Drag Race Philippines Season 3 has officially revved its engines, bringing together a fresh batch of talented and creative queens from across the nation.
Returning as host is the incomparable Paolo Ballesteros, joined once again by the fierce judging panel of Jiggly Caliente and Kaladkaren. This season's fierce competitors include Angel, J Quinn, John Fedellaga, Khianna, Maxie, Myx Chanel, Popstar Bench, Tita Baby, Versex, Yudiputa, and Zymba Ding.
The season's premiere episode wasted no time in setting the stage with an explosive mini-challenge. The queens were tasked with showcasing their voguing prowess in a ballroom-style showdown, judged by none other than Drag Race alumni.
For the main runway challenge, the theme was "Hometown Realness." Zymba Ding's striking look drew inspiration from the forgotten history of her hometown, Tala. Her outfit paid homage to the Tala Leprosarium, a melancholies chapter in the country's past.
Metroscene sat down with Zymba Ding to delve deeper into the inspiration behind her powerful look and its personal significance.
The Heart in the seams
Drag has long been a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, and Zymba Ding's powerful runway moment on RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines Season 3 is a testament to this. By delving into the often-overlooked history of Tala, Caloocan City, Zymba has crafted a performance that is both deeply personal and socially conscious.
"There is no other way for me to represent my hometown than by showcasing the fact that Tala served as the housing site for the people suffering from Leprosy, and their immediate families," Zymba shared with Metroscene. The queen's connection to this history runs deep; their parents were among the first patients to reside in Tala. "And it’s true that the highlight of Tala Caloocan City is the people who lived here for treatments and still here because it’s their community," they added, emphasizing the resilience of the community.
Zymba's striking look, a poncho, skirt, and gloves ensemble crafted by a talented team including Ziv Rei Alexi, Kayle Baldelovar, Kevin Gonzales, John Patrick Petilo, and Carlos Latonero Jr., is a poignant representation of the disease. Encrusted with crystals, the outfit creates a stark contrast between suffering and beauty, challenging societal perceptions of those affected by leprosy.
"I feel empowered by using fashion as a platform to raise awareness and I’m sure that it will spark discussion," Zymba expressed. The queen acknowledges the responsibility that comes with tackling such a sensitive topic. "I get a strong sense of responsibility to present the topic respectfully and accurately, though what I represented is all based on my experience and my parent's stories. Besides that, I get a sense of empathy and connection with those affected by leprosy, I can’t speak for them but I wanted to represent them which can lead to a change of misconceptions."
Drag with a purpose
Zymba Ding’s journey on RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines has been a deeply personal one. In a particularly poignant episode, the queen opened up about the struggles faced by individuals with leprosy, a condition that has deeply affected their family. Zymba admitted to internalizing societal stigma, once feeling embarrassed and shy around their mother.
This shared experience with countless others is a burden Zymba is determined to lift. While the history of Tala, Caloocan City, as a leper colony might be fading from public memory, the discrimination its former residents continue to face is a stark reminder of the lingering prejudice.
Zymba's outfit on the runway was more than just a fashion statement; it was a declaration of love and respect for their parents and the entire community. "I’m a child of two people who have a leprosy background," they shared, "they both experienced stigma and discrimination, got limited work opportunities, and it wasn’t easy for them to raise and build a family." By proudly representing their heritage on national television, Zymba aimed to inspire others, proving that one's background does not define their potential.
“I'm hoping it will start a discussion, spark people's interest in leprosy, and raise awareness,” Zymba said. The queen hopes to dispel harmful myths about the disease. Most importantly, Zymba wants to convey a message of hope and kindness. “There’s hope and beauty for people who go through it and the least we can do is treat them, as well as everyone else with kindness.”
Zymba Ding's story is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of discrimination and the courage it takes to challenge societal norms. Their platform on Drag Race Philippines has given them a voice to advocate for a more compassionate and inclusive world.
