Ghulli Ghush gets candid on everything like Cubao Drag, beauty tips, and her pleading appeal to all drag fans
In the heart of Quezon City, where authentic, homegrown drag artistry has its roots, lies Rapture Cafe Bar: home of the Rapture Royalties. Cubao drag has been garnering attention—and rightfully so—after Arizona Brandy championed the venue and her sisters using a Drag Race Philippines-encrusted megaphone.
In many cases, mainstream drag conforms to a particular mold and stage stereotypes, but these constraints don’t apply to Cubao drag. The Rapture Royalties are more unapologetic in a style that embraces chaos and unadulterated fun—an aspect of drag that sometimes gets lost amidst its popularity.
Let’s discover more about one of the Rapture Royalties. Paws up for Ghulli Ghush!
What inspired you to pursue drag?
“Sarili ko. Gusto kong may mapatunayan sa sarili ko. Sa lahat ng sumusuporta sa’kin, sila nagbibigay [ng] sigla sa’kin para ituloy ko.”
What was your first drag performance like?
“Sanay ako mag-perform since grade school. So, my first drag performance was a contest. It was a Gaga event, and I won that lip sync battle. I slayed!”
Who or what are your inspirations that help you shape your drag persona and performances, and why?
“Lady Gaga, siyempre! Mga naging mama ko sa industriya: Andy Crocker, Eva Papaya, Lumina Klum, Divalicious Mariah, and Nadja. I look up to them and sila ‘yung inspirasyon ko and somehow, nag-shape ng drag persona ko.”
Best makeup tip or hack?
“Know what fits you. It will take time, pero trust the process. Find good products that suit you, the right shade of foundation, and contouring.”
Best fashion/styling tip or hack?
“If wala kang butas for earrings, try clip ons. Para hindi malaglag, lagyan ito ng Leukoplast tape. Magpatahi ka if bet mo na fit na fit sa’yo ang costume mo para comfortable ka.”
Top 3 drag essentials?
“Leukoplast tape, spirit gum, [and] enough time for preparation.”
What is Cubao Drag? What makes it different and unique from the others?
“Cubao drag is camp. I think it is way more different from others. When it comes to comedy, pinag-iisipan siyang maigi, pinag-aaralan because comedy needs perfect timing. The humor is pang-masa, which means relatable. But Cubao drag is not just comedy. Dito rin galing at kilala ang impersonation at marami pang iba—it’s a lot. Aside from Malate, dito rin sa Cubao halos nanggaling ang lahat ng magagaling na performers.”
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your sisters?
Be patient. Be kind.
Describe your best performance so far.
“Get Outta My Way” or any Kylie Minogue fantasy!
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your drag journey?
“When the pandemic hit, halos baguhan pa lang ako noon and isa ako sa mga bumubuhay sa pamilya ko that time. Ang hirap! Then, ‘nung um-okay-okay naman na ang lahat, simula ulit sa umpisa dahil halos ubos na rin gamit ko kakabenta para may makain lang.”
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
“When I got the Meta advertisement.”
What’s the best thing about drag?
“I got to go places, meet new people, and fulfillment sa kabaklaan ko.”
Anything else that you’d like to share with us?
Support your local drag! Spread love and kindness. Puntahan niyo ‘yung mga di kilalang drag shows. Watch them and appreciate. Hindi ‘yung kung sino lang sikat, doon kayo, no!
