Kaladkaren dreams of global stage for Filipino drag artists

Kaladkaren/ARMIN P. ADINA

MANILA, Philippines — News anchor and actress Kaladkaren has been a regular judge for “Drag Race Philippines” for two seasons already, and the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and more) rights advocate’s exposure to the local drag community has prodded her to dream for Filipino artists to gain global recognition someday.

“I hope we go to a bigger stage, not only in the Philippines, but I hope we get recognized all over the world, which, I think, is slowly happening now. I think we’re going there, we’re going in the right direction,” she told INQUIRER.net in an interview recently.

Kaladkaren said being a judge in “Drag Race Philippines” has gotten her closer to the Filipino drag community, and she wants to see more artists getting the opportunity to show their talent. “I learned a lot, that drag is for everyone,” she said.

The award-winning actress also hopes to dispel misconceptions about the art form. “They’re thinking that drag is only for men who cross-dress. But it’s not about that. There’s artistry behind it. There are also things you fight for behind the performances, the make up,” she explained.

“You know drag has always been and will always be political. So it can be a powerful tool to push for your advocacies, and your causes in life,” she continued.

Kaladkaren also expressed her gratitude for her stint in the reality competition program because “I was able to become the face of the transgender community even more, within the LGBTQIA+ community itself.”

She has also imparted her wish that even more transgender Filipinos will be given opportunities in mainstream media like her, “in film, television, even in the news. The more the merrier!” Kaladkaren anchors the entertainment and lifestyle reports for the nightly primetime newscast “Frontline Pilipinas” on TV5.

Kaladkaren (right) with ‘Drag Race Philippines’ Season 2 contestant Hana Beshie

She was also adjudged as “Best Supporting Actress” at the first Summer Metro Manila Film Festival in April for her role in the comedy movie “Here Comes the Groom” with actor Enchong Dee, and directed by Christ Martinez, the same filmmaker behind the 2010 smash hit “Here Comes the Bride.”

Kaladkaren, meanwhile, teased even more “pasabog” for “Drag Race Philippines” Season 2, and said the production team has made conscious efforts to improve the show based on the inaugural season’s run last year.

“We always learn naman from our mistakes. I think that’s the way to go, right? When there’s something wrong, you change it, you improve it, in terms of production, the set, the lighting, etc. I think I’m happy with how season 2 improved,” she shared.

The second season of “Drag Race: Philippines” premiered on Aug. 2 with Paolo Ballesteros returning as host. The competition started with 12 drag artists as contestants. Five participants remain in contention as of this writing.

Kaladkaren is also part of the murder-mystery digital series “Fractured” that will premiere on iWantTFC on Sept. 15. EDV