2 Filipino drag queens join ‘Canada’s Drag Race’s’ 4th season

(From left) Kiki Coe, Melinda Verga. Images: X/@WorldOfWonder

Filipina drag performers Kiki Coe and Melinda Verga are announced in the lineup of candidates for “Canada’s Drag Race” season four, which was confirmed by the reality show’s producers.

In a video uploaded on WowPresents’ official X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Oct. 19, Coe and Verga introduced themselves as performers who want to represent what “Filipino talent is made of.”

“My name is Kiki Coe and I’m from Ottawa, Ontario, originally from the beautiful islands of the Philippines,” said Coe, who donned an elaborate gold costume with a dramatic headpiece and a red cape in her introduction video.

👑 @coekiki 👑

Meet the Queens of #CanadasDragRace S4 NOW on @wowpresentsplus! 20% off your 1st month with code CANADA 🚨 https://t.co/Sz1SBw0gge

Season 4 premieres Nov 16, here’s where to watch:
🌎 @wowpresentsplus worldwide ex. Canada & UK
🇨🇦 @cravecanada
🇬🇧 @bbcthree pic.twitter.com/FXBgRiIglC

— World of Wonder (@WorldOfWonder) October 18, 2023

The drag queen described herself as someone who can “perform, act, and sing with a little bit of autotune,” adding that she considers herself as her “biggest competitor.”

“I’m representing someone that I wish I had when I was a kid. I want to show the world what Filipino talent is made of,” she added.

Verga, on the other hand, showed up in her introduction video also in gold costume and a head cap and thigh-high boots. “I am Melinda Verga, I am from Edmonton, Alberta… Melinda Verga’s drag is fun, fierce, and fabulous with a hint of mess-ness,” she said.

👑 @melindaverga 👑

Meet the Queens of #CanadasDragRace S4 NOW on @wowpresentsplus! 20% off your 1st month with code CANADA 🚨 https://t.co/Sz1SBw0gge

Season 4 premieres Nov 16, here’s where to watch:
🌎 @wowpresentsplus worldwide ex. Canada & UK
🇨🇦 @cravecanada
🇬🇧 @bbcthree pic.twitter.com/LmJxbJYL3Q

— World of Wonder (@WorldOfWonder) October 18, 2023

“I’m here to just be me, whether that’s good, bad, or ugly. I’ll present it to the world and I’m unapologetic about it,” she added. “One thing about Melinda Verga, it’s never going to be boring.”

It can also be noted that the Filipina-Canadian performer describes herself as the “Pinay Pie,” or a Filipina who exemplifies girl power, as seen on her official Instagram account.

Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@melindaverga

This is not the first time Filipino drag performers have been included in the Canadian edition of the popular franchise. Kyne joined the show’s first season, and was followed by Stephanie Prince and Kimmy Couture in seasons two and three, respectively.

Meanwhile, the local franchise of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” wrapped up its second season earlier this month, with Captivating Katkat being crowned as the winner. A third installment of the show was recently confirmed on WowPresents’ social media platforms. EDV