A few seconds of their time for a little wink, wink and nudge, nudge? Whether for a bit of relief or story development, the impact that these Filipino drag queens hold is unmatched.
Impact, as we have come to learn, especially in the hyper sped world of the internet, does not run parallel to a stretched out length of time. When taking into account the people or moments that make a dent on the cultural zeitgeist of a given context, the age-old adage comes to mind: quality over quantity. However overstated, it is true, it is difficult to measure or formulate this type of success, more so when talking about standing out in the saturate spectrum of pop culture. In films and television, for example, there is no greater joy when whether for character development, an earnest homage, or a shriek-inducing fan service, a cameo is spotted as the narrative unravels.
Admittedly, it can be extremely difficult to continue suspending disbelief, as is requisite of consuming fiction, but for a short period of time, as in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it, nothing quite equates to the lashing of happiness. And no matter where you pledge allegiance to in terms of interest or fandom, such as the auteur-favored nods of Alfred Hitchcock, the divisive appearances in Star Wars and Marvel films, and the current obsession of the world with drag queens, this wink, wink and nudge, nudge moment is almost always guaranteed to make you ooh and ahhh.
Drag queens are no stranger to making cameos—the unexpected appearance of your favorite in a limited scene amid the cinematic exposition, not the video-sharing app credited for creating fun and personal fan connections. Remember when RuPaul played Rachel Tensions, the reigning drag queen of the year in To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar? It wasn’t just everyone’s mother that dazzled in the opening scene, but a whole gaggle of New York legends such as Hedda Lettuce, Lady Bunny, and Miss Coco Peru. Locally, Precious Paula Nicole made a memorable moment for herself in Die Beautiful, which coincidentally starred Paolo Ballesteros.
They Really Said, Cameo!
Now, with the renaissance of drag in the world, and most especially in the Philippines, drag queens have slowly and surely found more spaces to occupy in mainstream entertainment, even for just a few seconds. From commercials, TV shows, and in the most apparent executions of music videos, it has been a most welcome surprise to spot Filipino drag queens waving the banner of pride.
Beyond just novelty, everyone wants a piece of our Filipino drag queens, and it’s about damn time they get their superstar due, because at its most essential, these cameos are a celebration of the indomitable queer spirit. From holding their own in a glittering assemblage headlined by a celebrity or underscoring the influence of drag in an assertion of sisterhood with fellow queens, as well as of LGBTQIA+ artists and performers in music videos, they inevitably end up stealing the spotlight. They can’t help it, because that is just how enthralling and radiant these showstoppers are.
At this point, there really is no stopping our Filipino drag queens from dominating every corner of content consumption and pop culture. Besides, in the landscape of film and television, you know you made it when you all they need from you is even just a bit of your time. A few seconds to a quick couple of minutes of the Filipino drag excellence going toe-to-toe with our playlist mainstay of a song or pop act of the moment? We don’t mind to squint, so sign us up to play a game of “was that (insert name of your favorite Filipino drag queen)?” Because most likely, yes, that was her.
