WATCH: Paolo Ballesteros channels the ‘power of flirting’ in the cover of a digital magazine

WATCH: Paolo Ballesteros channels the ‘power of flirting’ in the cover of a digital magazine

Paolo Ballesteros. Image: Instagram/@dookieducay

Paolo Ballesteros stunned fans with her transformation into a pearl-like queen as the first cover star of a drag magazine.

The longtime ‘Eat Bulaga’ actor and host, known for his makeup transformations, donned a bead-encrusted corset over an ethereal silk organza skirt for his cover shoot with Mega Drag, as seen on the Instagram pages of magazine and photographer Dookie Ducay yesterday, May 25.

“For Paolo Ballesteros, the power of drag goes beyond wigs, clothes, stage performances and anything else that meets the eye,” Ducay said. “From concept performances to stunning makeup transformations, this beautiful art form has grown from a 16th century theatrical necessity and underground LGBTQIA+ subculture to the global phenomenon it is today.”

Photo studio Beyond Concepts, based in Quezon City, where the photo shoot took place, showed behind-the-scenes moments of Ballesteros on its Instagram page, also yesterday.

Ballesteros can be seen in the pearl-inspired outfit, as well as another look with a red peplum top and red crystal-embellished shoulder.

Ballesteros’ drag-inspired magazine cover received praise from fellow celebrities Maja Salvador and Valeen Montenegro, as well as renowned Filipino fashion designer Mark Bumgarner.

Meanwhile, Filipino fans of the international “Drag Race” franchise are pushing for Ballesteros to host the upcoming local series “Drag Race Philippines”, along with fellow actor and TV host Vice Ganda.

The show opened casting for its first season in August last year and Filipino drag queen Jiggly Caliente was announced to serve as a judge earlier this month. /ra

RELATED STORIES:

“Drag Race Philippines” will premiere in August with Jiggly Caliente as judge

‘Drag Race Philippines’ Opens Cast for First Season; fans want Paolo Ballesteros, Vice Ganda as hosts

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Amanda P. Whitten