Saving IITownsville One Lip-Sync at a Time!

With stilettos, wigs, and of course, the top-secret chemical X, this year’s Drag Superstar competition transformed the MSU-IIT Gymnasium into a bubbling cauldron of staggering performances and oozing drag energy. On the final day of Palakasan 2025, seven queens, each representing their college with flair and fire, went head-to-head in celebration of self-expression, talent, and unapologetic brilliance.

Representing the College of Arts and Social Sciences, Jaya Gemini in her breathtaking solo performance took the stage with Aegis' rendition of the song Bulag, Pipi at Bingi, turning it into a poignant statement on the struggles of marginalized communities. By seamlessly integrating sign language into her performance, she highlighted the beauty of self-expression in every form.


Her act became a visual and auditory representation of resilience as she brought attention to the overlooked experiences of persons with disabilities. Through her gut-wrenching delivery, she broke barriers and brought attention to an important social issue, proving that drag is indeed political.


Demonstrating her strength as one of the fiercest contenders of the night, Jaya cemented her place in the crowd’s hearts and the judges’ scores. She battled her way to the Top 4, eventually ending the competition as 2nd Runner-Up and coveting the Fashion Queen Award, a nod to her iconic styling and majestic stage presence.


As the night drew to a close, Prima Bella returned to the stage for her final walk as last year’s Drag Superstar. With grace and confidence, she delivered a message rooted in purpose and pride: “May drag still remain an inspiration, a medium of finding oneself, and a movement of creating safe spaces in our university.” She passed the crown not with silence but with celebration—closing her reign in full glory and power.


This year’s MSU-IIT Drag Superstar title went to Louziana Ayala of CED-IDS, with CHS’ Ivy Dripp placing as 1st Runner-Up. Still, CASS walked away with its own legacy: queens who delivered meaning behind every move, showing the crowd that drag is more than just a performance—it’s a statement.


From high-energy numbers to heart-stopping reveals, this year’s drag competition wasn’t just a celebration of creativity —it was a declaration of presence. With queens who brought their own flavor of “chemical X,” IITownsville was, once again, saved—one lip-sync at a time.

About the Author

Kayrel Madlos

Kayrel M. Madlos is a third-year BA Political Science student at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). Her interest in writing began in her early years when she first participated in campus journalism during elementary school. Writing has since become an outlet for her to be creative and a means of promoting awareness. With a strong belief in the power of words, she hopes to illuminate the minds of readers and spark meaningful conversations. Currently, she serves as a feature writer for CASSayuran, the student publication of the College of Arts and Social Sciences.