We can all agree that Cubao's chaos is legendary. The street, filled with signage and graffiti, the multitude of diverse people walking its sidewalks, and the colorful jeepneys on its streets, pulsate with a vibrant hive of artistic energy, and more.
Metroscene Mag is pulling back the curtain on the beating heart of Cubao's drag renaissance – The the Royalties. Get ready to dive into their dazzling world, witness their individual journeys to the stage, and be bewitched by their shared passion for the art of drag.
Ghulli Ghush
Being immersed in the scene, Ghulli Ghush is aware that embracing the fun of drag is expensive. Having a limited budget makes it difficult to pull off a look. But when they do, drag allows them to fulfill their fantasies and the freedom it gives. And for Ghulli Ghush, it becomes a "life, a form of art that I breathe in. It is a way of expressing myself."
Before doing drag, Ghulli Ghush started as a personal assistant for veteran queens, then continued as a backup and make-up artist. After trying their luck in becoming a reliever, eventually landed them a spot as drag artist in Rapture. Since then, drag becomes their bread and butter—a crisscrossing of fantasy and of daily survival.
Aside from Lady Gaga, Ghulli Ghush is also heavily inspired by their family, especially with their father who is the number one support of their drag, and adding that, "siya ang nag-provide ng mga una kong gamit sa drag." A kind of familial support that most queer kids dream to have. Several years from now, Ghulli Ghush sees their drag enjoying a blast in the international television and online world.
They are ready to strut the main stage to show that when you enter their queendom, Ghulli Ghush is that flying sexy girl who reaches for their dream. Alarma! Bow down and enjoy their presence by tapping them on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, X, and YouTube.
Feyvah Fatalé
What started as an interest slowly becomes a passion and commitment. From the comfort of Feyvah's room, dazzling around with the Haus of Belleze, and even performing in a Leni-Kiko rally. Feyvah continues to thrive and reach for their dreams; making the audience remember that, indeed, Feyvah's the only one!
Through drag, Feyvah was able to showcase what they cannot do out of drag. It boosts their confidence in slaying performances and grasping the excitement that drag evokes. After all, this is how Feyvah defines drag: an intersection of being an art, political, and escape. The main pop girls, especially Beyoncé, have a contribution in shaping Feyvah's drag persona. "Lalong-lalo na si Beyoncé, sa kanya rin galing ang drag name ko. Sa performances naman, laging hugot lang sa sarili at sa kantang gagawin," they added. Feyvah is also among the contestants of the upcoming season of Drag Den with Manila Luzon, vying for the title as the next Drag Supreme!
"What makes Rapture different is the mind behind the performances...I can say na iba talaga ang Royalties pagdating sa paggawa ng performances," and what is stopping us from raving in Rapture sometimes, then? I guess we deserve to have a front row experience!
Eyes here for one of one, the only one, Feyvah Fatalé and follow them on Instagram, Tiktok, and X.
Moonlight
Rapture's backstage brings us to a pile of drag items with some of them are aesthetically squeezed in the ceiling space. A manifestation of the commitment of the Royalties to provide an extravagant show. And there are many ways to show support, one of them as Moonlight details out is through tipping the queens. As she emphasized, "dito namin kinukuha lahat ng pandagdag sa mga ini-invest naming mga gamit."
Doing drag is also exhausting and as consumers of these shows, if we cannot tip, clapping and showing appreciation are also options we can opt to do. Moonlight shares that the hard reality of drag is when the audience fails to appreciate the show, "kapag hindi kami pinapalakpakan. Mahirap 'yon kasi siyempre nag-effort kami eh." After all, these spaces also exist to showcase the artistry of drag. We cannot value a space without fully appreciating even the artistry that serves as one of its foundations.
"Masayang manood sa Rapture. Talagang iba-ibang klase ng drag ang mapapanood ninyo, at siyempre may singers din kami." For now, Moonlight knows that she will forever remain as a Rapture Royalty. And if there's one thing she would like to be remembered for, that is, "hindi lang ako maganda. May talent din ako at kaya kong makipagsabayan sa iba."
When the moon shines, we know Moonlight is ready to give us an exciting ride. To know more about Moonlight, you can follow her on Instagram.
Amazing Chalita
In an Amazing Chalita's show only proves why the term 'amazing' deserves a spot in her name. Walking the stage cocooned in confidence and ethereal presence, this goddess has engraved drag in her heart as a life commitment. Amazing Chalita has been owning stages for seven years but started full-time since pandemic to provide for herself and her family.
Her name pays homage to Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita Suansane and added 'Amazing' as most drag artists tend to add an adjective in their drag name, with the likes of Captivating Katkat. "Since ambisyosa ako at 'di pakabog, nilagyan ko ng amazing."
It has always been her passion to perform and entertain people. And through Rapture, she gets to let everybody know who she is. "Naipakilala ko si Amazing Chalita at mas napapalawak ko pa ang talent ko sa pagda-drag." Chalita also dreams to be part of Drag Race Philippines, where her Rapture sister first introduced their sisterhood to the world. And what can I say? The goddess is ready to dominate the world!
Catch up with Amazing Chalita through following her on Instagram.
Midnight
Drag allows Midnight to celebrate their younger self, whom ever since they knew as an artistic one. This passion drove Midnight to pursue drag. Hence, when an opportunity came, no time was wasted. Despite the hardship traversing in the scene, Midnight is always up for an extra spice. After all, this is what drag means for them: an adventure, life-nurturing, and an experience!
Midnight's drag persona came to life by drawing inspirations from characters of movies and series that are entirely of thriller, action, fantasy, and horror genres. "'Yan din mga reference ko when it comes to performing, it's giving alternative drag 'yung sineserve ko 'pag nag-pe-perform ako sa stage which is my strong suit." Drag always finds a way to rebel against the convention, that storytelling knows no formula and design.
From being among the Bedroom Queens, doing makeup in the comfort of their home, and now blazing the spotlight as a Rapture Royalty. Years from now, Midnight hopes to also be part of Drag Race Philippines and I guess the world should be prepared for Midnight.
As the clock strikes at 12AM, paws up as Midnight indulges us to their world. Stay updated by following Midnight on Instagram, X, and Tiktok.
Dey XD
Dey XD admits that one challenge of doing drag is how performances are made, especially comedy routines. Timing is crucial in comedy, and in Rapture, more than a place to showcase his talent, it becomes a training ground. From slaying the house down boots, to quick-witted banters, and even ensuring that everything screams Rapture Royalty.
His relationship with drag began during the AlDub craze, impersonating Wally Bayola's character. Lola Nidora. Dey XD's memory of his performance was from Lady Gaga's VMA performance of Applause, as a little monster, it was his fantasy. After all, his drag hails from, "nakalakihan ko sa Tondo at siyempre si Nicki Minaj at Lady Gaga," summing up that his drag always has that swag.
Under his belt lies different names that all identify to him. From Melandi Martinez, Miss Georgina Worst, Landi Gaga, Marry Palmer, Cardi Beks, then Cardi XD, before officially becoming Dey XD. This is a reference to his real name and to fully encapsulate his drag branding as a Jeje Kween. "Ang goal namin is papasok kayong malungkot, lalabas kayong masaya sa Rapture."
Dey XD is manifesting to make his dream come true of a world tour with his Rapture sisters. And we can help Dey XD turn that into reality by enjoying their shows or through following them on their social media platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and Tiktok.
Penelope Penshoppe
Pursuing drag is not only after being convinced to trail the same track when Penshoppe first watched a drag show. It is also a love letter to their friend who happened to dream the same path. "Dream din ito ng yumao kong matalik na kaibigan, itinuloy at itutuloy [ko] para sa kanya." Drag helps Penshoppe to enliven their life, and that commitment shows us that, indeed, they are made for the spotlight!
Their family and friends are among the inspirations of pursuing drag and also, "ang mga Sunday Girl sa US na malalaking tao pero nakapambabae, at [iyong] ibang drag queen na malalaking katawan like me." Having to de-drag and pack all drag items is what Penelope considered as a hard aspect of doing drag. But the best thing is that they are able to give their audience a show they deserve, "at 'yung fantasy namin nung kabataan, nagagawa namin at ng iba na 'di kaya mag-out, nailalabas namin sa stage."
Penelope started this being admired by the artistry and a promise to their friend. I know wherever Penelope's friend is right now, that friend must have been proud. To get updated about Penelope, you can check it through Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok!
Winter Sheason Nicole
Winter Sheason Nicole started doing drag during pandemic where she participated in an online competition as Mariah Carey. Although she failed to bag the win, we know it is not a rejection of her drag, but a redirection to where she is now. Winter attests on how Rapture, more than just a regular bar, is also a safe space, a source of extreme happiness, and a home of exceptional queens.
When Winter began her career, she admitted the difficulty in introducing herself to the audience. "Paano ako mag-stand out kasi ang dami namin eh na queens. Tapos ngayon ay iba [na], marami ka kasi nakakakilala sa'yo." She shared that aside from tipping, appreciating and clapping on their performances is also enough to give back to the queens.
One hard aspect of doing drag is its preparation, "lalo na 'yung pagsusuot ng stockings," Winter said. But the best part of all of it is how drag allows them to embody the character they want to emulate. Of course, for Winter, drag is about expressing yourself, an escape from the world full of stress, freedom, love, and importantly, not a crime.
Winter still sees herself doing drag several years from now with a little hope of having a title and as a Ru Girl. She is ready to hear the world say: AH AHHHHHHH! Check Winter out on Instagram!
Judith
It was not an easy ride to make a mark immediately when Judith began his journey in Rapture. As Judith claimed, "hindi pa namin gamay masyado 'yung mga customer...so nanibago pa [ang] mga customer." But as time went by, the Royalties were able to find ways to tickle their audience through a great combination of comedy and art of performing. Growing up as a theater geek, Judith finds comfort in performing and this was among the reasons why Judith pursued drag.
Judith began as a personal assistant of his drag mother, who taught him to do make-up and dress up for himself. Through different rakets, Judith was able to save money and invest for some items including wigs, make-up, shoes, and costume. Eventually, drag becomes his bread and butter and his drag name is a witty personification of all the due dates that he has to remember. Judith also draws inspiration from Gorgeous Dawn, "inspiration ko siya from the looks and performance lahat pasabog, walang flaws."
What makes Rapture different from others is the uniqueness that comes from each of them and the bond they offer to their audience. "Hindi kami typical bar. Sa aming queens, iba-iba kami ng mga branding, iba-iba kami ng trip, at gusto namin 'yung customer is not just a customer. They are like [a] family."
Judith is ready to take the centerstage like the rent is due! Soak it up and dive into Judith's world by visiting Rapture and tapping through his Instagram.
Riri Valencia
Riri Valencia believes that all forms of support are valid and what the audience can provide is wholeheartedly appreciated by the queens. As Riri puts it, "kung magastos ang pagdra-drag, magastos din manood palagi. Let's be real hindi lagi eh may pera tayo...and the queens understand that naman." Riri pursued drag while drawing inspirations from some of the finest queens in the industry such as Gorgeous Dawn, Aremm Castilo (Nadia), and Divalicious Mariah.
Riri exudes blazing confidence and that has always been evident when she takes the stage to perform. When asked what her first performance looked like, "sakto lang, ang alam ko lang RIhanna agad ang go-to na ginawa ko." Rihanna plays a significant role in Riri's drag, to which she referenced her name from.
She continues to pursue drag in hopes of providing support to her family, especially her mother. Several years from now, Riri sees herself being one of the greatest drag queens in the Philippines. And if there is one thing that Riri wants her audience to remember: "hindi ako dancer, pero I can tell a story."
So, when Riri takes the stage, do not stop the music because Riri is ready to shine bright like a diamond. To know more about Riri, stay updated on her Facebook and Instagram accounts.
If you dare to rave in with the fun, go ahead and visit Rapture Cafe Bar at 24 Yale St., Cubao, every Wednesday and Thursday for free, and Friday to Sunday with 300 pesos entrance fee.
