Maxwell Airs Out Dismay on Removal of Drag for Palakasan 2024

by John Vincent Balustre

First and reigning MSU-IIT drag superstar, Jovan Virtudazo, widely known as Vanilla Maxwell, expressed disappointment on the scrapping of Drag Superstar from the list of special events for Palakasan 2024 over “ambiguous” reasons.

On her end, Maxwell received reports over concerns from higher-ups responsible for arriving at the decision. While regard on the event's duration, safety — as brought up on her exhausted collapse after a series of performances— and student expenses on preparations are merited, she emphasized how the Drag Superstar, as a space for communities at the periphery such as the LGBTQ+, was unfairly singled out. 

“Makasabot rako na nag-care sila sa welfare sa students; however, drag ra diay ang naay nakuyapan? How about ang pop dance? How about mga injuries sa sports events?”, explained Jovan, suggesting how these circumstances are not mutually exclusive on drag alone and could be met with a solution. 

As an event head for drag in the College of Arts and Social Sciences, she disclosed that in recognition of concerns raised about how lengthy the event would span, arrangements are underway back then to tailor the conduct of the event within a day. 

On question of relevance and empowerment, Jovan deplored how drag was trivialized merely as an entertainment. “Unsa ra diay to for entertainment lang diay to? Nga there is a cause man behind that event, behind that performance or behind that participation sa mga drag queens from each colleges,” she stated.

She reiterated how she was not convinced of the reasons that reached her knowledge with regard to the decision.  Jovan differed how in terms of expenses, students and colleges don't simply shell out money for grand presentations of drag queens in front of an expecting crowd but even encourage resourcefulness and network among performers and the community.

What Now?

The revival of the college icon was set as an alternative to drag. However, Jovan stressed that this event would not compensate for the other if the same grounds of relevance and empowerment were to be raised.

According to Jovan, drag is an “influential and empowering” form of art for both performers and audiences as it is a celebration of diversity, individuality, and self-confidence. “It is a platform where we can express our creativity and speak out our voices in a way of performing drag. This is not only for entertainment but rather a good activity for LGBTQIA+ visibility and representation and most importantly a rallying cry for a more accepting and understanding society,” she stressed.

With this, she described how the course of action is both “disappointing” and “insulting” as the first and reigning drag superstar. She termed her experience as a “trial card”, only to gain traction among students, prompting her to be skeptical of the ideals of visibility and inclusivity within the campus walls.

While Jovan mulled conversation with the Chancellor over reconsideration on the matter, she also urged the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA), especially President Lugille Marien Castardo to be assertive and knowledgeable in its plea as she carries with her the interests of the students. 

“Nindot na unta to na opportunity kay admin na imong naka atubang diba? Tapos nin adto lang. Sayang kaayo ang opportunity,” said Jovan on her perceived shortcoming of the President in defending the event. 

Meanwhile, CASSayuran sat down with KASAMA Vice President Chester Laurie Tagacay, confirming the omission of the drag superstar event for Palakasan 2024. He disclosed that after the Academic Planning Committee (APC) session, what was relayed to them by the President was simply “possible changes” on the event, only to find out later on that a removal had been decided.

When asked about a possible appeal, Tagacay cannot promise a guarantee for a swift response if ever pushed through, compromising the preparations. “Dili pod ko musugot kay mura mig gahatag ug false hope sa mga colleges,” he stated. Tagacay also acknowledged that the chance to defend the event is already given.

As of this writing, CASSayuran is yet to receive a response from President Castardo for an interview to clarify the issue. Notably, only the President has a seat in the APC meeting as a representative of the whole studentry along with key figures of the administration. With no official statement, IITians remain relying on speculations that surround the matter.