Drag Den (Season 1)

Drag Den
1	2

Season 1
Overall Information
No. of Episodes	8
No. of Contestants	8
Premiere	December 8, 2022
Finale	January 26, 2023
Season Information
Winner	Naia
Host	Manila Luzon
Judges	Manila Luzon Nicole Cordoves (Drag Dealer) Sassa Gurl (Drag Runner)
Season Chronology
Next →	Season 2

The first season of Drag Den was officially announced by Project 8 and CS Studios on July 1, 2021. Manila Luzon headlines as the show's host.

Casting for the season began on August 15, 2021, and closed on September 1, 2021. On September 16, 2021, the show announced that public voting would be held to allow a queen from a shortlist of auditionees to become an official contestant of the show through "Call Beks", which ran from September 17, 2021 to September 23, 2021.

On November 17, 2022, it was announced on the show's official Twitter page that it would air on Prime Video Philippines starting December 8, 2022. Furthermore, Filipino TikTok star Sassa Gurl was revealed be the show's Drag Runner, while Miss Grand International 2016 1st Runner-up Nicole Cordoves was revealed to be the show's Drag Dealer, with Manila Luzon being named the Drag Lord.

The cast was officially announced on November 17, 2022. Cast promos were revealed one-by-one from November 18, 2022 to November 25, 2022.

The winner of the season was Naia, who was crowned as the first Filipino Drag Supreme. Meanwhile, Shewarma was the runner-up.

About the Show

"Ang chika gusto n’yo raw ng drag cartel? We heard you, and we’re making sure na DRAGDAGULAN to!! The first ever drag reality show in the country is finally here! With one of the biggest and most stunning drag bosses, Manila Luzon! Handa na ba kayong makipag-Dragdagulan?"

Format

Themewear Drag Test

The Themewear Drag Test involves walking the runway in front of the judges and explaining what their looks are inspired by, with each episode's theme being assigned beforehand by Manila Luzon.

Main Drag Showdown

The Main Drag Showdown may be a themed runway or challenge which comes with numerous twists that would allow queens to show their runway looks and/or their talents in the challenge.

Dragdagulan Showdown

The Dragdagulan Showdown for Season 1 involves dancing and performing between two (or sometimes three) opponents while needing to avoid a huge spiked wrecking ball that the chosen queens may throw around to their opponent. If the winner of the Main Drag Showdown emerges victorious in the Dragdagulan Showdown, they win a competitive advantage; otherwise, this perk goes to their opponent.

Contestants

Aries Night	Barbie-Q	Lady Gagita	Maria Cristina
Naia	O-A	Pura Luka Vega	Shewarma

(Stage names, ages and locations stated from during time of contest)

Rank	Contestant	Photo	Age	Location	Ep. 1	Ep. 2	Ep. 3	Ep. 4	Ep. 5	Ep. 6	Ep. 7	Ep. 8
					Runway	Stand Up	Runway	Girl Groups	Runway	Runway	Special	Finale
1st (Winner)	Naia		26	Las Piñas, Metro Manila	SAFE	HIGH D.S. Loss	HIGH	SAFE	HIGH	HIGH + TOP 3	RUN	WINNER
2nd (Runner-Up)	Shewarma		22	Pateros, Metro Manila	WIN D.S. Loss	SAFE	HIGH	HIGH	SAFE	HIGH + TOP 3	RUN	RUNNER UP
3rd	Maria Cristina		28	Malolos, Bulacan	SAFE	WIN D.S. Win	WIN D.S. Loss	HIGH	SAFE	TOP 3	RUN	ELIM
4th	Barbie-Q		35	Quezon City, Metro Manila	SAFE	SAFE	WIN D.S. Win	SAFE	SAFE	WIN + ELIM	GUEST	GUEST
5th	Lady Gagita		29	Davao City, Davao del Sur	HIGH	SAFE	SAFE	WIN D.S. Win	SAFE	ELIM	GUEST	GUEST
6th	Aries Night		24	Antipolo, Rizal	SAFE D.S. Win	HIGH	SAFE	SAFE D.S. Loss	WIN D.S. Loss	WIN + ELIM	GUEST	GUEST
7th	O-A (Call Beks Phase)		24	Parañaque, Metro Manila	HIGH	SAFE	SAFE	SAFE	WIN D.S. Win	ELIM	GUEST	GUEST
8th	Pura Luka Vega		32	Manila, Metro Manila	SAFE	SAFE	HIGH	SAFE	HIGH D.S. Loss	ELIM	GUEST	GUEST

█ The contestant won Drag Den.

█ The contestant was a runner-up.

█ The contestant was eliminated in the finale.

█ The contestant was announced as a finalist.

█ The contestant was one of the best, but did not win the Main Drag Showdown, and was announced as a finalist.

█ The contestant was still in the running, but didn't compete in the episode.

█ The contestant won the Main Drag Showdown and the Dragdagulan Showdown.

█ The contestant won the Main Drag Showdown but lost the Dragdagulan Showdown.

█ The contestant did not win the Main Drag Showdown, but was selected for the Dragdagulan Showdown and won.

█ The contestant did not win the Main Drag Showdown, but was selected for the Dragdagulan Showdown and lost.

█ The contestant was one of the best, did not win the Main Drag Showdown, was selected for the Dragdagulan Showdown and lost.

█ The contestant was selected by the judges as one of the best, but did not win the Main Drag Showdown and did not get selected for the Dragdagulan Showdown.

█ The contestant won the Main Drag Showdown, but failed to accumulate enough total points to become a finalist and was eliminated.

█ The contestant failed to accumulate enough total points to become a finalist and was eliminated.

█ The contestant appeared as a guest, but was out of the running.

Rounds Ranking

Contestant	1	2	3	4	5	6	BR	7	Total	Average
Naia	8th	2nd	3rd	4th	3rd	3rd	TOP 3	Winner	UD	UD
Shewarma	1st	7th	4th	2nd	7th	4th	TOP 3	Runner-Up	UD	UD
Maria Cristina	4th	1st	1st	3rd	8th	7th	TOP 3	3rd Place	UD	UD
Barbie-Q	7th	6th	1st	6th	5th	1st	4th		90.2	12.89
Lady Gagita	2nd	5th	6th	1st	6th	6th	5th		90.14	12.88
Aries Night	6th	3rd	8th	8th	1st	1st	6th		87.53	12.5
O-A	3rd	8th	7th	7th	1st	5th	7th		87.43	12.49
Pura Luka Vega	5th	4th	4th	5th	4th	8th	8th		87.2	12.46

Episodes

Series #	Episode #	Title	Airdate
1	1	Drag Raid	December 8, 2022
2	2	Drag Trippin'	December 15, 2022
3	3	Dangerous Drags	December 22, 2022
4	4	High on Drags	December 29, 2022
5	5	Drag Mafia	January 5, 2023
6	6	Drag is Political	January 12, 2023
7	7	BONUS: #DragOutSpecial	January 19, 2023
8	8	Drag Encounter	January 26, 2023

Episode 1: "Drag Raid"

Airdate: December 8, 2022

Synopsis: The den is finally open! The “Drag Lord” Manila Luzon, together with her “Drag Dealer” Nicole Cordoves, and “Drag Runner” Sassa Gurl, welcome the eight aspiring queens as they embark on an eight-week dragventurous competition showcasing their wit, talent and beauty to become the first Pinoy drag supreme.

"Themewear Drag Test" - Pinoy National Symbols

"Main Drag Showdown" - Philippine National Costume

• Drag Enforcer: Catriona Gray
• Themewear Drag Test: Showcase outfits inspired by national symbols of the Philippines, whether recognized by law or seen in the Philippine society.
• Main Drag Showdown: Showcase outfits inspired by festivals celebrated throughout the Philippines.
• Main Drag Showdown Winner: Shewarma
• Dragdagulan Showdown: Shewarma vs. Aries Night
• Dragdagulan Showdown Winner: Aries Night

Themewear Drag Test Inspirations

Contestant	Pinoy National Symbols
Aries Night	Golly the Dog	National Dog
Barbie-Q	Sampaguita Rock	National Flower
Lady Gagita	Pharma Lee	National Head Band
Maria Cristina	Perlas Yarn	National Gem
Naia	Wham Pipti	National Sport
O-A	TT Modax	National House
Pura Luka Vega	Arlington Paz	National Outfit of the Dead
Shewarma	Cara Bow	National Animal

Main Drag Showdown Inspirations

Contestant	Philippine National Costume
Aries Night	Bambanti Festival
Barbie-Q	Balayong Festival
Lady Gagita	Sinulog Festival
Maria Cristina	Aguila Festival
Naia	Carabao Festival
O-A	Wattah Wattah Festival
Pura Luka Vega	Masskara Festival
Shewarma	Higantes Festival

Episode 2: "Drag Trippin'"

Airdate: December 15, 2022

Synopsis: Happiness fills the halls of Drag Den as all eight queens continue their journey to rise to the top without fear of being eliminated. Since everyone is in a good mood, the Drag Lord wants to find out if the queens can manifest their joy into a riotous night of laughter and cheers. Will they manage to tickle the funny bones of Manila, Nicole, and the guest “Drag Enforcer”, comedian K Brosas?

"Themewear Drag Test" - Pinoy Novelty Songs

"Main Drag Showdown" - Laughing in Tandem

• Drag Enforcer: K Brosas
• Themewear Drag Test: Showcase outfits inspired by music videos of or the overall message of a Filipino song.
• Main Drag Showdown: In pairs, prepare a comedy sketch inspired by Philippine politics.
• Main Drag Showdown Winner: Maria Cristina
• Dragdagulan Showdown: Maria Cristina vs. Naia
• Dragdagulan Showdown Winner: Maria Cristina

Themewear Drag Test Inspirations

Contestant	Pinoy Novelty Songs
Aries Night	"Beep Beep Beep Ang Sabi ng Jeep"	by Willie Revillame
Barbie-Q	"Igiling-Giling"	by Willie Revillame
Lady Gagita	"Chuva Choo Choo"	by Jolina Magdangal
Maria Cristina	"Si Filemon"	by Yoyoy Villame
Naia	"'Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin"	by April Boy Regino
O-A	"Annie Batungbakal"	by Hotdog
Pura Luka Vega	"Talikodgenic Man Ako"	by Herlene "Sexy Hipon" Budol
Shewarma	"Kikay"	by Viva Hot Babes

Main Drag Showdown

Pairs
Aries Night	Shewarma
Barbie-Q	Lady Gagita
Maria Cristina	Naia
O-A	Pura Luka Vega

Episode 3: "Dangerous Drags"

Airdate: December 22, 2022

Synopsis: Tensions start to rise as the queens enter their third week of the competition. A past unsettled issue between Lady Gagita and O-A resurfaced that forced some queens to take sides. Sassa Gurl, on the other hand, has another sinister plot in mind to test how the queens are really treating each other. Are they truly sisters or saboteurs?

"Themewear Drag Test" - Pinoy Kontrabida

"Main Drag Showdown" - Aswangang Bayan

• Drag Enforcer: Eula Valdez
• Themewear Drag Test: Showcase outfits inspired by notable antagonists of Philippine telenovela shows.
• Main Drag Showdown: Showcase outfits inspired by evil and/or mythical creatures from Filipino urban legends and folklore.
• Main Drag Showdown Winners: Barbie-Q and Maria Cristina
• Dragdagulan Showdown: Barbie-Q vs. Maria Cristina
• Dragdagulan Showdown Winner: Barbie-Q

Themewear Drag Test Inspirations

Contestant	Pinoy Kontrabida
Aries Night	Rubi Rubi	main character of the series Rubi
Barbie-Q	Daniella Mungdragon	a pun on Daniela Mondragon, a character from the show Kadenang Ginto
Lady Gagita	Lavinia Copycat	a pun on Lavinia Arguelles, a character from the show Bituing Walang Ningning
Maria Cristina	Valentina Moran	based around the snake goddess from Darna
Naia	Georgia Ferrero	a pun on Georgia Ferrer, Jerome Fuentabella's mistress from the show Ika-6 na Utos
O-A	Bb. Vivora	based around a serpent loyal to Valentina in Darna
Pura Luka Vega	Soraya Montenegro	based around the main antagonist from the Filipino remake of the Mexican telenovela María la del Barrio
Shewarma	Mx. Minchin	based around Ms. Minchin from the movie Sarah... Ang Munting Prinsesa

Main Drag Showdown Inspirations

Contestant	Aswangang Bayan
Aries Night	White Lady
Barbie-Q	Kapre
Lady Gagita	Manananggal
Maria Cristina	Minokawa
Naia	Sigbin
O-A	Tikbalang
Pura Luka Vega	Mangkukulam
Shewarma	Siyokoy

Episode 4: "High on Drags"

Airdate: December 29, 2022

Synopsis: The den becomes a world of fantasy with fairy tale characters and superheroes! But before the queens transform into another persona, an unexpected confrontation breaks out.

"Themewear Drag Test" - Pinoy Fantasy Characters

"Main Drag Showdown" - Musikalye: Chupaheroes

• Drag Enforcer: KZ Tandingan
• Themewear Drag Test: Showcase outfits inspired by characters from fantasy telenovela shows in the Philippines.
• Main Drag Showdown: Write and perform an original verse to the song "May Kapa".
• Main Drag Showdown Winner: Lady Gagita
• Dragdagulan Showdown: Lady Gagita vs. Aries Night
• Dragdagulan Showdown Winner: Lady Gagita

Themewear Drag Test Inspirations

Contestant	Pinoy Fantasy Characters
Aries Night	Agua Bendita	based around the Filipino TV show Agua Bendita
Barbie-Q	Marinar	a pun on the titular character of the show Marina
Lady Gagita	Pang'he Pirena	a pun on Sang'gre Pirena, one of the four main characters from the show Encantadia
Maria Cristina	Ravenal	based around one of the characters from the film Magic Temple
Naia	Dyesebel Rama	a pun based around Dyesebel, a mermaid comic book character
O-A	Kampanerang Kupal	a pun on Kampanerang Kuba, the titular character from the show Kampanerang Kuba
Pura Luka Vega	Sarimanoka	based around the Sarimanok, a legendary bird from Philippine mythology
Shewarma	Blusang Jitim	a pun on a Filipino TV show titled Blusang Itim

Main Drag Showdown Inspirations

Groups	Musikalye: Chupaheroes
The Sopranotes	Aries Night	Goldibaks
	Maria Cristina	Lunas
	O-A	Cammiesha the Chameleon
	Shewarma	Baklava
The Jutyfrees	Barbie-Q	Cybora
	Lady Gagita	Marvelous Marites
	Naia	Ultra Ulala
	Pura Luka Vega	Filipinars

Episode 5: "Drag Mafia"

Airdate: January 5, 2023

Synopsis: Filipinos are rich in traditions and this is almost manifested in various holidays spread across the calendar. And tonight, the queens put a unique twist and glam on these important or official events of the year on their themewear showcase.

"Themewear Drag Test" - Pinoy Holidays

"Main Drag Showdown" - Kasalang Bayan

• Drag Enforcer: Francis Libiran
• Themewear Drag Test: Showcase outfits inspired by holidays celebrated throughout the Philippines.
• Main Drag Showdown: Showcase outfits that the contestants wish to wear at their weddings.
• Main Drag Showdown Winners: Aries Night and O-A
• Dragdagulan Showdown: Aries Night vs. O-A vs. Pura Luka Vega
• Dragdagulan Showdown Winner: O-A

Themewear Drag Test Inspirations

Contestant	Pinoy Holidays
Aries Night	Sonana What's My Name	a pun on Rihanna's song What's My Name?, albeit based around the State of the Nation Address given by Philippine presidents
Barbie-Q	Ara Mina-Mano Po	a pun on Ara Mina, albeit based around Chinese New Year
Lady Gagita	Undas Spot	All Saints' Day
Maria Cristina	Bayanijuan	Labor Day
Naia	Lusis Torres	a pun on Lucy Torres-Gomez, albeit based around New Year
O-A	Miss Valentine S. Day	Valentine's Day
Pura Luka Vega	Starla	named after the Filipino TV show Starla, albeit based around Christmas
Shewarma	Lil Pro Chik@szxxx	Simbang Gabi

Main Drag Showdown Inspirations

Contestant	Kasalang Bayan
Aries Night	Divine Intervention
Barbie-Q	Bridgette
Lady Gagita	Doble Kara
Maria Cristina	Metamorphosis
Naia	The Red Wedding
O-A	Bride Collection
Pura Luka Vega	Luka's Bleeding Love
Shewarma	Lola Tessy

Episode 6: "Drag is Political"

Airdate: January 12, 2023

Synopsis: Drag is not just all about fun, glamor and beauty, and the queens must realize their power to deliver messages that truly matter. In this episode, their voices are amplified with their visual interpretation of their respective advocacies – from bullying to AIDS awareness, and as a Woman of Power highlighted with an extemporaneous speech.

"Themewear Drag Test" - Pinoy Protest Fashion

"Main Drag Showdown" - Women of Power

• Drag Enforcers: Antoinette Jadaone and Mela Habijan
• Themewear Drag Test: Showcase outfits inspired by injustices and social issues that the contestants wish to protest for or against.
• Main Drag Showdown: Showcase outfits reminiscent of women in the contestants' lives that made an important impact to them.
• Main Drag Showdown Winner: Aries Night and Barbie-Q
• Dragdagulan Showdown: Lip sync to the song mentioned below to gain additional points.
• Lip Sync Song: "Sinner" by Kio Priest feat. Paulo Castro
• Eliminated: Aries Night, Barbie-Q, Lady Gagita, O-A, and Pura Luka Vega

Themewear Drag Test Inspirations

Contestant	Pinoy Protest Fashion
Aries Night	Gising	protests about inequality in the Philippines based on the painting Spoliarium by Juan Luna
Barbie-Q	Jennifer Louder	a pun on Jennifer Laude, and protests about protecting transgender people in the Philippines and their rights
Lady Gagita	Cancel Cancel Culture	protests about the negativity surrounding targets of cancel culture
Maria Cristina	U = U	protests about educating Filipinos that undetectable PLHIV cannot transmit the virus to others
Naia	The Rebel Woman	protests about corruption among government officials in the Philippines
O-A	U Kay?	a pun on the term ukay-ukay, and protests about violations done to laborers with the rise of fast fashion
Pura Luka Vega	Gun Violence	protests about rampant police brutality in the Philippines
Shewarma	Stop Killing Farmers	protests about unfair treatment of and massacring farmers in the Philippines

Main Drag Showdown Inspirations

Contestant	Women of Power
Aries Night	Textile Memory
Barbie-Q	Filipina Transdyosa
Lady Gagita	Confidently Powerful with a Heart
Maria Cristina	Women of Color
Naia	Corruption
O-A	Go Gina
Pura Luka Vega	Mother Nature
Shewarma	Barda!

Top Three of Season 1

Contestant	Main Drag Showdown Wins	Dragdagulan Showdown Wins
	2 (Eps. 2, 3)	1 (Ep. 2)
	0	0
	1 (Ep. 1)	0

Episode 7: "BONUS: #DragOutSpecial"

Airdate: January 19, 2023

Synopsis: The competition takes a break before the much-awaited finale. This special episode showcases some never-before-seen footage during the competition and takes us back to how the series began, and what made it important in the Philippine drag scene. Finally, we get to know more about the struggles and triumphs of the Top 3 queens who will compete in the final showdown of wit, talent and beauty.

Episode 8: "Drag Encounter"

Airdate: January 26, 2023

Synopsis: The rise of the supreme is not a walk in the park, especially when you're wearing a pair of 10-inch heels! Our three remaining queens must outshine each other in the final drag showdown of National Costume, Dragdagulan in Swimwear, Long Gown, and of course, the Question and Answer. Finally, special legendary guests grace the stage of Drag Den to witness and crown the first Pinoy Drag Supreme.

National Costume

Dragdagulan Showdown - "Swimwear"

Long Gown

• Drag Cartel Recruits: Aries Night, Barbie-Q, Lady Gagita, O-A, and Pura Luka Vega
• Special Guests: Mama Bobby, Mama Letlet, and Mama Pie
• Dragdagulan Showdown: Lip sync to the song mentioned below while wearing swimwear.
• Lip Sync Song: "Kilometro" by Sarah Geronimo
• Eliminated: Maria Cristina
• Winner of Season 1: Naia
• Runner-up: Shewarma

National Costume Inspirations

Contestant	National Costume
Maria Cristina	Karagatan
Naia	Myrna
Shewarma	Bumba

Swimwear Inspirations

Contestant	Swimwear
Maria Cristina	Kalangitan
Naia	Elnora
Shewarma	Fireball

Long Gown Inspirations

Contestant	Long Gown
Maria Cristina	Kalupaan
Naia	Aura
Shewarma	Phoenix Rise

The First Pinoy Drag Supreme,
Naia

Shewarma,
1st Runner-up

Maria Cristina,
2nd Runner-up

Trivia

• Season 1 of Drag Den was the show's first season...
  • to cast a bearded contestant, Pura Luka Vega.
  • to have a contestant be directly cast after winning a public vote, O-A.
  • to cast queens from the Luzon and Mindanao islands.
  • to feature a non-elimination format until before its semi-final.
  • to simultaneously eliminate winners of a Main Drag Showdown in an episode, Aries Night and Barbie-Q.
  • to crown a winner who has not won a Main Drag Showdown and a Dragdagulan Showdown, Naia.
• Season 1 of Drag Den is the first drag competition to have four official show promos (White and Gold, Manila by Night, Black and Gold, and Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara).

Gallery

Check out the lookbook gallery to see the contestants' looks from each episode.

Check out the video gallery to see challenge performances, runways, lip syncs, and more!

Promo

Drag Den Logo

Manila Luzon's Promo Look

Manila Luzon's Promotional Poster Look

"Just Woke Up" Teaser

Prime Video Promo

Prime Video Promo Banner

Prime Video Promo Poster

Promo Poster

Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara Promo

Navigation

Drag Den Season 1
Winner	Naia
Runners-Up	2nd: Shewarma • 3rd: Maria Cristina
Other Contestants	4th: Barbie-Q • 5th: Lady Gagita • 6th: Aries Night • 7th: O-A • 8th: Pura Luka Vega
Judges	Manila Luzon • Nicole Cordoves
Coaches	Sassa Gurl
Models	Abed Green • Eli Padilla