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MANILA, Philippines — Filipina drag queen M1ss Jade So staked her claim as a contest favorite following the premiere of the first-ever "Drag Race Down Under vs. the World."
The spin-off special of "Drag Race Down Under," the Australian version of the US reality show "RuPaul's Drag Race," features several Australian drag queens face off against representatives from other international "Drag Race" editions.
Jade entered the competition having previously finished joint third on the second season of "Drag Race Philippines," the finals of which historically had two other transwomen including eventual winner Captivating Katkat.
The Filipina was the ninth of the 11 contestants to walk into the show's Werk Room, strutting in with a revealing outfit bearing the colors of the trans flag.
"Maburat!" Jade exclaimed upon entering, a riff on "mabuhay," while in a confessional she greeted her fans called Susos as the "Dakessang Goddessa of the Philippines" with a brand that is "very cunty, ethereal, and demonic."
The other drag queens did not particularly get Jade's humor, even as the Filipina introduced herself as the female Jesus that landed on Earth from the planet Vortexa and invited everyone to hold hands in meditation.
All animosity disappeared when the queens were tasked with the first Maxi Challenge — do-it-yourself design using a solitary fabric or material. Jade was assigned shiny, red Lycra, a brand of spandex.
During a chat with host and main judge Michelle Visage, Jade admitted knowing how to sew and design but in a confessional said not wanting judges to know she studied fashion design as a surprise.
The decision might have paid off because the Filipina blew Michelle and her fellow judges away with her slimming, revealing red outfit that showed off her body.
"Greetings Earthlings, I am the Root Chakra Goddessa that will guide you [through] the early stages of life," Jade narrated. "I am wearing a lava gown... with an intricate way of fabric manipulation, touched with gold pearls that come from thy womb as the manifestation of my femininity."
During the judges' critique, "Drag Race Down Under" Season 4 winner Lazy Susan cussed at Jade for "being so impolite to come onstage looking this f***ing good," calling the dress intricately detailed and beautifully made.
Local comedian Rhys Nicholson and the episode's guest judge singer Beks, both gave praiseworthy comments, with Michelle adding they were all "gobsmacked and collectively gasping" at the Filipina's gorgeous presentation and execution.
Jade performed so well that she was selected as a top queen for the week alongside Michael Marouli from "Drag Race UK" Season 5.
Both Top Queens received badges and went head-to-head in a Lip Sync for the World of Beks' "Melodrama," the British queen coming out on top to win an additional AUD$3,000 (P130,000) cash tip.
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Michelle announced at the end of the episode that Marouli did not have to eliminate either of the bottom two queens: local contestant Flor and two-time American contestant LaLa Ri.
The winner of "Drag Race Down Under vs. the World" will receive a crown and scepter, a one-year supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics, AUD$50,000 (P2.15 million), and the coveted "Queen of the Mothertucking World" title.
It is a relieving watch for Susos following a recent TikTok livestream by a vulnerable and distressed Jade, which alarmed many Filipino drag fans.
The drag queen's handlers assured the public in a statement that Jade was safe and surrounded by loved ones and that she would go on an indefinite hiatus from drag performances and public appearances.
After the premiere dropped, Jade released her own statement on Instagram sharing she seeking professional help and doubled down on choosing to live with light.
"The episode made me realize that my purpose to live, to preach, and to share my unique knowledge to the world is something worth beholding and believe for," the drag queen said. "Art was always the thing that I fell in love with, not the money."
She thanked her family, friends, and drag sisters for their messages and support, crediting her community for the compassion she wants to give back.
"I am taking serious steps to fully recover so that I can proudly say and embody 'I am strong coming back to drag, music & fashion.' Namaste indeed!" Jade ended.
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