Khianna. Image: Biboy Sajulga via Instagram/@khiannawithak
The first episode of “Drag Race Philippines” season three was an unforgettable moment for drag queen Khianna, who snagged the mini and maxi challenge wins and brought home a P100,000 cash prize.
Season three of the drag contest, which premiered on Wednesday night, August 7, introduced Angel, John Fedellaga, JQuinn, Khianna, Maxie, Myx Chanel, Popstar Bench, Tita Baby, Versex, Yudip*ta, and Zymba Ding vying for the title of the Philippines’ Next Drag Superstar.
The competing queens were then introduced to Jolina Magdangal, dubbed as the “Pop Culture Queen of the Philippines,” who served as guest judge in the mini and maxi challenges, much to their delight.
Also part of the premiere were “Drag Race Philippines” alumni Viñas Deluxe, Minty Fresh, Brigiding, M1ss Jade So, Bernie, and Arizona Brandy who assisted Magdangal and host Paolo Ballesteros in the mini challenge, which puts the drag queens’ voguing abilities to the test.
The queens’ performances were moderated on their dance prowess and stage presence where judges can raise a sign containing either “Kavogue” or “Savogue.”
After the mini challenge, the queens were challenged to make a short video with the potential to go viral. They were also asked to showcase their glamorous interpretations of their hometowns through drag on the main stage.
Khianna ended up dominating the show’s mini and maxi challenges, edging out fellow best performers Maxie, Yudip*ta, Myx Chanel, Tita Baby, and Zymba Ding. During the maxi challenge, she was also given an extra five minutes to create her video as a reward for her mini challenge win.
To determine the winner of the maxi challenge, the Cagayan de Oro-born drag queen won over Zymba Ding in the lip-sync for the episode win, after they performed the song “Puede Ba” by Maymay Entrata feat. Viktoria.
She was also praised by one of the show’s judges KaladKaren, who declared that she has the potential to make it big in the competition.
“Isa siya sa pinakamagaling this season. I think malayo ang mararating niya sa kompetisyong ito (She’s one of the best queens this season. I think she can go far in this competition),” KaladKaren said of Khianna.
It can be noted that no elimination took place in the first episode.
Khianna took to her Instagram account to celebrate her win, where she shared a closer glimpse into her entrance look designed by fellow drag performer Marchella.
“Khianna wins flawless victory. Entering @dragraceph season 3 werk room ready for kombat,” she wrote in one of the posts.
In a September 2023 interview with Mega Drag, Khianna expressed her pride over the growth of the Cagayan de Oro drag scene while sharing that having “limited resources” brings out a drag queen’s creativity.
“Even with that struggle, it becomes fun and exciting because we come together and help each other,” she was quoted as saying. “Our sisters [who] don’t know to sew teach queens who don’t. Creating our costumes, rehearsing, and preparing for our shows became our bonding time.”
The show’s third season featured the return of Ballesteros as the host, while KaladKaren and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Jiggly Caliente were on the judging panel.
Meanwhile, Sharon Cuneta, Janella Salvador, “Drag Race Philippines” season one winner Precious Paula Nicole, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, Angeline Quinto, and Kyle Echarri were also announced as the guest judges of the season. It remains unknown which episode they will judge the competing queens.