Marilag Odtohan

'Amin ang Perlas ng Silangan': 'Drag Race Philippines' dives into season 4 with 12 new queens

The tides are rising once again for “Drag Race Philippines” as the franchise officially unveiled its newest batch of competing queens on Wednesday, August 26.

Article (news)

The tides are rising once again for “Drag Race Philippines” as the franchise officially unveiled its newest batch of competing queens on Wednesday, August 26.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787740819788Drag Race Philippines _ Season 4 Promo _ WOW Presents Plus 2-11 screenshot.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>The competing queens of &quot;Drag Race Philippines&quot; season 4 </div>The “Meet the Queens” promo introduces 12 queens through an underwater-themed reveal, with host Paolo Ballesteros taking on a mermaid-inspired look as they welcome the new contenders to the competition.The Season 4 cast consists of Maureen Biology, Katana, Ghulli Ghush, Manza, Bombalicious Eklaver, Valeria, Taylor Sheesh, Dixxxy Decoy, Bhorj Gum, Andy Crocker, Merckz, and Misua.The reveal also carries a bittersweet note as Misua, one of the queens set to compete this season, died in her sleep on April 2 at age 27.World of Wonder and “Drag Race Philippines” previously announced that production had been paused following her death to support the cast and crew.Now, in the first official look at the season, the queens emerge in a sea-inspired world of shimmering scales, pearls, flowing silhouettes, and mermaid-like styling, matching the franchise&#x27;s underwater motif.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1787740388492Drag Race Philippines _ Season 4 Promo _ WOW Presents Plus 1-10 screenshot.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Mamwa Pao during the Meet the Queens of &quot;Drag Race Philippines&quot; season 4 </div>The promo also pays homage to the Philippines&#x27; maritime identity, with Ballesteros invoking the country&#x27;s enduring connection to the sea through the playful line, “amin ang Perlas ng Silangan,” echoing the familiar moniker for the Philippines while nodding to the country&#x27;s claim over the West Philippine Sea.Season 4 follows the success of the franchise&#x27;s third installment and the acclaimed “Slaysian Royale.”The Philippine edition has crowned three queens so far: Precious Paula Nicole, Captivating Katkat, and Maxie, while “Slaysian Royale” saw Brigiding took the crown.The fourth season was greenlit in October 2025, following the record-breaking performance of “Slaysian Royale,” which was reported to have become the most-watched global premiere on WOW Presents Plus and drew a 50% increase in viewership.The Philippine franchise has likewise continued to make its mark beyond its home competition, with alumni Marina Summers, Eva Le Queen, Minty Fresh, M1ss Jade So, Viñas DeLuxe, Brigiding, Arizona Brandy, Bernie, and Khianna going on to compete on &quot;vs the World&quot; drag race stages.But long before drag became a global television phenomenon, the art form had already been thriving in Philippine underground scenes and local communities — nestled in the nooks and crannies of bars, barangayan, and even the intimate refuge of blankets and curtains.The arrival of “Drag Race Philippines,” alongside other local drag programs such as “Drag Den with Manila Luzon,” has helped bring that art to a wider audience, giving Filipino drag performers a mainstream platform while showcasing the creativity, humor, fashion, and performance traditions that have long existed within local communities.With season 4 now introducing a new generation of queens, the franchise once again turns the spotlight toward the evolving Filipino drag scene — this time from beneath the waves.&quot;Drag Race Philippines&quot; season 4 premieres every Friday starting September 25 on WOW Presents Plus worldwide.

The tides are rising once again for “Drag Race Philippines” as the franchise officially unveiled its newest batch of competing queens on Wednesday, August 26.