Sexy hunks in bikinis, known as the Pit Crew, work in the background of RuPaul's Drag Race but they add spice and heat to the fabulous drag competition show, sometimes even stealing attention from the queens.
Each version of RPDR has its own Pit Crew, and Drag Race Philippines, of course, has its own bevy of boys to tantalize viewers. Know more about two of them —Ricardo de Jesus and Dhelye Dizon — who both hail from Pampanga, reputed for its beautiful men and women.
Ricardo de Jesus
Attractively boyish, 34-year-old Ricardo de Jesus was born and raised in the town of Candaba. After earning his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, he went to the Ateneo Graduate School of Business and earned his Master's degree in 2020.
He has been working as a marketing professional since 2010 and is currently a marketing services manager for fiber internet provider Converge ICT Solutions. He has also been working as a model and has joined male pageants — Mister United Continents Philippines in 2015, where he won the Mr. Global International Philippines title, and Mister World Philippines in 2018.
De Jesus describes himself as "fun, jolly, and optimistic." He loves to travel, especially with his partner, Mikhail "Mikki" Tenazas. He is a pet lover, who takes care of six cats and six dogs with a recent litter of six puppies. Another endearing quality is he volunteers for different causes.
He said his being part of the Pit Crew is "indescribable."
"[I] didn't Imagine that I would be part of this spectacular and amazing show. This is totally different from what I'm doing on a day-to-day task. I consider this being part of the Pit Crew as a break from challenging corporate world. I really enjoyed the whole experience at DRPH," he enthused.
He started watching RuPaul's Drag Race during the pandemic lockdowns. "I may be late to the party but I really enjoyed all the seasons especially the All Stars," he said.
His Pit Crew journey began when his partner told him that he could see him as a Pit Crew member.
"That's where I got inspired and thought, 'Wow, that sounds okay.' Everything after that point happened quickly. Like everything just fell into place. He sent my set card to the Drag Race team and they called me, then the next thing I knew we were already discussing over Zoom how I could be part of the Pit Crew," he related. "The only hiccup we had was making sure my schedule for work and shooting Drag Race Philippines would not overlap. Mahirap talaga ibangga but worth it! Super thankful to the production team for understanding and accommodating, with special shoutout to Remz Mallari.
"Drag Race Philippines is one of the best experiences I've ever had," De Jesus said.
Dheyle Dizon
Dale Franciscus, or Dhelye, Dizon just turned 40 years old last 23 September and is still able to maintain his well-defined and very fit body, much to the envy of many.
He graduated from the Holy Angel University in Angeles City with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science but he worked as a medical representative and a model with a fat portfolio of sexy photographs.
Dizon has competed in several modeling contests and pageants including Century Tuna Superbods in 2009. He walked the runway of Cosmopolitan Philippines magazine's Bachelors Bash in 2009 and 2010. In 2013, he won the title of Mister Model International Philippines.
He also worked as a flight attendant for AirAsia in Malaysia, but because of the coronavirus pandemic he was retrenched and forced return to the Philippines. He is now part of the cabin crew of Cebu Pacific Air.
Dizon described himself: "I'm simple, can be funny, but shy. I can be an introvert and an extrovert at the same time depending on the crowd and situation. I love to cook, bake, and go to the gym every day."
Dizon admitted that he is a "super fan" of RuPaul's Drag Race.
"When I found out there would be a franchise of the show here in the Philippines, I remember that I posted that if I could be a Pit Crew (member) of the show," he revealed.
He eventually became part of the Pit Crew.
"All I can say is believe, what you dream maybe will come true one day," he said.
"My experience being part of the Pit Crew was super awesome. Until now, I can't still believe that I'm a Pit Crew (member)," he added. "During the taping, all the production crew, executives, host, and the queens were amazing. I do feel sometimes shy when I see and talk to them because of — I don't know — I'm just like that. And until now, people who see me in the clubs, gym or even at work (workmates and even passengers), I feel so shy and I don't know what to do.
"All in all, I'm super happy and proud seeing myself and my name on the show. Being part of the show is a dream come true," Dizon said.