MEGA Drag is here to take the scene by storm as it stages the fiercest Filipino drag performers, their most fabulous looks, and their stories of discovery.
A far cry away from its humble roots as a 16th-century theatrical act and underground LGBTQIA+ culture, the act of drag now freely paints the world of art and self-expression. Coming in different forms, drag emerges as a global phenomenon spanning television programs, movies, conventions, fashion shows, and more. The country snags this age with pride as it awaits RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines, a local spin-off of the international Emmy-award-winning show that discovered Filipino queens from around the world like Ongina, Manila Luzon, Jiggly Caliente, Phi Phi O’Hara, Vivienne Pinay, and Rock M. Sakura. MEGA steps in at the prime to unearth new drag talent and craft with its latest title — MEGA Drag that inspires its audience to be “fierce, fabulous, and free”.
Pages Made with Pride
Standing as the newest addition to MEGA’s catalog of titles, MEGA Drag gathers Filipino queens that celebrate the new era of inclusivity and diversity. The magazine will unfold the colorful drag scene in the country that harbors our very own art, talent, and culture. By championing local talent, the title will serve as a stage for aspiring and veteran Filipino drag queens ready to show the world what they’ve got. A platform that seeks to vigorously represent the LGBTQIA+ community, MEGA Drag will archive not only jaw-dropping makeup looks and barrier-breaking fashion ensembles, but also narrate prideful journeys and powerful transformations that seek to inspire different generations of readers.
A Cover Fit for a Queen
Gracing the cover of the maiden issue is Paolo Ballesteros, who gained worldwide acclamation for his fascinating celebrity makeup transformations. He used this talent further for his first lead role in the film, Die Beautiful (2016), where his makeup transformations and drag were at the forefront, gaining him several awards for his performance. Despite having to suppress his love for fashion and beauty at a young age due to the fear of being ridiculed, he soon fearlessly discovered the power of drag that allowed him to play a character larger than life.
The Power of Drag
“’Yong drag, ’yong mga make-up, wig, ipinatong lang ’yan sa akin. Tanggalin mo lahat ng ’yon, nandoon ka pa rin. Ikaw ’yon. So, nasasayo ’yong power na ’yon,” Ballesteros says. For him, drag is not limited to extravagant costumes, props, and makeup. It transcends into something beyond — a superpower of some sort that can be harnessed in everyday life. The transformative art continues to inspire individuals like Ballesteros to live freely. And the magazine seeks to capture this journey with pride. Are you ready, queens? This is only just the beginning. Get ready to witness the full fantasy with MEGA Drag!
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