The MILF of Filipino drag has left the building.
While our time getting to know Nicole Pardaux on our TV screens might have been cut short, the self-proclaimed face of Cebu City drag says she isn’t going anywhere.
The second season ofDrag Race Philippines kicked off last week and it bodes well for a stellar season of drag excellence. It also introduced international fans to Nicole, who came bopping into the werk room decked out in pink sequins and exuding nothing but good vibes in the premiere episode.
As Nicole shares, she’s fairly new to the drag scene, having begun her career during the pandemic. While she may be a baby queen, she’s ready to represent the Cebuana Drag Queens and brought that energy to the mainstage during the queens’ girl group challenge. Ultimately, her critiques, including being clocked for her lipsync being off by judge Jiggly Caliente, sent her into the bottom two.
Nicole faced off with Tiny Deluxe during the final lipsync and despite bringing her all, she was ultimately asked to be the first queen to sashay away in season two.
Now Nicole is looking back on her time at Drag Race, sharing her regrets, her proud moments, and, of course, the moment host Paolo Ballesteros asked the question every queen dreads on the runway.
Courtesy of World of Wonder
PRIDE: Congratulations on Drag Race Philippines season two! That is such an incredible accomplishment! While many queens dread leaving first, I think it’s pretty iconic. How are you feeling about it now that you’ve had some time away from the competition?
Nicole Pardaux: Actually, I feel so much better now compared to the night when I was eliminated. Despite the short time I’ve spent in the competition, I can definitely say that I’ve learned a lot and I think I’ve grown since.
Is there anything you would do differently if given a second chance?
Yes, definitely. I would reconsider my runway outfits and go bigger and bolder.
What surprised you most when you watched the episode back?
Honestly, I was surprised I actually looked good on camera.
In your verse, you call yourself the face of Cebu City drag, how has the response been in your drag community to you being a part of the cast?
I’ve received a few hate [messages] but surprisingly it was overpowered by the love and support I’ve received from my fellow Cebuana Drag Queens.
Everyone loves Snatch Game. Did you have a character picked out? And if so who were you gonna play in the Snatch Game?
Yes, of course. I won’t disclose yet but I’ll give you guys some hints. This character is young, has Visayan blood, is funny, and “conyo.”
Courtesy of World of Wonder
At some point in every season, the judges ask the queens who they think should go home. It came surprisingly early this time. Tell me about that moment, how did you feel? Were you surprised when they said your name?
We were all gagged when the question was thrown by Mama Pao. I was not surprised when Tiny chose me because she had no other choice but I was a little surprised that Arizona picked me — but I respect her opinion.
What challenge were you confident you would have crushed?
I was so excited for the choreography challenge, makeover, and Rusical.
Was there a moment from your time that we didn’t get to see that you wish we would have?
I feel that my time in the race was so short that I wasn’t able to bring out my ultimate personality. The Drag Race fans definitely missed a whole lot. Char! [“Kidding!”] But like I said, you haven’t seen the last of Nicole Pardaux!
