Naia Black ready to pass ‘Drag Den PH’ crown to champion of underdogs

Naia Black when she was crowned as the winner of “Drag Den Philippines” season one.

Naia Black, who’s set to pass her “Drag Den Philippines” crown, admitted her reign has been “so surreal,” but she’s ready to give up her title to someone who can fight for the underdogs.

Naia was crowned the “Filipino’s First Drag Supreme” of the drag competition show in January 2023. When asked by reporters if she’s ready to pass her crown to her successor, she said in jest, “Ayokong ibigay (I don’t want to give it up),” before laughing.

Despite this, the drag queen hopes her successor will “stay political and fight for the underdogs.” She also confessed that it didn’t sink in how much time passed since her coronation.

“Ang bilis ng oras. Hindi ko namalayan na one-year na akong reigning queen,” she said. “I’m ready to give it to someone who deserves the crown and will continue the legacy of ‘Drag Den’ which is to stay political, and fight for the underdogs and those who are underrepresented in the drag community.”

Naia also looked back when she was tapped to be one of the judges in the show’s episodes, saying it was “so nice” to return to the “Drag Den Philippines” set as it was a fulfillment of her “fantasy.”

“Honestly, it was so nice. Coming back to the set not as a competitor, but as a drag judge [makes me think], wow. Fantasy,” she said. “I was giving them advice after filming because there were lots of high emotions on set.”

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She, however, clarified that there is a “lot of sisterly love” despite the stress of the competition.

As she’s set to enter a new chapter, Naia said the thought of ending her “Drag Den Philippines” reign feels “a lot” but she can now dedicate her time to “explore” more of her artistry.

“This 2024, Naia is going through a lot. I have to give up my crown, iba na ang reigning Drag Supreme. I’m going to have my time for personal projects for my craft. I’m so excited to explore my art whatever that may be,” she said.

Any of this year’s finalists — Deja, Moi, or Mrs. Tan —  will take over Naia’s title as the show is set to air its final episode on Thursday, March 7.

Throughout the season, host and head judge Manila Luzon was joined by the show’s past competitors and guest judges. These include Dolly de Leon, Rufa Mae Quinto, Andrea Brillantes, Yeng Constantino, and BINI’s Mikha, Aiah, and Stacey.