Our homegrown queens parade their flair for performance art at the HalloQueen Ball Manila, headlined by Sasha Colby and Krystal Versace!
Drag has profound parallelisms to Halloween, as both revolve around transformation and fantasy. Each embodies ingenuity and explores identities, sexualities, and different expressions. The reciprocity stresses a strong cultural synergy and fosters a fun and safe environment for individuals to discover more about themselves. HalloQueen Ball Manila brought together the finest drag artists to throw a party and celebrate what most queer people consider their favorite holiday.
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ØV CÜNT
ØV CÜNT opened the show by marching to the stage with 4 men in red hooded robes. The avant-garde Etivac-ian served ritualistic cunt while perfectly capturing “Sex to the Devil” by Icky Blossoms.
ØV shed her robe to reveal a fully stoned muscle anatomy bodysuit against a fiery backdrop.
The use of satanic imagery or symbols in the context of queer performance represents the multilayered intersections of the two. It’s acting on the otherness society has imposed on us—a rebellious form of expression. Some of us have embraced the labels thrown at us as a response to being vilified by the world for so long, the devil included.
ØV CÜNT was the mistress of the dark ceremonies at this year’s HalloQueen Ball Manila as her eerie yet incredibly charming persona was a balance that fit the occasion.
Yudipota
Yudipota looked like she had descended on Earth from a planet run by robot-like avians that devour mercury.
The Bacolod queen used “Monster” by Lady Gaga to showcase her art. Judging from her social media content, there’s an otherworldly appeal to her visuals that is remarkably enchanting. We can’t wait to see more from her.
Slaytina
Clad in an intricately detailed creature costume, the mother of the alternative drag scene Slaytina radiated in the most menacing aura.
Her performance included a loud cry for supporting local alternative drag artists. Slaytina considered her performance at the HalloQueen Ball Manila as a realized dream. “To be lined up with these amazing, talented, legendary, iconic queens is such a dream come true,” she said.
Aries Night
Drag Den contestant Aries Night was a dark version of a Kylie Minogue showgirl, seen here with Nunoy Revlon and Kervs Revlon from the House of Revlon.
Choreographed by Nectar Nightclub’s Merckz, her performance was a spectacle. “Isa kami sa mga spooky dolls ng Nectar dati na mahilig umeksena, and now we have so many alternative drag queens, my god,” host ØV CÜNT shared when introducing Aries to the audience.
Aries Night recounted her experience doing Drag Den and said, “It helped me discover myself even more. Mas mamahalin ko pa pala ‘yung sarili ko after that journey.”
Tiny Deluxe
Tiny Deluxe served us live vocals, singing “Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo.”
The mesmerizing performance was coupled with a spine-tingling song encapsulating a persistent social issue in our country.
Hana Beshie
Drag Race Philippines Season 2 Miss Congeniality Hana Beshie was a tombstone statue at the HalloQueen Ball Manila. The way this queen’s mind works? We’re always going to be a super fan!
The monochrome Angel sprang to life when Amy Lee of Evanescence started singing “Bring Me To Life.” She was then joined on stage by two zombadings from Cubao DEY XD and Moonlight.
Arizona Brandy
Drag Race Philippines Season 2 first runner-up Arizona Brandy will always find a way to mix her thirst for a good drink into her performances.
The Rapture Royalty personified an Olivia Rodrigo hit: “Vampire.”
Bernie
A clear crowd favorite, Bernie stunned the HalloQueen Ball Manila just by merely existing.
I remember hearing the crowd’s hearts cheering when she updated us on her eye operation. “Mga ka-diday, na-operahan na po ako,” she said while getting emotional as she took in the loud applause that progressed to chanting her name. “Pero hindi pa rin siya tapos,” she added. “May second operation pa sa November 7, ‘yung retina ko naman ‘yung aayusin.”
M1ss Jade So
M1ss Jade So gave a burlesque number with Kylie Minogue’s “The One.” It was also the song she performed last year at the same venue supporting headliner Pangina Heals, but now as a trans superstar who conquered the hearts of the world.
The ultimate “One of one” dazzled in pure goddessa fashion.
ØV CÜNT: “M1ss Jade, ang tanong ng bayan: did you eliminate yourself or you were eliminated?”
M1ss Jade So: “You wanna know the real tea? I eliminated myself because I am Mama Pao. Because I am you, you are me, and we are all one within. Not just I eliminated myself, I crowned myself. I am Katkat in my old life because as the day goes by, when you incarnate, you improve to your highest self for humanity’s maturity. I am now here living my life as M1ss Jade So to fulfill the goddessa that I am so that I could send the message to Earth for humanity’s maturity. I am now the new female Jesus.”
The crowd exploded in glitters and queer jubilation.
HalloQueen Ball Manila is brought to us by Beyond Limits Event Production.
Photography KIM SANTOS and GRANT BABIA
