Deja is crowned as the winner of “Drag Den Philippines” season two. Image: Instagram/@elroethephotographer via @thedejaa
Deja was overwhelmed with emotion after being announced as the second “Drag Supreme” of the reality competition show “Drag Den Philippines” during the celebration of the second installment’s finale.
When Deja’s name was called during the show’s viewing party in Parañaque on Thursday, March 7, she fell to the ground while crying tears of joy. She bested nine other contestants—including co-finalists Mrs. Tan and Moi—to succeed to the title previously held by Naia.
Drag veteran Russia Fox, on the other hand, was named the “Miss El Tocuyo” awardee. She was eliminated during the semi-final round with fellow competitor Feyvah Fatale.
During the finale, Deja, Mrs. Tan and Moi went head-to-head in the national costume, long gown and question-and-answer rounds. They also faced off in a lip-sync performance to Angeline Quinto’s “Miss Manila.”
The winner was decided after judges Manila Luzon, Nicole Cordoves and Sassa Gurl deliberated on the aforementioned rounds and their overall performance throughout the competition.
MEET YOUR NEW DRAG SUPREME 👑
WATCH: Deja was overwhelmed with emotion after she was announced as the winner of “Drag Den Philippines” season two. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/A44hQmRJVx
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) March 7, 2024
The drag queen admitted on the sidelines of the viewing party that she was happy with her performance no matter how the results would have turned out. “Manalo o matalo, I’m proud kasi ni-represent ko ang community ko sa Baguio and sa Norte, and I’m proud of that.”
“Wala akong inexpect, kaya gan’un na lang talaga shock ko noong tinawag ako,” Deja continued. “Although naisip ko rin na sana ibigay sa’kin kasi the competition wasn’t easy. Strong ang Top 3 kaya kung sino man makakuha ng crown, I’m happy.”
(At the time, I thought that win or lose, I’m proud because I represented my community in Baguio and the North, and I’m proud of that. I didn’t expect anything, so I was really shocked when I was called. However, at some point, I hoped I would win the title because the competition wasn’t easy. The Top 3 was strong, so I’m happy whoever wins the crown.)
Despite the show’s stressful environment, Deja said she opted to “enjoy [her] moment” since she considers drag as her “escape.”
“Iniisip ko lang na bakit ako nag-drag? Kasi masaya ako dito—‘yun ang tinatatak ko sa utak ko. Kinakabahan ako, it’s part of performing na kakabahan ka, pero as long as nage-enjoy ka lagi at the back of your mind, nage-enjoy ka lagi, kaya mo ‘yan,” she added.
(I was only thinking about why I chose to do drag. Because it makes me happy—that’s what I had in mind. I was nervous because it’s part of performing but as long as you’re enjoying, you can get things done.)
Deja also shared that she wants to explore more of her heritage and the drag scene in the northern provinces of Luzon since it is where she fell in love with drag as an “art form.”
“Doon ako proud. Doon ako nagsimula. Kasi doon ko minahal ang art form ng drag. It’s about time na makakita sila ng probinsyana na proud kung saan siya nanggaling. Gusto kong i-highlight ang culture at drag scene namin sa Norte,” she said. “Gusto kong bumisita sa drag scene ng provinces, gusto kong makita ang culture nila.”
(This is where I’m proud. This is where I started. This is where I fell in love with drag as an art form. It’s about time to see a probinsyana who’s proud of her roots. I want to highlight the drag scene in the North. I want to see more of the drag scene in the provinces. I want to see more of their culture.)
Naia Black, who did her final walk during the finale, was Deja’s predecessor before passing on her crown.