Her irresistible charm, lip-syncing genius, and magnetic feel-good energy will always make Lady Morgana famous.
I stand amidst the urban buzz and Tuesday night action of Mandaluyong City, texting the first Drag Race Philippines Miss Congeniality. I have arrived at the foot of her lair. Somewhere in this nondescript facade is the door to a world of pizzazz and well-sculpted wigs, home of one of the most beloved drag artists, Lady Morgana. What a pleasure to shadow the celebrated Davaoeño known for her lip-sync genius and contagious cheerful energy while she prepares for a show.
As we step inside, it’s as if we are behind theater curtains: an area we’re not supposed to see. My gaze immediately gets pulled toward the gowns and wigs, some already recognizable. Before meeting her, I watched her on IG Live as she was booked to promote a theater play in drag. She had already washed all the drag away just a moment ago and is again about to paint another one. Lady Morgana graciously invites me to relax and feel at home as I pull a stool and sit by the array of costumes that hang from the rack above.
Did I almost kill Lady Morgana?
Since her time on Drag Race Philippines, she’s been at every club, bar, event, product launch, birthday party—you name it—spreading confetti of happy vibes and her infectious battle cry: Hello, Dalaygon! If you follow her on Instagram, you’ll see what I mean. There’s always a Lady Morgana experience happening somewhere in the city. “I’m always grateful sa mga gigs dito sa Manila,” she says. “And speaking of Manila, I’m staying here for good.” Her voice suddenly shifts to a more vibrant tone as she shares: “Sabak na sa industriya ng show business, so, pinu-push ko na!” She has already finished shooting two movies to be released this year, and there’s another one on the way.
Having been a true hustler, sleeping and eating are Lady Morgana’s only to-do’s when she’s not working. She balances her life by ensuring that Saturday is always reserved for accomplishing these essentials. “Nagluluto kami rito (with her roommate) usually kapag walang gawa. Nagluluto kami ng mga pamprobinsiyang pagkain: mga galunggong at saka hindi mawawala ang bagoong isda,” says Morgana while spearing the pasta I brought for her. “Allergic ako sa shrimp, seafood, crabs. Diretso sa puso! Atake talaga, ganon!” My heart falls, and I hear a thud on the floor. I almost got her the Rigatoni All’Alfonso. I was dreadfully taking the information behind a nervous, uncomfortable smile.
Lady Morgana’s Origin Story
“The drag scene in Davao hindi bar, barangay contest siya. Napanood ko sila at don ako na-amaze. ‘Ah, ito pala ‘yung drag.’ Ang tawag pa sa amin dati diyan Show Gay,” narrates Lady Morgana. She was utterly mesmerized by it and found a way to get into the scene by volunteering as a personal assistant to one of the contestants. One fateful night, the contest needed more competitors, so her drag mom, Lay John Perez, sat her on the makeup chair and started beating her face.
Throughout her journey, she gained four other drag moms who would train, guide, and mold her into the person and the drag artist we know now. With newly sharpened skills and confidence, Lady Morgana threw out the rule book and became the first drag queen in Davao who went beyond the contest route and slithered her way into hosting and standup comedy.
“Davaoeños like bands and standup comedy. After Drag Race, naglabasan na ‘yung mga bars na tumatanggap ng drag queens. Ang dami na ring baby drag queens na gusto magpa-train,” she says and then exclaims, “The doors that I have opened!”
Everybody Loves Lady Morgana
On life after Drag Race: “Life-changing. In just a snap, nagbago ‘yung mundo ni Lady Morgana. Ang daming gigs. Booked and blessed. Sobrang nakakataba ng puso na minahal pala si Lady Morgana despite the political issues. Nangibabaw ‘yung pagamamahal kaysa sa politika.”
It’s not hard to unpack the irresistible charm that she exudes. Lady Morgana is a ball of energy that invites us in. Authenticity and kindness make her ever treasured. We’re instinctively attracted to light, which she always gives. Her presence is brighter than any spotlight. But her brightness is never blinding, only comforting.
Minty Fresh, who is casually sitting on the bed while painting her face and only using a mirror from a compact, can attest to Lady Morgana’s magnetic appeal. They have a well-documented friendship on social media, a pairing from the show that perhaps no one expected. “May ibang tao kasi na ifo-force mo ‘yung friendship mo with them, which is parang nakaka-exhaust. Tawang-tawa ako lagi sa kanya. Feeling ko rin kasi opposites kami eh, high energy siya, ako kalmado. Maganda ako,” says Minty Fresh with a hanging tone, to which Lady Morgana promptly shoots back with, “Pangit ako.”
The Gospel according to Lady Morgana
Lady Morgana is verbally proud to finish her makeup (40 minutes) faster than Minty Fresh as she slips into her Mindanao-inspired costume. Her roommate buys ice pops that she will use as props when she performs Mamang Sorbetero by Celeste Legaspi.
Call time is fast approaching while the girls pack the rest of their drag stuff. A final glance in the mirror, and we’re off. We reach BGC just in time to feel the packed crowd heating the venue before the drag shows. There’s a dedicated changing room, albeit small, where the aircon is adequate for the queens not to melt.
With 17 years of drag experience under her belt, I wonder what advice she would give to the many aspirants who grew up watching RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“Huwag malasing sa isang basong tubig.”
“Kapag andoon ka na sa tugatog ng tagumpay, never forget kung sino ‘yung mga tumulong sa’yo.”
“Kapag naka-drag ka, mag-iiba talaga ugali mo pero somehow, ‘pag baba mo ng stage, balik ka kung sino ka.”
“Embody the song like you’re the one singing. Understand every word. That’s the true essence of lip-syncing, in sync ang emotions and body language sa kanta.”
“Matutong makisama. Maliit ang mundo.”
“Lakihan ang puso, huwag lang ang ulo.”
Featured image: LADY MORGANA PEREZ (via Instagram). Photography by EJ GERONIMO
