2 Filipina drag queens vie for ‘Drag Race UK’ season 6 crown

saki_yew/Instagram, zahirahzapanta/Instagram

Building on the success of Filipina drag queens in global franchises, such as “Drag Race Philippines” season 1 runner-up Marina Summers, who reached the Top 4 in the franchise’s “vs the World” spinoff, two more Filipina drag queens, Saki Yew and Zahirah Zapanta, have been announced as part of the cast for the sixth season of “Drag Race UK.”

Saki Yew, a 33-year-old drag performer from Manchester, brings a wealth of experience to the competition. With over 13 years in the drag scene, she is known for her captivating performances that blend her skills in dance and musical theater.

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“You’re going to get a showgirl,” Saki confidently stated. “It’s going to be all about my face captivating you just by a look. I’m a trained dancer, so I’m bendy. I did full-on musical theater training.”

Saki’s drag journey began in Sydney, where she moved for love and met her husband. Now, she’s ready to take the UK by storm, bringing her vibrant energy and show-stopping performances to the “Drag Race” stage.

Meanwhile, Zahirah Zapanta, a 28-year-old queen from Nottingham, also adds a unique flair to the season. Born in the Philippines, Zahirah’s drag is deeply influenced by her upbringing in a Filipino community.

Known as the “Filipina Godessa,” she combines humor and glamour in her performances.

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“I grew up with gay uncles and trans icons in the family,” she shared, highlighting the strong cultural ties that shape her drag persona. Zahirah’s introduction video featured her playful personality, showcasing her knack for engaging the audience.

“Everyone just looks at me and expects me to talk like this,” she said with a laugh, before launching into a playful screech.

Both queens are among the 12 competitors vying for the crown in “Drag Race UK” season 6. Their participation is historic, as they are the first queens of Filipino descent to compete in the regular season of the popular franchise.