Last February 17, 2023 was the official launch of drag queen Viñas Deluxe as a bonafide recording artist of Tarsier Records. The #DragPopMisisLaunchParty was held at Empty Stomach Cafe and Lounge Bar in BGC. 

“This is the beginning,” declared Viñas. “Signing into ABS-CBN Music through Tarsier Records is a very big step sa aking music career.” 

Tarsier Records label head Marey Garcia hopes to pave the way for the drag pop genre in the country. 

“At Tarsier, we value individuality and artistry,” explained Marey. “One of our hopes for the label is to champion drag pop not just as a genre, but as a movement, in collaboration with these multi-talented queens.”

For her first single, Viñas released a remake of the ‘80s hit song “I’m Feeling Sexy Tonight”, which she performed live for the first time during the launch. 

“I found this track very empowering dahil kahit ano man ang aking shape at itsura, if you feel sexy, magiging sexy ka,” explained Viñas. “No matter how I look, if I feel sexy, I will be sexy. It’s all about confidence.”

Viñas fans, the  Debotos and the Instis, were in full force to support her.

“We saw the type of support that you’re giving these queens,” Marey said, crediting Viñas fans for making sure that Viñas’s sound was heard. 

Viñas’s “I’m Feeling Sexy Tonight” was streamed 10,000 times while the lyric video hit 20,000 views in less than a week of its release. 

What made her choose the ‘80s hit for her debut single?

Viñas admitted that it was the record label that suggested the idea to her. Initially, she wanted to write an original song. 

“Akala ko kasi ang galing-galing ko na,” Viñas laughingly said. 

However, things were so busy at the time that she hardly had time to herself. 

“Noong mga time na ‘yun, araw-araw ‘yung shows namin. Sa isang araw, minsan lima ‘yung shows,” she recalled. “So parang hindi ako napupunta sa tamang headspace. Puro malulungkot ‘yung nasusulat ko, e ayokong magpalungkot ng tao. Gusto kong magpasaya.”

She was already getting stressed out, so the label suggested for her to try singing a cover of “I’m Feeling Sexy Tonight.”

Viñas agreed that a familiar song was a good start. 

“Hindi na siya nakakagulat kapag narinig,” she reasoned. “Nilagyan ko lang ng konting spice.”

But first, Viñas  wanted to get the blessing of her friend and colleague first. 

“Gusto kong magpaalam kay Ate Turs,” she said, referring to drag queen Turing, who was with Viñas as one of the contestants in the first season of Drag Race Philippines and was the one who lip-synced to the same song during the show. Thankfully, Turing was supportive of her career and said yes. In fact, Turing played an active role and helped out as the official choreographer of “I’m Feeling Sexy Tonight’s” music video. 

“I’m so happy na part din nito si Ate Turs,” added Viñas. “Walang bad blood kung paano ginawa itong song na ‘to.”

Indeed, there was no hard feelings amongst drag sisters Precious Paula Nicole, Viñas Deluxe, and Brigiding, even though they were technically competitors. 

“Yung panalo ni Precious, parang panalo naming tatlo ‘yun,” Viñas explained of the Divine Divas’ bond. “Kahit may competition kaming tatlo, magkakaiba kami ng ino-offer, so hindi kami nagkakainggitan.”

“Yung kumpetensiya namin is kung nakikita kong nagle-level up siya, gusto kong i-level up din ‘yung art ko,” she added. “So healthy competition.” 

Other drag queens were also in attendance that evening to show their support for Viñas, such as Fewsha Deluxe, Viper, Soleng, and Zimba. 

“Honored,” was how Fewsha Deluxe described being part of the House of Deluxe. 

She remembered how all these was once just a dream for her friend.  

“Lahat ng ‘to, kinukwento lang niya sa akin,” Fewsha reminisced. “Pinapangarap lang niya ‘to, pero ngayon nagkakatotoo na.”

Viñas Deluxe’s debut single “I’m Feeling Sexy Tonight” is now available on streaming platforms. You can also watch the lyric video and music video on YouTube.