In a world that often overlooks the brilliance of creatives from the regions, the CDO Drag Queens rise as a bold testament to the relentless spirit of artists who refuse to be confined by geography. Through the combined talents from the House of Drag Lords and the House of LaFeyya, we celebrate the unapologetic passion and determination of provincial talents who push boundaries, break stereotypes, and thrive where others think it impossible.
Meet the queens who embody what it means to do the most, each one doing the most with utter passion and tenacity. They are not just performers; they are trailblazers paving the way for a new narrative in the drag scene. They are doing the most—because they can, and because they must.
Meet Khianna, Hana Beshie, Maharlika, Lamisha Bay Hana, Marchella, Misua, R.Tistique, Jordi, and Shae Shue K—an extraordinary lineup of queens redefining what it means to shine in the spotlight.
Beshie! Beshie! Hana Beshie
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Can you tell us about your drag persona?
Hana Beshie is the definition of CAMP. Period.
Can you share the story of how you got into drag? What inspired you to take that leap?
The first time I did drag was during an org party when I was a student in 2018. My classmate turned drag sister, Lamisha Bay Hana, inspired me to do it. Being both Drag Race superfans, it fulfilled our fantasies back then. Lamisha and I started cross-dressing in the streets of Cagayan de Oro City. We would set a date to bar-hop in drag—which was very risky at that time. We would even get cat-called and honked at by cars, but it was the “Fuck the world” feeling that made us do it over and over again. Growing up in a very patriarchal and “macho” family, I suppressed my queerness for years, and I feel like drag was my projection of all my frustrations in life, which is the reason I became really passionate about it.
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In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
First of all, not everyone may be okay being called provincial. Not to say that the term “provincial” is bad, but it relates to bad experiences with people from NCR looking at us as if we grew up in the jungle. I’m speaking up for people from highly urbanized cities like CDO, Cebu, Davao, Butuan, etc. We can’t deny it—when you’re from outside NCR and you’re surrounded by Manileños, the stench of superiority fills up the room, and it’s not from you. Living in Metro Manila for years made me realize that there is no reason to feel inferior or let them feel superior toward you. Our skill sets and talent are on par or even better.
What message would you give to young queens in regional/provincial areas about pursuing their dreams in drag?
Being a drag queen from the regional areas is hard, especially if the drag scene in your area is not as thriving compared to other places. I believe everything has to start somewhere. We ignited the drag scene in our city with nothing but passion. I hope the story of CDO Drag can inspire drag artists from other places to flourish.
Khianna is i-Khian-nic
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Can you tell us about your drag persona?
Hi, I’m Khianna with a K, and that K stands for Kagayanon Queen. My drag is all about fun and expressing yourself, you know, that kind of thing. Hehe.
Can you share the story of how you got into drag? What inspired you to take that leap?
I’ve been doing drag since high school, but I didn’t know that I was already doing it back then. I did makeup, dressed my classmates, danced, and participated in theater plays. Then the pandemic happened, and I got back into drag, meeting people who do what I do and got inspired by them. The rest is hersto
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In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
Actually, just by being here, showing up. Letting them know that we are here. Because drag is all over the Philippines, and I love that for me! I am your first regional queen in the Top 4.
What message would you give to young queens in regional/provincial areas about pursuing their dreams in drag?
Never get tired of dreaming. Be who you are, think smart, be different, find ways to elevate your drag, and if you want to take a break, give yourself a chance. And don’t forget to thank Beyoncé! 💗
Maharlika is the royalty of CDO drag
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Can you tell us about your drag persona?
Maharlika is the royalty of CDO drag. Like my namesake, I am a queen of wealth, knowledge, and ability. I am the epitome of vintage beauty and classic glamour.
Can you share the story of how you got into drag? What inspired you to take that leap?
My obsession with drag started way back in high school around 2013. I loved watching makeup tutorials and drag transformations. I was also a theater kid and have always loved performing on stage. From there, I discovered Drag Race, and in 2018, I started applying what I saw on screen to myself, and Maharlika was born. In 2019, I met my sisters Hana Beshie and Lamisha Bay Hana and formed the Haus of LaFeya. Come 2022, I officially started performing regularly with the help of G-Spot and my drag sisters from the Haus of LaFeya, where Jordi, Misua, and Clementine Deus joined.
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In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
There is a lot of untapped potential and talent outside Metro Manila. The only difference is opportunity. We are already challenging these stereotypes by simply existing.
What message would you give to young queens in regional/provincial areas about pursuing their dreams in drag?
Stay passionate and keep on doing the most in your area. It only takes a spark to keep the fire going. Find a community and support each other.
R.tistique. It’s in the name
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Can you tell us about your drag persona?
R.tistique. It’s in the name.
Can you share the story of how you got into drag? What inspired you to take that leap?
I began watching RuPaul’s Drag Race during the pandemic. That’s when I fell in love with drag. As a creative person growing up, I explored different art forms such as drawing, painting, animation, photography, and theater. Drag brings all those passions together, and that’s why it feels so right for me. I began by making TikTok transformations at home just for fun. Then came Bitchcraft, a Halloween drag show and costume party by G-Spot, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Now, drag shows have become a regular part of my life, and I can’t imagine it any other way.
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In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
Polish is in the R.tistique brand. I want to break the stereotype that “provincial queens” are creative but rough around the edges. We’re unique, yes—but we can also serve looks that are polished, sleek, and just as refined as anyone else’s. I’m here to show that being from the periphery doesn’t mean sacrificing quality.
What message would you give to young queens in regional/provincial areas about pursuing their dreams in drag?
When you want something, go for it—don’t hold back. Don’t be afraid to show the world who you are. Let yourself be as creative, bold, and colorful as you feel inside. Our uniqueness is our strength, and nobody can take that away from us.
Lamisha Bay Hana is a fantasy come to life!
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Can you tell us about your drag persona?
Lamisha Bay Hana is your ultimate animated fantasy turned to reality. She warps reality by serving conceptual looks, always with a hint of sultry and sensual demeanor or even the precise detail of any character she is inspired to portray.
Can you share the story of how you got into drag? What inspired you to take that leap?
In college, I, together with my sister Hana Beshie, would always be asked to design and make an ensemble for our department’s representative for Mr. and Ms. Intramurals, and even participate in our university’s little fashion competition (we always win, obviously). It was fun making those outfits for someone, but I was also low-key dying to be my own muse. Until a graduation ball happened for our seniors, I decided to go in drag in my black and gold look and won the best-dressed category. Since then, I went with my sisters to events as the best version of ourselves, believing that our talents and artistry should be seen by the world, and we never stopped slaying the scene, always “doing the most” in drag.
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In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
By simply showcasing my raw talents and artistic mind for everyone to enjoy, that alone in itself is already a statement to challenge the stereotypes associated with “provincial” artists.
What message would you give to young queens in regional/provincial areas about pursuing their dreams in drag?
Never let the idea of being labeled as a “provincial” queen dictate the overall output of your drag and always be genuinely happy with your craft and enjoy it; drag is fun in the first place!
Hi, It’s Jordi!
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Can you tell us about your drag persona?
Jordi is the ultimate Barbie doll experience. She brings the hyper-feminine aesthetic with a face that could launch a thousand ships.
Can you share the story of how you got into drag? What inspired you to take that leap?
Growing up, I already had this obsession with makeup. When I came across a YouTube video of Miss Fame, I instantly knew that it was something that I would love to do someday. Then around 2017, I began doing drag along with my sister, Misua. We started off as “bedroom queens” as we used to do our makeup in the safety of our bedroom. We would only take pictures of ourselves and post them online, and the idea of ever performing at that time was only just a dream for the both of us. Fast forward to 2022, the Haus of La Feya (Hana Beshie, Lamisha Bay Hana, Maharlika) invited us to join them in a show organized by G-spot. We eventually became house sisters together with Clementine Deus, and the rest is herstory.
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In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
By just simply showcasing my drag. We often get underestimated because of the lack of opportunities and experience. But the truth is, we are just as talented—if not, better.
What message would you give to young queens in regional/provincial areas about pursuing their dreams in drag?
Don’t let the idea of being a “provincial queen” stop you from dreaming big.
Meet Misua, your ultimate oriental fashion doll!
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Can you tell us about your drag persona?
Misua is your oriental fashion doll. She is a fusion of Filipino-Chinese cultural references and a love for fashion and art.
Can you share the story of how you got into drag? What inspired you to take that leap?
I've always been a fan of fashion, so looking through fashion magazines sparked the artist in me. I had always been yearning to create but was unsure what platform to practice on. I got into drag together with my sister, Jordi. We started doing photoshoots together and practicing our makeup. Fast forward to post-pandemic, we met Hana Beshie, Lamisha Bay Hana, and Maharlika, where we found a home in the Haus of LaFeyya.
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In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
I aim to challenge stereotypes by breaking boundaries, such as creating our own space, whether in opportunities to show how we are equally as good as drag artists coming from bigger cities.
What message would you give to young queens in regional/provincial areas about pursuing their dreams in drag?
If I can dream it, you can too.
The SHAE SHUE K show is about to start!
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Can you tell us about your drag persona?
Yung drag persona ko ay showgirl, Latina vibes.
Can you share the story of how you got into drag? What inspired you to take that leap?
Nag-inspire sa akin mag-drag ang boyfriend ko, siya yung nagpakilala sa akin about drag, tapos siya din nag-turo sa akin mag-makeup, at yun, naging fantasy na sa akin ang drag at na-love ko na siya. Isa din nag-inspire sa akin ay yung mga drag sisters ko sa CDO kasi sila yung unang nag-perform sa bar. Kasi dati, assistant lang ako ni Khianna, at yun, parang as a performer din, naging motivated ako na mag-drag.
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In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
For me, ang masasabi ko sa "performance ko mismo," or should I say THE TALENT, kasi kaya din naming makipag-sabayan sa Manila queens or sa ibang drag queens. Kaya para yun yung gusto kong makita sa kanila na talented din ang mga regional queens.
What message would you give to young queens in regional/provincial areas about pursuing their dreams in drag?
Just go with the flow! If love mo mag-drag at mag-perform, ipakita mo sa lahat ng tao at sa buong mundo na you are born to do drag.
Marchella is a Soul Diva
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Can you tell us about your drag persona?
Marchella is a Soul Diva; she retells the stories from the songs that share the same sentiments from her past and current life. She is part opulence and part grunge.
Can you share the story of how you got into drag? What inspired you to take that leap?
I have always wanted to cross-dress and give off a vibe, being extra about it, but I didn’t want to do it as part of a day-to-day lifestyle, and I was not really into gay pageantry as well. So, somehow, I felt like I didn’t have an avenue for it until I saw a Drag Race clip on YouTube, and that inspired me to do drag. I suddenly had an outlet for creativity and everything I love.
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In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
I aim to show people that drag is an art form, and if you pay attention, you’ll see the stories we are telling through our performances.
What message would you give to young queens in regional/provincial areas about pursuing their dreams in drag?
Do it. You may have a lot of hesitations and doubts; you may not have outfits, hair, and makeup that are on par with the drag queens you know, but do it still. Soon, you’ll notice your makeup improving, and you’ll have more outfits, hair, and tools you need. All you have to do is start doing it.
I didn’t have an avenue for it until I saw a Drag Race clip on YouTube, and that inspired me to do drag. I suddenly had an outlet for creativity and everything I love.
In what ways do you aim to challenge stereotypes associated with regional/provincial artists through your drag?
I aim to show people that drag is an art form, and if you pay attention, you’ll see the stories we are telling through our performances.
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