Drag queen Bianca Del Rio entertained her Filipino fans at the New Frontier Theatre last January 17, delivering spontaneous punchlines and unapologetic humor that had the entire audience bursting into laughter. The “Dead Inside: Asia Comedy Tour“ marks her third time in the country, further solidifying her status as a beloved performer within the Philippine drag community.

The RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 winner is prominently recognized as a sharp-tongued queen with quick-witted remarks. Whether she’s poking fun at fellow drag queens, celebrities, or fans, Bianca’s impromptu lines have become a cultural reset for her followers. Many of her quips have even become iconic quotes that live rent-free in fans’ minds, often tossed out during drag conversations and banter.

Drag artistry encompasses an array of branding opportunities for queens. Some focus on camp, others on fashion, combined with comedic skits as their winning trophy. Though every queen has their own unique way of identifying themselves in the community—through talents, humor, or out-of-the-box acts—only a select few possess the winning glow or full-packaged drag queen.

During her press conference in Manila, ahead of her show, Metro.Style asked Bianca for insights on what qualities make a drag queen shine as a winner in a competition like RuPaul’s Drag Race. According to her, it’s not just about delivering a great performance—it’s also about the attitude you bring to the show:

“I think a lot of it has to do (which people forget) is personality—your personality. I think there are very few people who possess the ability to be a performing drag queen and a reality show—there’s a huge difference between the two. Very rarely [do] those two come together. Because you could love someone on TV, and then you go see them on stage performing you’ll be like (that wasn’t good).“

Now in its 17th season, RuPaul’s Drag Race has paved the way for drag queens worldwide. For contestants, airtime is often the key to gaining recognition, and Bianca stretched her recommendations on the attributes queens should bring to the competition:

“Going into a reality you're gonna be showcased to the world, I think that you just need to adapt to the environment. I think a lot of people get in their head and think that they know the game and got it figured out (I’m gonna be fierce and I’m gonna turn the party). Just go there and be a human being and I guarantee the camera will pick it up.”

Even in the Philippines, drag artistry continues to expand its reach, breaking barriers and opening doors for the LGBTQIA+ community. Aspiring drag queens now look up to Filipino drag icons, hoping to follow in their footsteps. When asked to share a piece of advice for young performers, Bianca emphasized the importance of faith, saying, “One word that I would use to young people, I would say ‘faith,’ not meaning in a religious way, but faith in what you do, faith in your performance, and then if things are bad, you can turn around.” 

Lead photo from @thebiancadelrio