Marilag Odtohan

‘The Goddessafication Agenda’: M1ss Jade So to represent PH in inaugural ‘Down Under vs the World’

Filipino drag star M1ss Jade So is taking her talents to the international stage after being announced as one of the competing queens in the inaugural season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Down Under vs the World.”

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<p>Filipino drag star M1ss Jade So is taking her talents to the international stage after being announced as one of the competing queens in the inaugural season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Down Under vs the World.”</p><p>The cast immediately turned heads, with Jade making a striking first impression in the promotional material. Clad in a metallic, futuristic ensemble reminiscent of a sultry armored swimsuit, complete with dramatic wing-like accents, the Filipino queen appeared every bit the celestial being that fans have come to know and love.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ8SiNTz2cc/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A397062.40000000224%2C%22ls%22%3A363019.6000000015%2C%22le%22%3A363235%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1139" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>In her introduction, Jade teased that her participation marks the beginning of her latest “goddessafication agenda,” promising viewers another chapter in her uniquely otherworldly drag journey.</p><p>She will be joined by a formidable roster of queens from across the Drag Race universe. Representing the home franchise are Art Simone, Coco Jumbo, Flor, Nikita Iman, and Vybe (&quot;RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under&quot;). They will face international challengers including M1ss Jade So (&quot;Drag Race Philippines&quot;), Estrella Xtravaganza (&quot;Drag Race España&quot;), Lala Ri, Nicole Paige Brooks, and Raven (&quot;RuPaul’s Drag Race US&quot;), and Michael Marouli (&quot;RuPaul’s Drag Race UK&quot;).</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ8TC-dkiuM/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A363246.90000000224%2C%22ls%22%3A363019.6000000015%2C%22le%22%3A363235%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1373" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Among the contestants, perhaps no name generated more discussion than Raven. Arguably the highest-profile queen in the cast, Raven is recognized as RuPaul’s longtime makeup artist, an Emmy Award-winning television personality, a frequent guest on the flagship series, and the co-host of the review show “Fashion Photo RuView.”</p><p>Her inclusion also sparked immediate speculation among fans, many of whom were left wondering whether the announcement was genuine or another elaborate franchise fakeout.</p><p>For Philippine viewers, much of the excitement centers on Jade, who made her mark during the second season of “Drag Race Philippines.” Known for her fashion-forward looks, extraterrestrial charisma, and unapologetic advocacy for doll domination, Jade cultivated a devoted fan base and established herself as one of the show’s most memorable personalities.</p><p>She also made history alongside fellow season 2 contestants Bernie and Captivating Katkat as among the first openly transgender contestants to compete on the Philippine franchise.</p><p>During her original season, Jade secured one maxi-challenge victory and ultimately earned a place in the grand finale. Her journey came to an end in the final lip-sync tournament when she was eliminated by Arizona Brandy.</p><p>Despite not winning the title, Jade emerged from the season as one of its biggest breakout stars. In the years that followed, she maintained a prominent presence through music releases, live performances, and drag events. She was also publicly embraced by Sasha Colby as one of her drag daughters in 2025.</p><p>Speaking during the season’s “Meet the Queens,” Jade reflected on the significance of the opportunity.</p><p>“Only a few queens get this opportunity. I’m so happy to do it and represent the Philippines with me,” she said, adding that she hopes to showcase the talent, creativity, and heart of Filipino drag to a global audience.</p><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FabscbnNEWS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0sZs23kXXV3Q4CrZay1YjDKmos1T28hpFuoBp3CLfnrkrKJYYRtjtiz2aYrFeNyXRl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="773" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Her casting in “Down Under vs the World” expands the list of Filipino drag artists who have returned to compete on the global stage, following Marina Summers (&quot;RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World&quot; season 2); Eva Le Queen (&quot;Global All Stars 1&quot;), Minty Fresh (&quot;RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World&quot; season 3), and Arizona Brandy, Bernie, Brigiding, Khianna, and Viñas DeLuxe (&quot;Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale&quot;).</p><p>“Down Under vs the World” is the latest entry in the franchise’s “vs the World” format, which brings together contestants from different Drag Race editions to compete for an international title. Previous installments have included: “UK vs the World,” “Canada vs the World,” and “Slaysian Royale.”</p><p>Hosted by Michelle Visage, “Down Under vs the World” is set to premiere on July 24 on WOW Presents Plus.</p>

<p>Filipino drag star M1ss Jade So is taking her talents to the international stage after being announced as one of the competing queens in the inaugural season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: Down Under vs the World.”</p>