Drag Queen Neenja’s Guide to Manila
Neenja—born and raised in the capital of the Philippines—describes her drag persona as “glamorous but edgy on the side.” That feels accurate, because there's no shortage of studs, sparkle, and sass when it comes to this queen's performances, which deliver high-energy lip-syncs to pop icons such as Dua Lipa and Beyoncé. In fact, her “most favorite song to perform is Telephone by Lady Gaga, which I've loved since I was 10 years old.”
Viewing parties of Ru Paul's Drag Race Philippines in local bars were her way into the Manila drag scene, which she describes as “insane and one-of-a-kind.” She'd always felt like “the things that I wanted to wear were too extravagant for a normal person,” but drag allowed “me to express myself the way I wanted to express myself—it's an extension of myself that I never got to explore before.”
So, hold onto your wigs and put your best stiletto forward for Neenja's guide to drag queen hot spots in Metro Manila.
How and where to experience Manila’s drag scene
Since the Filipino franchise of Ru Paul's Drag Race started in 2022, drag shows in Manila have exploded in popularity. “You can now experience the drag scene not only through the bars and clubs at night,” Neenja says. “But also with drag brunch, drag bingo, and drag roasts.” She describes Filipino drag queens as “some of the highest caliber performers that you'll ever meet in your entire life.”
According to Neenja, one of the best places to catch drag queen performances in metro Manila (in Quezon City, around half an hour from Manila proper) is Rampa Drag Club, which describes itself as “a haven for self-expression and entertainment.” Open Friday through Sunday, the venue was founded by the Divine Divas, a trio of popular Manila drag queens who wanted to provide an inclusive space for Manila LGBTQ+ entertainment that's “a celebration of artistry, diversity, and acceptance.” Shows here feature razor-sharp choreography, fierce costumes, and live DJs, and the space also hosts Ru Paul's Drag Race viewing parties. Check out their Instagram page to see what's on and make a reservation.
More LGBTQ+ nightlife in Manila
When it comes to LGBTQ+ nightlife in Manila, The One 690 Entertainment Bar is a staple. Open since the 1970s, it was one of the city's first queer bars. Its mission is to redefine LGBTQ+ entertainment scene through high-octane performances that range from drag and dance to disrobing—gear up for an immersive experience.
Other LGBTQ+ friendly venues in Metro Manila that Neenja recommends are 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub, a live music venue she loves to frequent “to support other Filipino and international performers,” and The Hideout Bar and Restaurant, which hosts live stand-up comedy from a diverse range of comics. Both post their upcoming shows on their Facebook pages.
Pride and other LGBTQ+ events in Manila
Manila's Pride celebration slogan is “educate, equip, empower,” and Neenja says it does just that. While the pandemic drew a halt to in-person parades, Manila's LGBTQ+ community continued to celebrate online until the Pride march and festival resumed in 2023. The celebrations take place every June and see a colorful variety of cultural events leading up to it. Neenja recommends heading to the Pasay district after the parade, as it's “jam-packed full of karaoke bars and busy markets that help you feel the joyful Pride vibe.”
Neenja’s Manila must-do’s
What to eat
If you're looking to sample some hearty Filipino fare, Neenja is a super fan of Habanero Kitchen Bar in the “hipster haven street food market” of Cubao Expo, in Quezon City, Metro Manila. She says that “while the lines can be pretty long at times, they have a dish called oyster sisig and it is to die for—it has this salty, sweet, and tangy taste.” She also recommends trying their lechon (pork belly), which they “pair with the perfect spicy sauce.”
And if you want to start enjoying Manila drag queen culture early in the day, the LGBTQ+–owned Butterboy Bakehouse often hosts a drag brunch. Come for the rainbow croissants and stay for an interactive performance featuring some of Manila's most fabulous queens.
What to see and do
Once you've ticked off the best Manila drag bars, Neenja advises you to check out Intramuros Walled City in the historic center of Manila. She loves exploring the heritage-rich area, which she describes as “not boring, I swear! It's really interesting and beautiful—a great place to learn about Filipino history and Spanish colonialism.” Pedaling past the churches and fortresses on a bike tour is one of the best ways to explore.
To escape the bustle of the metropolis, you can also take a Manila day trip to one of several nearby natural wonders. Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Taal Volcano offers spectacular hiking while the Angono Petroglyphs are a series of caves that harbor carvings said to date back more than 4,000 years.
Where to stay
When it comes to “safe spaces” that grant you easy access to Manila LGBTQ+ entertainment, Neenja recommends staying in Quezon City, home to a high concentration of queer bars and clubs, or Bonifacio Global City, a sleek business district in the south of the capital. It's home to a mix of fashionable apartments and a vibrant lifestyle scene packed with bars and restaurants.
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