What truly defines a home and a family? Is it the traditional structure bound by blood, or is it something deeper— an unspoken connection that transcends genetics? While bloodlines may draw the boundaries of family, there’s a profound truth often overlooked: the power of choosing a family.
In a world where the traditional definition of family can feel restrictive, we embrace a broader, more inclusive understanding: Family is not just about shared ancestry; it's about the values, trust, safe space, and unconditional support that bind us to those we choose to hold close.
Metroscene Mag embodies this belief, built on a foundation of kinship where strangers to family stand by each other with the fierce loyalty of blood relatives. For our August cover, we proudly honor the family we've chosen. This project isn’t just another editorial; it’s a reflection of who we are— a testament to our values, our bonds, the love, and the safe space we wanted to be for every young, empowered, and creative.
Let’s step into the welcoming home of the drag family, House of Ding, featuring the Filipino premiere drag queens: Brigiding, Zymbading, Felicia Ding, and Bombading.
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The Brightest House on the Block
From the moment we crossed paths with the bright House of Ding, the connection was undeniable. Their passion for creativity, their sisterhood, and their commitment to making a positive impact resonated deeply with us and embodied the essence of what we believe in. With Brigiding, Zymbading, Felicia Ding, and Bombading, it was clear that this was the House we’d longed to celebrate.
Finding a friend in the world whom you can truly trust and consider family is a rare and valuable experience, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community, where chosen families often fill the gaps left by traditional ones. We often think of friendships that transcend family ties as something exceptional, a bond that goes beyond mere companionship. However, in the House of Ding, there's much more than just a shared passion for performing— they are a family built on love, trust, and a shared purpose.
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Brigiding, the mother of the House and a standout from Drag Race Philippines Season 1, beautifully captures this sentiment when reflecting on the formation of the House of Ding. "I always say that all of them were brought to me either as a blessing and a reminder of my purpose.”she said.
“I met Zymba when I did makeup for a friend at a call center where Zymba used to work. I met Bomba at a private sunset party, and I met Felicia during a TV series shoot. I met them at the time I wasn’t even looking for them. May spark lang talaga. And that connection, I guess, brought us all together," Brigiding shared.
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This connection isn't just about their common interests; it's about finding a place where each person is valued, supported, and uplifted. There’s a profound, almost paradoxical connection that binds them together—stronger than blood, yet formed through chance and choice, creating a home that is both powerful and deeply personal.
"This house was built with love and support. When I had Zymba, I also needed someone to be my most rightful hand in assisting me with all my Drag Race shenanigans. A helping hand when Divine Divas had a concert, that’s around that time when I met Felicia. And Bombading was needed to support both of them as Zymba and Felicia were also doing drag. So, parang naging motivation is finding your tribe, as your support system and building a community of love among drag artists.”
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Reflecting on this, Brigiding continues, “This house became so special to me as it made me realize that I am able to love and accept someone for who they are. The concept of commitment and support is possible, especially in this modern world of social media, polarized systems, and our current political climate. I hope that this house serves as an inspiration and hope to everyone who feels unseen and alone—that you have the power to choose… a friend or a family is just around the corner… you just have to be open, open your heart."
Truly, the House of Ding is thriving, proving themselves to be the brightest house on the block. Their unity, love, and commitment not only shine through in their performances but also in their enduring support for each other, making them a beacon of hope and inspiration in the drag community.
The House That Welcomes You Home
The thing about chosen families and houses within the LGBTQIA+ community is that it goes beyond camaraderie and artistry— it’s about creating a safe space where members can truly thrive. Often, individuals in this community face neglect or rejection from their biological or traditional families. The importance of the safe space cultivated among peers is what makes a chosen family so vital.
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For Zymbading, the first daughter of the House and a current contender on Drag Race Philippines Season 3, reflecting on the safe space that brought them together, she shares, “For me, there’s something from our childhood, upbringing, and life experiences before that brought us all together. There are shared traumas, values, and experiences that connect all of us—things we’ve been longing for, wishing for, and looking for so long. Despite our traumas and bad experiences, all I know is this house provides a unique space for emotional expression that’s not available in other environments.”
“I think that we are all very emotional," Bombading adds another layer to this sentiment, highlighting the emotional and creative freedom they find within the house. "We share different types of traumas in our lives—which causes us to be stronger emotionally. I think this is also one of the things that makes our house unique—that we can be emotionally connected with each other. It’s still a process, but I know that this journey will make us more strong and trustful with each other.”
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"Sadly, I am not so close with my biological family because of personal reasons. However, I am so thankful for House of Ding, my chosen family because it fills up the emptiness that I am longing for in my biological family. In HOD, I felt safe. heard and authentically me."
This unique, nurturing space is what allows the House of Ding to not just exist, but truly flourish, offering a profound sense of belonging and understanding that many may not find elsewhere. Felicia beautifully captures this when she says, “My chosen family is really my safe space. They don’t just accept me but extend their love to my friends and family. They make sure they include themselves in my circle before them. Their willingness to know me more ensures me that they accept and value me.”
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She goes on to describe the impact of this bond as “a great moment of her life” as she grew to learn more about herself as a performer and as a person. “It was a great moment of my life when I met my chosen family. I got to know myself more, knowing my strengths and weaknesses, when I assisted my drag mother, Brigiding. In that situation, my chosen parents taught me a lot that shaped who Felicia is,” she said.
What truly defines a home and a family?
In a world often marked by isolation and uncertainty, the House of Ding stands as a testament to the enduring power of chosen family and personal safe spaces. This vibrant community, forged through shared experiences and unwavering support, embodies the Metroscene Mag's concept of "welcoming home" and "building your safe space."
The House of Ding is a testament to the idea that family isn't always defined by blood. It's a community of individuals who have come together, bound by mutual respect, love, and a shared sense of purpose. As Zymbading puts it, "Love is unconditional, loyalty is about standing by each other through thick and thin."
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Bombading echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that family can be found in the most unexpected places: "It proves that family can come from a stranger, an acquaintance, or even a new friend." The House of Ding has shown that true family is about connection, support, and a shared belief in the power of human connection.
A safe space is a place where individuals can be themselves without fear of judgment or rejection. The House of Ding has cultivated such a space, a sanctuary where its members can grow, learn, and support one another. As Felicia notes, "It hones us to become the better version of ourselves, making the brightest family we are."
Brigiding and Kevin, the father of the house, emphasize the importance of time and effort in building a strong foundation: "A house is not built in just a year, but what we have for now is something that is so beautiful to be shared with the world." The House of Ding's journey is a reminder that creating a safe space takes dedication, patience, and a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging.
The House of Ding's story offers a message of hope and inspiration. It shows that it's possible to find a chosen family and build a safe space, no matter where you come from or what challenges you may face. As the stars shine brightly and hopes remain high, it's clear that the search for a welcoming home is a journey worth undertaking.
As we end the month of August, the House of Ding's example offers a powerful message: home is where the heart is, and it's within our reach to build a place where we truly belong.
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