Someone call the doctor? Not for this Pharmaceutical Queen whose drag artistry doesn’t need to be cured
As the hype on Drag Race Philippines Season 3 continues to make waves in the country, an up-and-coming artist is relishing her recent victory at a relatively smaller, but equally important, drag competition. Meet Curvedilol Filipinas, 29, who had just won PLDT Home’s Drag to Store Superstar Search—a series of themed events in collaboration with HBO GO that saw emerging drag artists in competition with each other a la the hit reality show. Curvedilol, a registered pharmacist by day hence her drug-inspired name, bested five others at the telco brand’s weekly in-store events—electrifying mall goers with her performances and costumes, all in the name of promoting diversity, inclusivity, and the fast-growing drag industry she calls art.
Curvedilol Filipinas, real name McCain Dauz, may have only taken home PHP30,000 for the grand prize. But to her, she won something even bigger.
“The experience validated me and my purpose as a drag queen. I was able to inspire people with my stories,” Curvedilol tells MEGA Drag. Speaking like a newly crowned royal, she confidently shares, “Seeing and working together with the queens from Drag Race Philippines at Drag to Store has brought me immense fulfillment. Beyond that, I am proud that I’ve paid it forward through my art – drawing inspiration from my personal experiences and the people who have supported me along the way.”
A Star is Born
One can say Curvedilol is just starting her journey. Facing a different set of expectations from his own family, a young McCain secretly did his dress-ups away from judgment. “There was always a clear expectation for me to act manly, and they would always tell me before na bawal babakla-bakla,” he recalls.
Yet, McCain found refuge at school and then at work. He would go all out in his outfits and perform in front of his friends which gave him the space to nurture his talent and femininity. He was finally embracing his real identity. “It was the best feeling, knowing that everyone looked forward to my outfit and performances. In fact, they were often more excited about my look at the Christmas party than the major raffle prizes!” he laughs.
He then opens up, “Even though I had a hard time coming out to my family before, they still managed to make our home a safe space, wherein I felt loved and accepted regardless of my gender identity.”
Drag to Inspire
PLDT Home’s Drag to Store series is arguably one of a kind in the country, having started as a platform to entertain store customers. From just a campaign, it has now evolved into a cause – for the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community to express themselves fully and exchange stories #nofilter and with the art of drag as a powerful passion point connecting individuals no matter the sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Besides Curvedilol Filipinas, this year’s Drag to Store run has featured other promising up-and-comers like contest runner-up Jaja Collins, Miss Congeniality Jade Ystar, VFresh, Venus Heart, and Holemn Cheque plus host Ruth Qanal.
For Drag to Store, her drag career highlight yet, Curvedilol definitely gave her all. She went on to dazzle the weekend crowds with fabulous performances and runway looks, especially thanking her Drag Mother Corazon Filipinas for her costumes. All these, she did while juggling her day job and family duties. Her Drag to Store stint not only became her greatest challenge yet, but also her proudest work.
She calls her journey with PLDT Home, “one of my best… These performances allowed us drag artists to showcase our talents, connect with diverse audiences, and educate people about what drag queens are – especially in areas where drag culture is less recognized. By integrating drag into these public spaces, PLDT Home has proactively done its job to help widen the space for the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community – and offer us a home.”
Curvedilol even recalls a memorable fan encounter – when a group of passionate drag fans that were students went to all the Drag to Store events. “I admire their commitment to attending each leg, despite it being held at different PLDT locations. On the day of the finale, they even encouraged their parents to join them at SM City Sta. Mesa to support us!”
She adds, “Drag to Store has amplified my voice and allowed me to express my passion for inspiring others who share similar stories. I want to encourage everyone to pursue their dreams and goals, regardless of the challenges they face.”
A Fierce Future Ahead
Whether as McCain or Curvedilol, she is living proof that you can do it all—be a high-performing breadwinner and a winning queen in one. Her self-prescription? Diva-like determination plus an ever-reliable support group in family, friends (most especially her Temptation Queens sisters), and fans.
It’s just fitting that after Drag to Store, she now sets her sights on the grander stage: Drag Race Philippines. Only she knows how far she’s going to make it, but she seems to already have a clear vision of that dream.
“Fans can expect a more authentic and dynamic version of me as a pharmacist and a full-fledged drag artist. I’m committed to showcasing my growth through innovative performances, heartfelt storytelling, and a deeper connection to my audience,” she declares. “I’ll continue to use my platform to inspire and empower others through my life story. Expect something bigger soon!”
