Kaladkaren/ARMIN P. ADINA
MANILA, Philippines — News anchor and actress Kaladkaren has been a regular judge on “Drag Race Philippines” for two seasons already, and the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and more) rights advocate’s exposure ) to the local drag community inspired her to dream of Filipino artists one day achieving global recognition.
“I hope we reach a bigger stage, not only in the Philippines, but I hope we get recognized all over the world, which I think is slowly happening now. I think we’re going there, we’re going in the right direction,” she recently told INQUIRER.net in an interview.
Kaladkaren said being a judge on “Drag Race Philippines” brought her closer to the Filipino drag community and she wants to see more artists get the opportunity to showcase their talent. “I learned a lot, drag is for everyone,” she said.
The award-winning actress also hopes to clear up misconceptions about the art form. “They think drag is only for men who cross-dress. But it’s not about that. There’s artistry behind it all. There are also things we fight for behind performances, makeup,” she explained.
“You know that drag has always been and always will be political. So it can be a powerful tool to advance your advocacies and causes in life,” she continued.
Kaladkaren also expressed gratitude for her time on the reality competition program because “I was able to become even more of the face of the transgender community, within the LGBTQIA+ community itself.”
She also expressed her wish that more transgender Filipinos would have opportunities in mainstream media like her, “in movies, on television and even in the news.” The more, the merrier!” Kaladkaren anchors the entertainment and lifestyle reports for the nightly newscast “Frontline Pilipinas” on TV5.
Kaladkaren (right) with “Drag Race Philippines” Season 2 contestant Hana Beshie
She was also voted “Best Supporting Actress” at the first Summer Metro Manila Film Festival in April for her role in the comedy “Here Comes the Groom” starring actor Enchong Dee, and directed by Christ Martinez, the same filmmaker behind the 2010 hit “Here Comes the Bride.”
Kaladkaren, meanwhile, teased even more “pasabog” for “Drag Race Philippines” Season 2, and said the production team made conscious efforts to improve the series based on the inaugural season from last year.
“We always learn from the naman of our mistakes. I think that’s the way to go, right? When something is wrong, you change it, you improve it, in terms of production, set design, lighting, etc. I think I’m happy with how season 2 has improved,” she shared.
The second season of “Drag Race: Philippines” kicked off on August 2 with the return of Paolo Ballesteros as host. The competition began with 12 drag artists as participants. Five participants remain in the running at the time of writing.
Kaladkaren is also part of the digital murder-mystery series “Fractured” which will premiere on iWantTFC on September 15. EDV
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