Filipino TV personality Paolo Ballesteros has been named as the main host of the upcoming “Drag Race Philippines,” a spin-off of the hit American reality series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Ballesteros, whose makeup transformations have made him an online sensation, was introduced as a “Filipino drag artist, celebrity model, and superstar host” by the show’s official Instagram account in a teaser video on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old host is a known celebrity in the Philippines and has starred in films such as 2016’s “Die Beautiful” and 2019’s “The Panti Sisters.”
“Charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent sashay their way to discovery+ with the multi-talented artist Paolo Ballesteros as fab host. We’re screaming, sists!” Discovery Plus Philippines tweeted on Tuesday.
Another Instagram post shows images of the host in a full glam look.
Drag performer Jiggly Caliente, who competed on “RuPaul’s Drag Race 4” and “All Stars 6,” was previously confirmed to be one of the upcoming show’s judges. Other judges have yet to be announced.
Caliente expressed excitement about the announcement on Twitter, saying: “Here she is. Ayan…masaya na kayo…malapit na!!!” The tagalog portion of her tweet translates to “Here she is. There…you are now happy…coming soon”
“Drag Race Philippines,” which premieres on Wow Present Plus on Aug. 17, is one of the many spin-offs based on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” an American reality drag competition created by drag queen RuPaul and streaming service World of Wonder that first premiered in 2009.
Other versions of the show also exist in countries such as Holland, Spain and Thailand.
“Drag Race Philippines” will air alongside the “Untucked” series, which features behind-the-scenes footage of the drag contestants.
Featured Image via @pochoy_29
