Drag Race Philippines winner Precious Paula Nicole on self-discovery

Precious Paula Nicole is the winner of the inaugural season of Drag Race Philippines. She shares how drag artistry has empowered herself and her career

Precious Paula Nicole, the drag queen who won the first season of Drag Race Philippines, is now among the most recognisable artists nationwide. She became an overnight celebrity. Having worked as a drag artist for so many years before her win, Precious often attracts attention by personifying everything but the mundane.

Here she opens up about her journey towards self-discovery and becoming the Philippines’ first drag star.

I am bisexual.

Outside of drag, I am not feminine. I am also an introvert. Precious and Rodolfo [Hontiveros III] are two different people. I love how audiences are amazed when they perceive me in drag and then out. I am two personas in one body. I chose to keep Precious and Rodolfo as two different people with two separate identities.

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My ex introduced me to drag 16 years ago when I was still a folk dancer.

At the time, he wasn’t sure what to do with his career, so he started going out and that’s where he discovered fabulous drag queens. He became a drag queen and brought me along, sometimes as his backup dancer. I immediately fell in love with drag; there was a voice in me that told me I could do it too. So I started doing drag in secret. I borrowed my ex’s drag outfits and pretended it was for one of my dance students. He recognised my perfume in his outfits and I got busted. That’s when I started to embrace my drag life.

Drag is very liberating.

I can do so many things when I’m in drag. I’m like a superhero; I’m indestructible.

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I was excited to be part of Drag Race Philippines.

My sisters and I (Brigiding and Viñas Deluxe) manifested this years ago. I was so excited to audition, but when I got the list, I saw that there were so many things I needed to prepare. This was during the pandemic when I had no resources: no job, no savings. We were all struggling. I kept wondering where I was going to get all the items I needed.

Eventually, I approached designers and friends for help. However, just before the show started seven designers backed out. My confidence took a hit, and even during filming, I felt undeserving because I’d already been rejected so many times. However, I stayed strong and persevered. When I won, I showed that I made the right decision by not backing out. Because I believed in my destiny, I won.

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To prepare for a show, I rehearse a lot.

I learn the songs, research new looks and brainstorm new concepts. I do not want to be redundant; I want my performances to be fresh. Of course, I also pray. I always pray because I do what I do for the love of art, my mother, my fans and the Lord.

The Precious Foundation was formed after I won Drag Race Philippines.

I did not expect it to be a full-blown foundation; I just wanted to help the Golden Gays. I connected with people who made me realise that while there were many events and charities for the Golden Gays, efforts seemed unsustainable.

Now, the goal of Precious Foundation is to provide a permanent home and sustainable livelihood for the Golden Gays. We’re doing a series of fundraising shows called The Golden Journey. The third instalment will take place in the fourth quarter of this year. Even if it’s difficult or unfeasible, I will continue this dream of building them a home.

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Topics

Precious Paula Nicole Drag Race Philippines Entertainment Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow Philippines