Drag Den Explained

Genre:
Creator:Rod Singh
Director:Rod Singh
Presenter:Manila Luzon
Judges:
Opentheme:"Drag Den" (theme)
Country:Philippines
Language:
  • Filipino (Tagalog)
  • English
Num Seasons:2
Num Episodes:16
Executive Producer:
Producer:
  • Antoinette Jadaone
  • Rod Singh
  • Dan Villegas
Camera:Multi-camera
Runtime:45–65 minutes
Company:
  • Cornerstone Studios
  • Project 8 Projects
Network:Amazon Prime Video

Drag Den is a Philippine drag pageantry reality competition television series that premiered on 8 December 2022, through Amazon Prime Video. Manila Luzon acts as the host, head judge, and executive producer of the series.[1] Cornerstone Studios and Project 8 Projects produce the series, with Rod Singh as the series creator, director, and producer.[2]

The first season's contestants and judges were revealed on 17 November 2022.[3] Eight drag queens competed for the title as the "Filipino's First Drag Supreme".[4] The first season premiered on 8 December 2022, and it concluded on 19 January 2023. Naia won the first season, with Shewarma and Maria Cristina as the runners-up.[5]

Production

Concept

The series takes inspiration from many beauty pageants with challenges based on Philippine culture. The series has shown many political aspects of comedy challenges or shared "anecdote[s] about Philippine society."[6]

Format

In season one, contestants are instructed to participate in two challenges in the series; the judges will critique both challenges and choose their winner for the episode. The episode's winner and their chosen opponent will enter the Dragdagulan involving a wrecking ball. The winner of the battle will gain an advantage for the next episode and the opponent won't be eliminated and will continue in the competition.[7]

Judges

The competition series is hosted and judged primarily by drag queen, Manila Luzon, also known as the "Drag Lord". Philippine model Nicole Cordoves and comedienne Sassa Gurl, made appearances as the competition's prominent judges.[8] The three judges are known as the "Drag Cartel" in the series. In every episode, a guest judge appears for the series, known as the "Drag Enforcer".[9] "Drag Agents" were introduced in the second season, where season one contestants come back as judges.[10]

Judges on Drag Den
JudgeSeason
12
Manila Luzoncolspan="2"
Nicole Cordovescolspan="2"
Sassa Gurl

Contestants

Currently, there has been a total of eighteen contestants that competed in the Philippine reality series so far, with Naia being crowned "Filipino's First Drag Supreme".[11] In the first season, the series welcomed its first openly trans woman contestant, Barbie-Q.[12] In season two, the series also welcomed its first cisgender female contestant, Marlyn.[13]

Series overview

Season 1 (2022–2023)

In July 2021, RuPaul's Drag Race alumna Manila Luzon exclusively told Entertainment Weekly about an upcoming project she is up to host and judge.[14] On 16 August 2021, Luzon partnered with TikTok and announced a casting call for the series.[15] The deadline for the casting call ended on 31 August 2021.[16]

On 17 November 2022, eight contestants were shown in the new trailer heading down the runway,[17] revealing the panel of judges,[18] and the date of the premiere episode.[19]

The first season premiered on 8 December 2022, through Amazon Prime Video. The contestants competed to become "Filipino's First Drag Supreme" and win 1,000,000. The season ran for eight episodes and concluded on 26 January 2023. Shewarma and Maria Cristina are the runners-up, and Naia was crowned the first season's winner.[20]

Season 2 (2024)

On social media, Amazon Prime Video joined the trend involving promotional material from the film Barbie (2023), and posted an image of a Manila Luzon doll-like figure.[21] On 14 April 2023, Manila Luzon and Rod Singh announced the renewal of the reality competition series and a casting call for season two on social media. The casting call was open until 30 April 2023.[22]

Throughout the month of December, ten contestants were shown in a new trailer with the panel of judges coming back, and the date of the season's first episode.[23]

The second season premiered on 18 January 2024, through Amazon Prime Video. The contestants competed to become "Filipino's Next Drag Supreme" and win ₱1,000,000. The season ran for eight episodes and concluded on 7 March 2024. Mrs. Tan and Moi are the runners-up, and Deja was crowned the second season's winner.[24]

Reception

Critical response

Ysmael Suarez from CNN Philippines mentions the series mainly focuses on the contestants' "growth before and during the competition" and that "no queen was put in a bad light, each having their clear strengths and defined perspective to Filipino drag."[25] Rafael Bautista from Nylon Manila describes the series "made an emphasis to highlight how diverse the Philippine drag scene is" and showcasing "viewers even more slices of local drag that go beyond location and gender."[26]

Accolades

The series was nominated for "Best Reality Show Entertainment" from the Asian Academy Creative Awards and "Best Reality Show Entertainment" by the Asian Television Awards.[27] Manila Luzon won both entertainment hosting categories from the Asian Academy Creative Awards and the Asian Television Awards.[28]

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
AwardYearCategoryRecipient(s) and nominee(s)Result
Asian Academy Creative Awards2023Best Entertainment HostManila Luzon[29]
Best Non Scripted EntertainmentDrag Den
Asian Television Awards2023Best Entertainment Presenter or HostManila Luzon[30]
Best Reality Show EntertainmentDrag Den[31]

Discography

List of singles
TitleSeason
"May Kapa"1
"Sustah"2

See also

Further reading

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Manila Luzon on hosting 'Drag Den Philippines': I'm excited to live my own RuPaul fantasy! . 15 November 2022 . 16 November 2022 . . 17 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117034658/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2021/11/15/Manila-Luzon-Drag-Den-Philippines.html . dead .
  2. Web site: Drag Den Philippines to premiere on Prime Video tomorrow . 7 December 2022 . 7 December 2022 . . 7 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221207201208/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/videos/2022/12/7/Drag-Den-Philippines-to-premiere-on-Prime-Video-tomorrow.html . dead .
  3. Web site: Antonio . Josiah . Look: Meet the cast of 'Drag Den Philippines' season 1 . 17 November 2022 . 17 November 2022 . . en . 17 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117082441/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/11/17/22/look-meet-the-cast-of-drag-den-philippines-season-1 . live .
  4. Web site: Street . Mikelle . Watch Manila Luzon's 'Drag Den' Trailer—Meet the Queens, Get All Deets . 17 November 2022 . 17 November 2022 . . en . 17 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117170432/https://www.out.com/television/2022/11/17/drag-den-philippines-manila-luzon-cast-trailer-where-stream-watch . live .
  5. Web site: Tunac . Hermes Joy . Naia is the first-ever Drag Supreme of 'Drag Den Philippines' . 26 January 2023 . 26 January 2023 . . 26 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230126132540/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/858741/naia-is-the-first-ever-drag-supreme-of-drag-den-philippines/story/?amp . live .
  6. Web site: Bautista . Rafael . Drag Den is a Filipino Drag Reality Show Worth Supporting . 16 December 2022 . 29 January 2024 . . 29 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240129144008/https://nylonmanila.com/drag-den-is-the-filipino-drag-reality-show-worth-supporting/ . live .
  7. Web site: Franco . Kai . Dissecting "Drag Den": The Road to be the First-Ever Filipino Drag Supreme . 28 December 2022 . 12 December 2023 . Wonder . 13 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231213030250/https://wonder.ph/popculture/drag-den-review/ . live .
  8. Web site: Antonio . Josiah . Nicole Cordoves, Sassaa Gurl join 'Drag Den PH' judges' panel . 17 November 2022 . 17 November 2022 . . 17 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117050558/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/11/17/22/nicole-cordoves-sassa-gurl-join-drag-den-ph-judges-panel . live .
  9. Web site: Cruz . Dana . Catriona Gray confirmed to appear in 'Drag Den Philippines' . 1 December 2022 . 7 December 2022 . Inquirer Entertainment . en . 7 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221207202031/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/474669/catriona-gray-confirmed-to-appear-in-drag-den-philippines . live .
  10. Web site: Arsua . Koji . Here's Everything You Need To Know About "Drag Den Philippines" Season 2 . 22 December 2023 . 25 February 2024 . When in Manila .
  11. Web site: Place your bets! 'Drag Den Philippines' introduces its competing queens . 17 November 2022 . 17 November 2022 . . en-US . 17 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117052242/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/series/drag-den-philippines-introduces-cast-queens/ . live .
  12. Web site: Samonte . Jujiin . Get To Know Barbie-Q, The Trans Queen Of Drag Den . 8 December 2022 . 15 February 2023 . Mega Drag . en-US . 14 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230414122001/https://mega.onemega.com/get-to-know-barbie-q-the-trans-queen-of-drag-den/ . live .
  13. Web site: Samonte . Jujiin . Drag Den Season 2 Grand Opening Night Captures the Essence of Pinoy Queer Fun . 24 January 2024 . 25 January 2024 . Mega Drag . 29 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240129144009/https://mega-onemega.com/drag-den-season-2-grand-opening-night-captures-the-essence-of-pinoy-queer-fun/ . live .
  14. Nolfi . Joey . 'Drag Race' queen Manila Luzon says new 'Drag Den' series will 'take over the world' . 21 July 2021 . 16 November 2022 . . en . 17 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117040159/https://ew.com/tv/manila-luzon-drag-den-season-1-preview/ . live .
  15. Web site: Digital: Drag Den Philippines with Manila Luzon kicks off auditions on TikTok . 31 August 2021 . 17 November 2022 . Adobo Magazine Online . en-US . 17 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117162929/https://www.adobomagazine.com/digital-news/digital-drag-den-philippines-with-manila-luzon-kicks-off-auditions-on-tiktok/ . live .
  16. Web site: Manila Luzon Wants To See You Get Your Drag On for Drag Den Philippines! . 27 August 2021 . 17 November 2022 . . en-US . 17 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117164425/https://www.clickthecity.com/time-out/article/103246/manila-luzon-wants-to-see-you-get-your-drag-on-for-drag-den-philippines/ . live .
  17. Web site: Colcol . Erwin . 19 November 2022 . Get Set! Here's the Cast of the Manila Luzon-Starring "Drag Den Philippines" . 22 November 2022 . Preview Philippines . 22 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221122001209/https://www.preview.ph/culture/drag-den-philippines-contestan-a2248-20221120-src-spot . live .
  18. News: Cruz . Dana . Watch: 'Drag Den Philippines' introduces full cast in official trailer . 17 November 2022. 17 November 2022 . . en . 17 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221117085636/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/472747/watch-drag-den-philippines-introduces-full-cast-in-official-trailer . live .
  19. Web site: Samonte . Jujiin . Drag Den Finally Has A Birth Date . 17 November 2022 . 21 November 2022 . Mega Drag . en-US . 22 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221122001206/https://mega.onemega.com/drag-den-birth-date/ . live .
  20. Web site: Mallorca . Hannah . Naia named as first-ever 'Drag Supreme' in 'Drag Den Philippines' . 26 January 2023 . 26 January 2023 . Inquirer Entertainment . en-US . 26 January 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230126131600/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/483237/naia-or-brian-black-named-as-first-ever-drag-supreme-in-drag-den-philippines . live .
  21. Web site: Roque . Nika . Are we getting 'Drag Den Philippines' Season 2? . 13 April 2023 . 18 April 2023 . . en-US . 15 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415110513/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/866817/are-we-getting-drag-den-philippines-season-2/story/ . live .
  22. Web site: Pasajol . Anne . 'Drag Den PH' renewed for season 2 . 14 April 2023 . 18 April 2023 . Inquirer Entertainment . en-US . 15 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230415132950/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/495021/drag-den-ph-renewed-for-season-2 . live .
  23. Web site: 'Drag Den Philippines' season 2 to premiere in January 2024 . 1 December 2023 . 1 December 2023 . . 2 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231202013739/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/series/drag-den-philippines-season-2-premiere-january-2024/ . live .
  24. Web site: Tunac . Hermes Joy . 'Drag Den Philippines' reveals new Drag Supreme for Season 2 . 7 March 2024 . 7 March 2024 . .
  25. Web site: Suarez . Ysmael . Why 'Drag Den's' second coming is crucial for Filipino drag . 18 January 2024 . 29 January 2024 . . 29 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240129144006/https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/entertainment/television/2024/1/18/drag-den-season-two-interview.html . dead .
  26. Web site: Bautista . Rafael . With Drag Den 2, Manila Luzon is Going Bolder and Braver . 26 January 2024 . 29 January 2024 . . 29 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240129144007/https://nylonmanila.com/drag-den-2-manila-luzon-interview/ . live .
  27. Web site: Arsua . Koji . "Drag Den" And "Drag You & Me" Win Big At The Asian Academy Creative Awards 2023 . 29 September 2023 . 14 November 2023 . When in Manila . 14 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231114132421/https://www.wheninmanila.com/drag-den-and-drag-you-me-win-big-at-the-asian-academy-creative-awards-2023/ . live .
  28. Web site: Hicap . Jonathan . Nominees for 28th Asian Television Awards revealed . 11 November 2023 . 11 December 2023 . . 12 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231112080230/https://mb.com.ph/2023/11/11/nominees-for-28th-asian-television-awards-revealed . live .
  29. Web site: Enriquez . Em . Manila Luzon Wins Best Entertainment Host at the 2023 Asian Academy Creative Awards . 10 December 2023 . 11 December 2023 . Preview Philippines . 10 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231210131442/https://www.preview.ph/culture/manila-luzon-best-host-drag-den-aaca-a00378-20231210 . live .
  30. Web site: Tunac . Hermes Joy . Manila Luzon of 'Drag Den Philippines' wins Best Entertainment Presenter at Asian TV Awards . 14 January 2024 . 15 January 2024 . .
  31. Web site: Tunac . Hermes Joy . 'Drag Den Philippines,' Manila Luzon nominated at 28th Asian Television Awards . 14 November 2023 . 14 November 2023 . .