Precious Paula Nicole on keeping drag culture alive: 'May kasamang responsibility'

The rise of drag superstars like Precious Paula Nicole, who was recently noticed by global pop sensation Lady Gaga, has helped to normalize drag in the Philippines. 

Thanks also to Brigiding, Viñas DeLuxe, Eva Le Queen, and Marina Summers for elevating the country’s drag culture. 

According to Precious, being a "superstar" in the drag scene includes a certain amount of responsibility.

"May kasamang responsibility 'yan. Kailangang tuluy-tuloy 'yung art na binibigay namin. Once na nagkamali ka, masisilip ka. 'Yung mga tao, mas naghihintay na magkamali ka kaysa gumawa ka ng tama. I make sure na lagi akong present at active sa social media at sa work, at siyempre maging good example sa mga tao na naniniwala sa amin," she shared with ABS-CBN News. 

Precious recognized the drag artists that had come before her, adding, "Nakakatuwa naman 'yun. Before pa kami nag-drag, may nakikita na kami sa mainstream. Nakakatuwa lang kasi naituloy namin 'yung legacy na sinimulan nila. May pressure pero gusto ko naman itong pinasok kong mundo."

While authenticity is essential for stardom, Precious is mindful of individuals who do not appreciate the importance of drag.

"Bago pa nag-boom 'yung 'Drag Race,' may nagsabi na magkaka-basher kasi maraming hindi magugustuhan 'yung ginagawa namin. Sabi nila, 'Huwag na lang magbabasa ng comments.' Pero ako naman, nagbabasa ako. Mas okay na rin na aware ako sa mga nakikita ko kaysa wala akong alam," she expressed. 

She added, "Gusto ko lang naman talaga mag-perform at mag-entertain at mag-inspire. Nung nanalo ako sa 'Drag Race,' bonus ‘yun. Gusto ko talagang mag-perform kasi alam kong dito ako magaling, dito ako mag-e-excel, dito ako maa-appreciate ng mga tao."

At Rampa club in Quezon City, Precious and her fellow drag queens support the LGBTQIA+ community by offering a safe space for people to be themselves. Its owner, Raymond "RS" Francisco, stated in a prior interview that it is an honor to place drag performers in the spotlight, where they can shine and showcase their art.

While their fight for equality is still ongoing, it is worth mentioning that the ceiling has been somewhat smashed, and they are on their way to completely breaking ground with artistic vision and human mission.

Her advice to aspiring drag performers: "Hindi siya madali. Kung talagang passionate sila sa gusto nila, go. Wala akong job nung nag-drag ako. Tiniis ko siya for 12 years na hindi ganoon kalaki 'yung kinikita. Siguro magaling lang akong mag-save ng pera. Siguro 'yung 80% na kikitain mo sa bar, mapupunta sa looks mo. Mas maganda kung may daily job kasi may pangsimula ka at pambili ng mga gagamitin mo. Sobra siyang magastos bukod sa nakakapagod. Para mag-deliver ka ng isang magandang look, magkano na 'yun. Kung may daily job man sila at kaya nilang pagsabayin, yes, pagsabayin nila dahil hindi madali 'yung papasukin nila."

Precious still cannot believe she has achieved stardom, but she sees it as a long path that can be completed by commitment and manifestation. 

She aspires to be a full-time judge on "Drag Race Philippines" and perform with her idols Ru Paul, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce.

"Mina-manifest ko siya kasi nag-guest judge na ako. Kung hindi ako pagdadamutan ng universe, gusto ko. Yes na yes. Kahit nga mag-co-host kay Mama Pao (Paolo Ballesteros). Mina-manifest ko 'yan. Hindi pa kami nagme-meet nina Mama Ru (Ru Paul), Beyonce, at Lady Gaga. Nag-meet kami ni Mama Ru sa drag con pero hindi kami nagkaroon ng time. 'Yung makapag-perform with them, 'yun talaga," she ended.

Precious also co-owns Rampa Drag Club, which just celebrated its anniversary. In the year since its opening, the bar has held a number of important gay and queer events. 

Last year, prominent stars like Vice Ganda, Zsa Zsa Padilla, KaladKaren, and Korina Sanchez came to the club.

Lady Gaga calls Pinoy drag queen Precious Paula Nicole a 'superstar'