Latest news with #DragRacePhilippines
GMA Network
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Marina Summers stuns in her portraits in Paris
Emily in Paris? No, we're here for Marina Summers in Paris! On Instagram, the "Drag Race Philippines" alum shared her stunning portraits taken in the City of Lights. First in the carousel is, of course, a view of the Eiffel Tower, followed by Marina's fashionable OOTDs in landmark locations, such as the Louvre. The Filipina drag queen also took a snap with her fellow "RuPaul's Drag Race" alum, Le Grande Dame. In May, Marina graced the Cannes Film Festival, making history as the first Filipina drag queen to have walked the prestigious event's red carpet. Marina starred in the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World" in 2024 and finished in third place. She was the only Asian contestant on the show, where she showcased Filipino culture all throughout. Enjoy your European trip, Marina! —Hermes Joy Tunac/CDC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Marina Summers champions Filipino craftsmanship at Cannes Film Festival
Marina Summers is repping the Philippines hard at the Cannes Film Festival! For her second look at the prestigious event, the "Drag Race Philippines" alum donned an exquisite gold gown made by Filipino designer Rajo Laurel, which featured wave-like elements. "Forever your golden girl," she said in the caption. In her post, Marina shared her star-struck moment at the event, meeting the iconic Angelina Jolie, who told Marina she looked gorgeous. Reposting Marina's Instagram, Rajo could only exclaim, "what joy!" The drag artist made history at the Cannes Film Festival as the first Filipina drag artist to walk its red carpet. Marina starred in the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World" in 2024 and finished in third place. She was the only Asian contestant on the show, where she showcased Filipino culture all throughout. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
RuPaul slammed for 'out of touch' post after Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente's death
RuPaul's Drag Race stars and fans of the franchise have been paying tribute to Jiggly Caliente - whose real name is Bianca Castro-Arabejo - following the recent news of her death Fans have been left divided over RuPaul having seemingly not publicly addressed the death of former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Jiggly Caliente. Some fans have criticised the TV host for instead posting a skit on social media. It was announced yesterday that Jiggly - whose real name is Bianca Castro-Arabejo - had died earlier that morning, aged 44. The news came after the late drag artist's family had shared on social media just days earlier that she had her leg amputated recently due to a "serious infection". Tributes have since been paid to Jiggly - who rose to fame on RuPaul's Drag Race in 2012 - before returning for All Stars nine years later. Drag Race judge Michelle Visage has been among those paying tribute to the late TV star, who had herself been a judge on Drag Race Philippines since 2022. The official RuPaul's Drag Race page on Instagram also remembered Jiggly yesterday, saying that she's a "cherished member" of its family. It's understood that RuPaul hasn't yet posted about Jiggly's death on his personal page though. Earlier today though, a skit was shared on the page. In the sketch, RuPaul appears to lip sync: "Tell me if this is normal?" The Drag Race host then mimics cracking his neck as a sound resembling a fart plays out in the audio of the scene. The video concludes with RuPaul pretending to cry. Fans reacted to the post in the comments section today. One person wrote: "Ru, I love you, but posting this before a statement about Jiggly is so out of touch." Another said in their response: "I love you Ru, but you posted this before saying anything about Jiggly? She was one of your own." A third follower wrote in their comment: "Hey so this is actually insane to post when one of the queens that made your show just died. Say something. Show some god damn respect." Sharing their thoughts, someone else said on the platform: "Y haven't you said anything yet? It's weird..." Another fan wrote earlier: "Literally, one of the biggest icons of the franchise just tragically died and this is what you post?!?!" Others suggested that the post may have been scheduled in advance. One fan said: "I almost feel like these posts have to be pre-scheduled because there hasn't been any mention of Jiggly." Another speculated: "This was most likely a scheduled post. I highly doubt she just filmed this. Give Ru the benefit of the doubt, y'all." Whilst others have defended RuPaul. One person said: "Don't rush Ru to talk about someone let people grieve. Ru always gives some sort of tribute give people time! For now just laugh if you can that's what Jiggly would have wanted." Another wrote: "I understand why people are emotional right now, but I also think it's important to remember that posting on social media doesn't define someone's grief or their relationship to someone who passed. People have gotten so conditioned to expect public displays for private emotions, but true mourning doesn't have to be performative." They added: "RuPaul may choose to honour Jiggly in his own way, privately, and that doesn't make it any less real or meaningful. Sometimes the demand for a post says more about our need for closure or optics than it does about the people who are actually grieving. Everyone processes loss differently, and I don't think it's fair to judge someone's care based on what they do or don't post." It had been announced last week that Jiggly had been hospitalised due to a "severe infection" before having her right leg amputated. Her family suggested in a statement at the time that she was recovering from the experience. Her family said in a statement then: "The family of Bianca Castro, known to many as the beloved drag performer Jiggly Caliente, is heartbroken to share that over the last month Bianca has experienced a serious health setback. Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg. "Because of these circumstances, Bianca will not be appearing in the upcoming season of RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines, nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future. Her recovery will be extensive." They concluded: "At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Bianca and her family as they navigate this difficult journey together. While Jiggly concentrates on healing, we invite her friends, fans, and community to uplift her with messages of hope and love on her social media channels. Bianca's family and drag house are deeply grateful for the continued outpouring of support, strength, and prayers." It was then announced over the weekend that Jiggly had died. Her family said: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends. "A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world." They concluded: "Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light. Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever. She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered. In Loving Memory of Bianca Castro-Arabejo (Jiggly Caliente) November 29, 1980 - April 27, 2025." The news was met with an outpouring of tributes. The official account for RuPaul's Drag Race - which, alongside being the host, RuPaul has been an executive producer of - paid tribute on Instagram alongside other colleagues. Beside a photo of Jiggly, she was described as a "cherished" member of the Drag Race family. The caption read: "We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family. Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay - always. We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time."
CBC
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Drag performer Jiggly Caliente, known for RuPaul's Drag Race and Pose, dead at 44
Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known for her work as drag performer Jiggly Caliente on RuPaul's Drag Race, died Sunday at age 44, just days after her family reported that she'd been hospitalized with an infection. Castro-Arabejo, who became a judge on Drag Race Philippines in 2022, had scrapped plans to appear on the upcoming season after a recent hospitalization for a "severe infection" and a leg amputation surgery, her family said in a statement on her Instagram page. She died early Sunday, her family said in another statement, adding that she was surrounded by family and friends. "A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit and unwavering authenticity," her family said Sunday. "She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world." Castro-Arabejo first hit the screen as part of the cast for the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2012. She quickly became a fan favourite for her vivacious personality and memorable interactions with judge RuPaul, who developed a recurring catchphrase for whenever they spoke: "May I call you Jiggly?" After placing eighth in her original run, she appeared on the sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race Allstars in 2021, where she placed 12th. "Her talent, truth and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay — always," said a statement from RuPaul's Drag Race posted on X. "We're holding her family, friends and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time." Castro-Arabejo was also known for her portrayal of the character Veronica Ferocity on FX's hit series Pose, appearing in 12 episodes across its three-season run. She also had appearances on TV sitcoms like Broad City and Search Party. Born in the Philippines, Castro-Arabejo immigrated to New York. She started working in drag about 20 years ago, appearing in competitions and pageants. She came out as a trans woman in 2016. 'Laughter was endless' Fellow drag performers and others who worked with Castro-Arabejo have been sharing photos and memories of her since the news broke. Manila Luzon, another Filipina American drag star who came to prominence on RuPaul's Drag Race, said on social media that Castro-Abejo had been her best friend for 25 years and that she was "heartbroken" to hear of her passing. "I'm really gunna miss all our long phone calls, your endless barrage of hilarious Reels in my DMs, your cooking, and especially ALL YOUR SHADE!!!" she wrote. Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared a photo of her and Castro-Arabejo on Instagram in the wake of the news, writing:"My jiggles…. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to soar high…. I love you so much honey." Fellow Drag Race Philippines judge Jervi Wrightson, also known as Kaladkaren, also posted a tribute to Castro-Abejo, who used to sit next to her on the panel. "I just lost my favourite seatmate. Drag Race Philippines will never be the same without you," Wrightson wrote. Across her career, Castro-Arabejo was vocal about the influence of her upbringing in her work and its importance for representation in the industry. In 2018, she released a hip-hop album called T.H.O.T. Process, including a track where she raps in Tagalog. During a 2023 episode of reality show Bring Back My Girls, which reunites different performers from the Drag Race franchise, Castro-Arabejo said her work as a judge was important because of her heritage. "When it comes to my culture, I live and breathe that I am Filipina," she said. "I am a proud immigrant woman." Castro-Arabejo shared that she was a trans woman in 2016 on a podcast, partly because she said she received letters from fans who were struggling with their own gender identities. "I wanted to come out because I was ready to come out. I have been living as a trans woman for so long, but I just never told the audience and the fans that," she said in a 2018 Billboard interview. "I was actually transitioning while I was on the show, I just never talked about it. I didn't want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me."
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jiggly Caliente, RuPaul's Drag Race Star, passes away at 44: Know cause of her untimely death
Jiggly Caliente , beloved star of RuPaul's Drag Race , has tragically passed away at the age of 44. Born Bianca Castro , the performer's family confirmed her death in an emotional statement shared on Instagram on Sunday, April 27. Just days before her passing, Jiggly had undergone a leg amputation due to a severe infection. Her sudden loss has left fans and the Drag Race community heartbroken, as she was known for her vibrant personality and impactful presence on the show. Family Confirms Her Passing The family of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, better known to the world as Jiggly Caliente, announced with deep sadness that she passed away on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am. She was surrounded by her loving family and close friends during her final moments. Legacy of Love, Courage, and Light Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Are you ready to conquer a planet? Undo The family remembered Jiggly Caliente as a "luminous presence" in both entertainment and advocacy. They shared how she touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connections she built with fans worldwide. 'Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light. Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever,' the family statement continued. 'She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered.' Health Setback Leads to Amputation On April 24, Caliente's family confirmed that she had experienced a "serious health setback," revealing that a viral infection had led to the amputation of her right leg. The family also announced that Caliente would no longer be making public appearances or serving as a judge on the upcoming season of RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines . Rising to Fame on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4 Caliente rose to fame in 2011 as a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race season four. In 2016, she courageously came out as transgender, further inspiring her fans and the LGBTQ+ community. Fans Mourn Her Loss Following the heartbreaking news of Jiggly Caliente's passing, fans quickly took to social media to express their condolences. One fan wrote, 'My heart aches, I love you, I love you, I love you. It is my hope that you are at peace now.' Another shared, 'I love you so much, babes. Thank you for your friendship. You always made me laugh and lit up every room. Your laugh is my favorite, and I will always cherish you.' Fellow drag queen Ella Vaday expressed her shock over Jiggly Caliente's passing, sharing, "Omg so sad, always so sweet to me. Rest in Power, girl."
