Drag Queens at 'Kween Con' on Self-Expression, Dreaming Big, and Finding Lifelong Friends in the Community

Photo from @smnorthedsa

Skydome at SM North EDSA transformed into a colored arch paradise as drag queens showed off their talents through the recently held “Kween Con,” a pride celebration with creative acts and inspiring musings under the rainbow.

Hosted by Baus Rufo, “Kween Con“ wowed the crowd with appearances from every winner of the Philippine franchise of Drag Race Philippines: Precious Paula Nicole from S1, Captivating Katkat from S2, and Maxie Andreison from S3. Joining them were other Ru-girls—Angel Galang, Brigiding, Khianna with a K, Viñas Deluxe, Zymbading, Your Tita Baby, Hana Beshie, Arizona Brandy—who all presented their iconic lip syncs. Also present at the occasion were PLDT Drag to Store S1 Winner Kieffy Nicole and PLDT Drag to Store S2 Winner Curvedilol Filipinas.

Hana Beshie

Captivating Katkat

 Zymbading

Every drag queen has a unique branding that reflects their self-expression of art and creativity. Some delivered campy performances, while others hit the stage with signature stunts, equally energizing the crowd. 

More than the joy drag queens bring to their supporters, they also become an inspiration to everyone, uplifting the community through pride causes and escorting drag artistry to the mainstream. Khianna, the first runner-up from Drag Race Philippines Season 3, recounts her journey before joining the competition, motivating everyone to keep pursuing what they love.

Khianna with a K

Angel Galang

Maxie Andreison

“You know what, when I was a child, pangarap ko talaga maging performer. If you have a dream, i-pursue niyo talaga because you will never know. And also, sinasabi ni Marina na ‘Dream big.’ Don’t limit yourself, dream big.”

Maxie expounded on the meaning of “dreams,” emphasizing that aspirations aren’t only for young people and that they come regardless of age and time: “Ang pangarap ay hindi lang para sa mga bata. Hindi porke't po matanda na kayo ay wala na kayo karapatan mangarap. Mangarap nang mangarap, lakihan niyo ‘yung pangarap niyo, at huwag na huwag kayong titigil hangga’t hindi niyo natutupad sa sarili niyo ‘yung pangarap niyo. Lagi kayong maniniwala sa sarili [niyo]. ‘Wag kayong mapapagod—matulog, kumain, mag-rest, pero patuloy pa rin sa life.”

Viñas Deluxe, Precious Paula Nicole, and Brigiding

Apart from the inspirational quotes, there is also friendship fostered over the years of being together. Precious Paula Nicole, Brigiding, and Vinas Deluxe, also known as Divine Divas, reminisced about their memories together—from being each other’s rival during the run of Drag Race Philippines Season 1 to the challenges that arose after the show.

Brigiding is the first one to share her heartfelt message for her friends, saying, “Every year, mas nakikilala namin ‘yung isa’t-isa. Kung nu’ng una nakita niyo na ang saya-saya namin sa Season 1 tapos nagkaroon ng Seasons 2 and 3. Sa taon na ‘to ninyo makikita kung gaano katatag ‘yung friendship naming tatlo. Marami kaming gagawin na pasabog this year. So please, abangan niyo ‘yan.”

Brigiding

Viñas Deluxe

Precious Paula Nicole

Viñas Deluxe then voiced out her admiration for her fellow drag queens, sharing, “You are my safety net. Kumbaga mawala man lahat, makaaway ko man lahat ng drag queens, alam ko nandito ‘tong dalawang sisters ko. And I’m so happy and inspired by them, kaya gumaganda ang ating drag is because napapaligiran ako ng mga amazing queens like them.”

Precious Paula Nicole also expressed her love for her sisters, describing a kind of friendship that feels like family: “Matagal-tagal ko na kasi silang kaibigan. Si Brigiding, kaibigan ko for 13 years. Tapos si Viñas for 10 years. So alam mo, sabi ko nga, hindi na sila p'wede mawala sa buhay ko, para na silang mga asawa at anak.”

 Arizona Brandy

Your Tita Baby

 Kieffy Nicole and Curvedilol Filipinas

The queens also promote the upcoming season of Drag Race Philippines in its new format: Slaysian Royale. With renowned drag queens as part of the panel of judges, including Paolo Ballesteros, Marina Summers, Pangina Heels, Precious Paula Nicole, KaladKaren, Alyssa Edwards, Captivating Katkat, Sasha Colby, and Jimbo. The cast and premiere date are yet to be announced. Catch Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale exclusively at Wow Presents Plus.

Photos from @smnorthedsa