Werk Room bin full with glitter, tears and one unforgettable shade of yellow as queens of Drag Race Philippines Season 4 turn their second episode into heartfelt tribute for their late sister, Misua.
Misua, 27-year-old Cagayan de Oro drag artist wey real name na Jason Elvie Ty, pass away in her sleep on April 2 while season still dey production. Her death make show temporarily stop filming so cast and crew fit get time to grieve.
When competition return to television, Misua no dey Werk Room, but her presence hard to miss. Episode open with emotional tribute for artist wey bring “light, artistry, and joy” to people around her.
Host and main judge Paolo Ballesteros talk say, “Misua, you will always have a place in our hearts. Maraming salamat at paalam, Queen Misua, we love you.” Queens and judges also pay tribute to late performer.
Because na Drag Race, tribute no stop for tears alone—e come with spectacle. Misua fellow queens from Eme La’ Chikazsx carry her presence into Girl Group challenge, performing verse she write before she pass.
Then dragon show. Yellow dragon wey appear during Misua talent performance for season premiere return to stage. Manza twirl it under spotlight as Misua verse play. Prop wey once represent queen performance become symbol of her memory.
Mamwa Pao make sure dem acknowledge Misua absence without removing spirit of competition. She talk say, “And with that, we shall honor our beloved Misua by giving you all the very best show—exactly as she would have wanted.”
For her fellow queens, tribute carry personal weight. Merckz recall how Misua once tell her, “Ate nasa spotlight na tayo.” Excitement of finally seeing themselves on franchise quickly turn to devastating news of Misua death. Merckz talk say, “Sabi niya, ‘ate nasa spotlight na tayo.’ Tapos the next day naririnig ko [‘yong balita]. Alam ko naman na she wouldn’t want us…na parang magiging defeated tayo dahil nawala siya.”
Episode reach emotional peak when Katana and Merckz face each other for lip sync battle to Maki song “Dilaw.” Choice of song fit well. Yellow don become inseparable from Misua memory, echo dragon she bring to premiere and warmth she leave among her sisters.
But battle quick become more than fight for RuBadge. As Merckz struggle to hold back emotion, Katana notice and stop to embrace her. Two queens eventually bring Misua yellow dragon into performance, taking turns to dance with it. Judges and fellow contestants watch through tears as lip sync turn into something more intimate—farewell between sisters.
Merckz ultimately win battle and claim her first RuBadge, dedicating victory to Misua. In classic Drag Race fashion, stage still be competition runway, but for that moment, winning almost feel secondary. Real victory na keeping Misua spirit alive.
During season Meet the Queens, Misua speak openly about her family journey toward accepting her drag. She talk say, “I’m very afraid to show that part of me kasi I don’t feel like they’d welcome it as much as I want them to.” She recall dem tell her to stop doing drag when she first start. “Noong nag-start akong mag-drag, talagang sinabihan ako na ‘tigilan mo ’yan’ kasi ’di naman daw ako pinag-aral para lang magsayaw-sayaw around bars. But over time, na-feel ko na they accept me naman.”
That acceptance become part of story she bring to competition, making her time on Drag Race Philippines more than quest for crown. E be opportunity to represent her artistry, her family, and vibrant drag community of Cagayan de Oro.
Although she never got to showcase her planned “Pa-cyborg” look on mainstage, her art continue to live through fellow performers, who don since wear and share pieces she create.
Misua sisters, judges and fellow queens each leave messages for her as rehearsal footage play one final time.
