marilyn.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Paper Dolls" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/7pd.jpg"/><figcaption>&quot;In those days, ang uri ng show namin ay fresh sa mata ng mga tao kaya biglang hit,” says Edcel.</figcaption></figure></div><h3>A Metrocom moment </h3><p>The Paper Dolls always played to a full house every night at Cabaret Royale, Edcel fondly remembers. “It was something new <em>sa daigdig ng</em> entertainment,” he says, referring to their act. “Imagine <em>mga Pinoy na kamukha ang mga</em> foreign artists. <em>Naloloka ang</em> audiences. In those days, <em>ang uri ng</em> show <em>namin ay</em> fresh <em>sa mata ng mga tao kaya biglang</em> hit.”</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Edcel Reyes" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/15pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Edcel performing &quot;Heat Wave&quot; by Marilyn Monroe.</figcaption></figure></div><p>One of their most unforgettable experiences happened during Martial Law, on New Year’s Eve in 1975. After staging a grand performance at Cabaret Royale, a Metrocom bus appeared outside the entertainment venue to pick them up. <em>“Kabog ang dibdib namin kasi</em> military <em>ang sumundo,” </em>Edsel recalls. “We didn’t know <em>na dadalhin kami sa bahay ng mga</em> Marcoses [in San Juan] to perform. I was able to dance with Imee [Marcos], who was still young then.”</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="The Paper Dolls in a South Pacific-Bali Hai number" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/12pd.jpg"/><figcaption>The Paper Dolls in a South Pacific-Bali Hai number</figcaption></figure></div><p>In the same party, First Lady Imelda Marcos went to their dressing room and told them to mingle with the other guests after the show. He recalls seeing Hollywood stars, diplomats, and politicians that night, including Italian actress, photojournalist, and politician Gina Lollobrigida.</p><p>Edcel also remembers the Whitney Houston concert at the Araneta Coliseum, when the real Dionne Warwick, a guest that evening, called Paper Dolls’ very own Dionne, Peter Estocado, onstage to perform. “Si Peter, isa sa mga house designers ng Rustans. Carbon copy <em>niya si</em> Dionne with or without makeup,” offers Edcel.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Paper Dolls" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/4pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Henri as Sophia Loren and Jose Mari Bouquer as Peter Seller at Regent Hotel, Kuala Lumpur</figcaption></figure></div><p>For Henri, it was their performances in Singapore that really made a mark. “I did Sophia Loren with Peter Sellers from the movie ‘The Millionaires.’ We sang ‘Goodness Gracious Me.’” </p><p>The Paper Dolls also performed at the Folk Arts Theater and in many big corporate events, including one Christmas party of the Ayala Group of Companies held at the Coconut Palace. According to Isidra Reyes, the group toured Europe and Asia and had guest stints on “Two For The Road,” the late night talk show hosted by the fabulous Elvira Manahan. They were also the stars of a TV special called “Copycats” directed by Elvira’s son Johnny Manahan. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Henri Calayag as Sophia Loren" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/6pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Henri as Sophia Loren</figcaption></figure></div><h3>Drag then and now</h3><p>A lot has changed in the drag scene over the last few decades, observes Edcel. “They don&#x27;t do a lot of impersonation anymore now. More on dancing and blocking <em>na</em>,” he observes, adding that he got to watch a show at Club Mwah before he left for Dubai about ten years ago. <em>“Iba na ang </em>presentation. It’s more on production numbers.”</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Paper Dolls in a Panorama feature" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/16pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Paper Dolls was featured in Singaporean newspaper. </figcaption></figure></div><p>“In our time, we mimic every little detail about the character we’re portraying,” Henri adds. “And I’m so happy that drag has now evolved. The performers don’t just impersonate. They actually come up with their own unique personas. <em>Nag</em>-level up <em>na</em>!”</p><p>Another aspect that’s different now, of course, is that many of the drag performers have had breast implants. <em>“Ang ganda ng mga bakla, </em>girl <em>na</em> girl!” says Edcel. “(And) <em>Yung </em>makeup <em>nila ang taray na.”</em></p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Henri Calayag and Micky Tanaka " src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/10pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Henri and Micky Tanaka (Diana Ross) with a Singaporean friend/fan backstage before their Willkommen opening number.</figcaption></figure></div><h3>Fabulous times </h3><p>The Paper Dolls had a short but memorable run in Manila’s colorful live entertainment scene. If one were to be more specific about it, they were at the peak of their powers from 1975 to 1979. “Nonstop <em>ang mga </em>flights, nonstop <em>ang mga</em> shows,” describes Edcel. Looking back, he says those were among the best years of his life. “It was financially rewarding, and we got to travel, too.”</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Henri Calayag" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/ancx/culture/2022/26/13pd.jpg"/><figcaption>Henri as Marlene Dietrich, up close.</figcaption></figure></div><p>Henri adds, “We were like one big family. We trained hard and always aimed at giving our 100 percent in every performance.” Which is most likely why being a Paper Doll changed his life. “I learned the importance of discipline, something that I apply in all my professional and personal dealings now.”</p><p>Over 40 years have passed since Edcel and Henri last put on their fabulous costumes and put on a show with the Paper Dolls. Each one of them have sashayed onto other pursuits. “It was a nice ride,” Edcel says, looking back. “It’s all memories now, and they sure make me smile.”</p><div><em>Photos courtesy of Henri Calayag and Edcel Reyes</em></div>

What’s it like being a drag performer in the 70s? Two alums from the popular group look back 