Nunoy Revlon imparted valuable insights into the culture of the ballroom scene
Ballroom in the Philippines is in its infancy. Labyrinth Ball in 2016 was the debut of the Philippine ballroom scene with three categories: face, runway, and performance. Xyza, the mother of House of Mizrahi and the prime mover of the Philippine ballroom scene, invited the legendary Koppi Mizrahi and former Ninjas Lisa Tsurumatsu and Future as judges. Its popularity has grown during the pandemic and has now seen more people immersing themselves in its deep culture and understanding its most genuine significance.
Nunoy Revlon is a Filipino who competed with his chosen family, the House of Revlon, on HBO’s Legendary. This show illuminated the ballroom culture and all its delicate beauty with a spotlight. He arrived, splashing on our shores when queer subcultures like drag and ballroom were gaining momentum. Now established with his own ballroom house here, he obtains a pivotal role in shaping the community.
Finding Ballroom
Nunoy came from a conservative Roman Catholic family in the Netherlands—his parents are conversion therapists. This practice that subjects queer individuals to harmful techniques or brainwashing led Nunoy to flee the situation. At first, he didn’t know where to go until one fateful night when he randomly went into a club in Amsterdam where a ball was happening and got pulled on the stage by the emcee to walk sex siren.
“Discovering ballroom at 19 helped me overcome trauma, embrace myself for who I truly am, and believe in my power,” he said. “When you are young and lost, ballroom is a way to escape reality and express yourself, but that doesn’t mean you don’t face your problems. Ballroom is there to help ease the burdens.”
Ballroom Houses
Houses are mostly named after fashion or makeup brands because that’s where they find a sense of identity and resonance. Thus, it became House of Revlon because they were initially known for the face category.
Houses have different visions and ideals; for the House of Revlon, family is the number one priority. Other houses focus on fashion, winning, activism, etc.
Just like how Nunoy is the father of the House of Revlon here in the Philippines, parents act as mentors and advisers for the adopted or recruited kids. “When you join a house, you don’t join a house for the balls. You don’t join the house for the runways. You join the house because you feel home. Ballroom is home. Joining a house means it’s for the rest of your life,” Nunoy said. Parents offer support, knowledge, and guidance to ensure their kids become the best versions of themselves. That includes training, ensuring they stay in school or have jobs, and helping in makeup and styling.
“My house is my everything.”
Kiki Balls
A kiki ball is a more informal approach to traditional balls. These events sprung out so young queer individuals who may not have access to more established houses can participate and flaunt their self-expression. This platform allows you to discover who you are and practice and prepare for the majors. “Not much pressure, more fun, and less competitive,” Nunoy said.
Photos: NUNOY REVLON (via Instagram)
