DEY XD speaks openly about the reasons and methods behind her drag
The drag community has had a spotlight shining on them in recent years. The Rapture Royalties have squeezed into the dense crowd to catch the light. These sisters aren’t just basking in glory; they have ensured a path to keep a steady glow on their faces. We’re about to get personal with one of them—besos to DEY XD!
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What inspired you to pursue drag?
“Nag-inspire sa’kin ‘yung mga nam-bully sa’kin nung nagsa-start pa lang ako mag-drag. Pinagtatawanan nila ‘yung itsura ko. Aminado naman ako na pangit ako noon, pero ‘di ba dapat sa safe space tayo makakakuha ng support? Pero hindi eh, sila ‘yung nag-down sa’kin before, kaya ganon na lang din ‘yung uhaw ko to prove them wrong.”
Who or what are your inspirations that help shape your drag persona and performances?
“Nag-inspire sa drag persona at brand ko is ‘yung mga nakikita at kinalakihan ko nung bata ako sa Tondo. Proud akong jeje queen at gangsta queen ang tawag sa’kin dahil sobrang inspired ako sa paligid ko sa Tondo. Sa performance ko, gusto ko lagi nakasuot ako ng pink and kahit na sobrang feminine ng pink, gusto ko pa din lagyan ng swag at angas. Si Nicki Minaj ang naka-impluwensiya sa’kin sa pink colors.”
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
“‘Yung nakakapag pundar ako ng magagandang damit at gamit na hindi ko magawa noon. First ko mag-TV show (Family Feud) at minake sure ko na maaaliw sa’kin ‘yung mga nanonood.”
What’s the best thing about drag?
“‘Yung more tip! Charet! [The best thing about drag is] ‘yung natatago ko ‘yung weak side ko at nagagawa ko ‘yung mga fantasy ko nung maliit pa lang ako.”
Fashion and Beauty
Best makeup tip or hack?
“Maghilamos at skincare bago mag-makeup!”
Best fashion or styling tip or hack?
“Hindi ako magaling sa fashion eh. Basta dapat hindi mabaho ‘yung damit!”
Top 3 drag essentials?
- Efficascent oil
- Mouthwash
- Pabango
Cubao Drag
What is Cubao Drag? What makes it different and unique from the others?
“Pang-masa kami at mura [ang] entrance sa amin. Maaaliw ka din sa mga performances namin dahil hindi lang kami ang nag-eenjoy sa stage, pati mga nanunood sa’min.”
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your Rapture Royalty sisters?
“Walang maiiwan sa baba! Lahat tayo sabay-sabay makikilala at iingay ang pangalan.”
On Performing Live
What was your first performance like?
“‘Yung first performance ko was ‘yung sa classroom namin nung grade 8 ako. Ang pinerform ko was ‘yung ‘Applause’ ni Lady Gaga from the VMAs. Sobrang fulfilling sa’kin nung moment na ‘yun as a fan at namulat sa impersonation. Sobrang saya ko noon at feeling ko artista ako.”
Top 3 go-to songs when you perform?
- Super Bass
- Marilyn Monroe
- Whip It
Describe your best performance so far.
“‘Yung fantasy ko na prod na ‘Scheiße’ na kanta ni Lady Gaga.”
Where do you want to see your drag in the future?
“Gusto ko makilala at mag-tour kasama ‘yung mga Rapture Royalty sisters ko kasi ayun ‘yung goal namin sa family namin.”
Photography KIM SANTOS
