Let's be honest: talent may be everywhere, but opportunities are not. This is a reality that many regional artists face. Yet, for those with unshakable passion and a heart that beats for their craft, the lack of opportunity is never the end of the story. It's a challenge that they bravely accept, carving their own paths, creating spaces where none existed before. Their resilience is not just a testament to their talent, but also an inspiration to all of us. They prove that talent thrives wherever it is nurtured. In doing so, they rise not just for themselves, but for their entire community—aspiring to inspire, showing that dreams are worth chasing, no matter where you come from.
For Metroscene Mag's October issue, we give a shoutout to all creatives from the regions—the artists who are doing the most, proving their worth, and fighting for a spot at the table. This issue spotlights the Drag Queens of Cagayan de Oro: Khianna, Hana Beshie, Maharlika, Lamisha Bay Hana, Marchella, Misua, R.Tistique, Jordi, and Shae Shue K. These queens aren’t just performers; they are the standard-bearers of what regional talent can achieve.
"Doing The Most" is a message of hope, ambition, and perseverance. It’s about defying expectations, proving that talent and vision can emerge from anywhere, and making sure that no aspiring artist ever feels like there’s no place for them to shine.
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The "C" in CDO is for "Can DO"
Having a conversation with the queens of CDO, the queens didn’t just walk onto a stage—they built it. Starting from scratch, these artists used what they had, transforming everything from construction sites to tiny pop-up events into performance spaces.
“We built our own stage, literally and figuratively,” Drag Race Philippine Season 2 Miss Congeniality, Hana Beshie recounts. "Oo nagpukpok kami ng kahoy para maging stage. We turned construction areas to dressing rooms. Looking back, the things we did can sound funny to others, but the struggle was real.”
According to the queens, since the opportunity to perform in drag in CDO was still new and quite limited, they took the initiative to reach out to bars to produce their own drag shows. They handle everything, from developing the concept and designing the outfits to managing promotion and organizing their own photoshoots.
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“To be honest lang the biggest challenge that we all face is Opportunities & Resources, and that is what makes us who we are “K” aya namin gawan ng paraan and everything. And it Shaped us to be more resilient in every situation we are facing whether it’s financial or resources. ” says Khianna in true iconic fashion. “We make our Own looks, we make our own shows, make our own Posters and shoot theme ourselves that itself is incomparable. The talent the perseverance is impeccable. We are iKons”
"Availability is already the major challenge as well as a contributing factor of how it shaped my kind of drag—to ‘create something out of nothing’—was the thing back then, and it pushed our creative limits to their potential, "Lamisha Bay Hana also shared. "We never settle for anything less; ‘doing the most’ with what was available worked before, so why stop the gag now?"
And true enough, they certainly haven’t stopped gagging the audiences with their incredible talent. From the stage they built with their own hands, the impact of CDO’s artistry now radiates even brighter on the larger stage, showcased in the stunning performances of Drag Race Season 3 runner-up Khianna and Season 2 Miss Congeniality Hana Beshie. Yet, the richness of CDO's talent runs even deeper in their sisterhood and that this beautiful movement is only just beginning.
Sisterhood in the Heart of CDO Drag
The CDO Queens are a testament to the fact that success truly takes a village. Fresh from their Drag Race journey, Khianna and Hana Beshie have consistently honored their sisters, always giving them the recognition they deserve for their support along the way.
"In CDO, it doesn’t matter what house you belong to—queens here always find ways to lift each other up," R.tistique said. "Whether it’s sharing performance ideas, helping with choreography, styling wigs, or even sewing an outfit, we’ve got each other’s backs. Hana's and Khianna's journeys on Drag Race PH really show how much our community cares and supports one another. Their success is a reflection of the love and friendship we all share."
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"CDO’s drag community has a close-knit bond built on sisterhood and support," Jordi says. "We always try to help each other out. Whether it’s lending outfits, helping with show preparations, or even just simply showing up for support, we always have each other’s backs."
A fun fact from Metroscene Mag's October shoot is that it beautifully embodies the creativity and sisterhood of the CDO Queens. All the ensembles worn by the queens were crafted by each of them the night before the shoot, showcasing their dedication to helping one another, especially after just arriving in Manila.
"I wouldn't be half the queen I am today without my drag sisters. We are each other's cheerleaders," Maharlika expressed. "We have three houses that perform in the same bar in CDO, and collaboration is the reason why it works."
Hana Beshie echoed this sentiment, stating, "Collaboration and creativity are at the core of our drag circle. We’re honest with our opinions to help each other grow. There’s no sibling rivalry here. I am proud to say that we are a full-production sisterhood. We have sisters who excel in creating looks, hairstyling, photography, graphic design, choreography—the list goes on. Working with such a creative group makes everything easier and more fun."
In every word, the CDO Queens illustrate how love, collaboration, and shared passion not only uplift individual artists but also strengthen the entire community, proving that together, they can achieve anything.
Doing The Most
Despite the challenges, the future of drag in CDO shines brighter than ever. The queens’ aspirations to inspire are already beginning to bloom, and we can’t wait to witness their growth. The iconic journey of Khianna, the runner-up on Drag Race Season 3, truly reflects the spirit of her region, showcasing not only her exceptional talent as a performer but also her intelligence as a competitor. Hana Beshie, with her clever wit and campy charm, captured hearts during her time on Drag Race Season 2, earning the title of Miss Congeniality.
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Now, more than ever, Maharlika, Lamisha Bay Hana, Marchella, Misua, R.Tistique, Jordi, and Shae Shue K exemplify the dedication and hard work that make the future of drag in CDO so promising. Their commitment to their art is inspiring, and we eagerly anticipate the moment when they step into the spotlight to elevate the drag scene in their community even further.
“My only Dream for the Girls is To Win and conquer the World because the talent in every Filipino people needs to be seen Worldwide,” says Khianna.
“We all had the same vision—to put CDO drag on the map. And yes, we did the most with what we had at the time. By doing the most, we truly put CDO drag on the map,” Hana Beshie declared.
Reflecting on the journey ahead, she added, “My dreams for the future of drag in Cagayan de Oro City are to continuously grow. I know we did our part to start the scene we know and love today, and it’s up to our ever-growing sisterhood to keep the fire burning.”
From CDO to your heart
For young artists dreaming big in small towns, the advice from the CDO queens is simple: never stop pushing. “Strive to be the best at what you do,” says Hana Beshie. “Dreams will only be dreams if you only dream about it.” Khianna adds something for everyone to hold on to: “Don’t let them dim your light. People may want to take you down, but that’s fine. You know yourself better, and always thank Beyoncé,” she jokes, bringing a touch of humor to her wisdom.
But beyond these powerful messages, Maharlika emphasizes the importance of passion: “Stay passionate and keep on doing the most in your area. It only takes a spark to keep the fire going.” As we celebrate October, "Doing The Most" stands as a bold testament to the relentless drive of artists who refuse to be confined by geography.
At Metroscene Mag, we honor the unapologetic passion and determination of regional talents who push boundaries, break stereotypes, and thrive where others thought it impossible. We are doing the most—because we can, and because we have to.
Let the story of the CDO queens ignite the passion of aspiring artists everywhere. Their journey is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from passion and support. Each performance, each look, each laugh shared on stage serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to share their talents and uplift their communities.
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