‘Drag Race PH’ Season 1 winner Precious Paula Nicole learns the value of saying ‘no’

Precious Paula Nicole. Image: Elroe Banawa via Instagram/@preciouspaulame

MANILA, Philippines—Precious Paula Nicole, the winner of the first season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines,” admitted that she has a more relaxed schedule this holiday season compared to last year’s Christmas celebration when she had just won the reality competition.

“Last year my calendar was so full, from Dec. 1 to 31,” she told INQUIRER.net in Filipino in an interview after her Mariah Carey-inspired drag performance at the “Holiday Soiree” event held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Dec. 13.

“I am now aware that it is okay to decline if I can no longer do it. Because your health is more important, right? So, when I feel exhausted and I can no longer push, I ask my manager to give another queen the opportunity to do a show. It is also a way for me to share my blessings,” she continued.

To keep her health in check, Nicole said she tries to get enough sleep, and to eat healthy. “You should also have peace of mind, because it will reflect on everything. If you have peace of mind, it will radiate on the outside,” she shared.

“That is why I make sure that I do not have enemies or hold grudges against others. I clear myself of all the negative vibes, so it will show on the outside that I do not have any problem,” she added.

Nicole said winning the reality competition has transformed her life “from zero to 100.” She said she can now command a heftier fee, which allowed her to move to a better abode. “I can now buy the things that I want, and I can also help those who need it,” she shared.

But other than that, “RPDRPH” has brought drag art to the mainstream in the Philippines. “I no longer need to explain what a drag queen or a drag artist is. Before, when one mentions ‘drag queen,’ people will ask, ‘What is that, someone who runs a race?’” she said.

Nicole hopes her art form will further penetrate the mainstream, with more representation in noontime shows, and even movies. “We have to be more visible, little by little. And I hope even more people will welcome us, because I still encounter people who are not familiar with what we do,” she noted.

And to those who do not approve of drag performance as an art form, Nicole pleaded, “If you cannot love us, just don’t mind us. If you cannot welcome us into your lives, just ignore us, rather than malign or bully us. If you can accept us, thank you very much. But if you will only bash us, just don’t.”

Aside from receiving more love and acceptance from society, another Christmas wish for Nicole that is easier to grant is having her stash of concealers and foundation replenished. “Those are the products that we use a lot. We need to cover our flaws, like me, I have chicken skin, and facial hair. There are products that are just meant for girls, and I need those that can conceal what we have to conceal,” she explained.