‘Drag den’ drops trailer, releases initial looks of queens

Filipino drag reality show Drag Den released its first official trailer on its social media pages, as well as on the site of Entertainment Weekly, on 1 December, whetting the appetites of fans.

The two-minute video shows a set that approximates an underground den sporting an industrial and urban look. It also introduces the main host,

Filipino-American drag performer and RuPaul's Drag Race alum Manila Luzon, and her co-hosts, social media personality Sassa Gurl and beauty queen Nicole Cordoves. The trailer also confirms the participation of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, introduced as the "Drag Enforcer."

Aside from snippets of the competing queens, the trailer reveals the categories of the two runway or look challenges — the "themewear" showing Pinoy National Symbols and Pinoy fiesta-themed national costume.

Before dropping the trailer, the first Filipino-created drag series released portraits of the eight contestants — one queen a day — on its social media accounts, donning fashion inspired by the theme "Manila by Night" starting on 18 November.

The look of O-A, 24-year old Campy Chameleon of Parañaque, was inspired by the district of Quiapo, and the drinking sessions and spots, while Lady Gagita's, the 29-year old the Internet Icon of Davao, was inspired by the motels of Santa Mesa, and Maria Cristina's, the 28-year old Warrior Diva of Bulacan, portrayed Binondo and its Chinatown in her look.

Twenty-four-year old Scream Chic queen Aries Night from Antipolo, Rizal, took on Recto Avenue with a look inspired by sewer rats, while 24-year old Shewarma, the Bright Fireball of Manila, tackled Pateros and the balut and 26-year old Naia, the Sassy Youngster of Las Piñas, the airport terminal. The first trans contestant, 35-year old Barbie Q, the Pageant Showgirl of Quezon City, took on Quezon Avenue, known for its sex workers.

After the trailer, the official poster was unveiled and the music video of the official song, performed Manila Luzon, was posted on the drag queen's YouTube channel.

Drag Den is created and directed by transgender woman filmmaker Rod Singh, who is known for the 2018 film Mamu: And a Mother Too, and for a much lauded video for the presidential campaign of then Vice President Leni Robredo, featuring the song "Kay Leni Tayo" and young gay persons whose dance video went viral.

Produced by Project 8 and Cornerstone Studios, the show will have a premiere event at Trinoma mall's Cinema 7 on 6 December and will be shown starting 8 December on the streaming platform Prime Video Philippines.