M1ss Jade So exits ‘Drag Race Down Under vs the World’ as finalist

MANILA, Philippines — Filipina drag artist M1ss Jade So has ended her journey in the inaugural “Drag Race Down Under vs the World” as a finalist. After eight weeks of challenges, the UK’s bet Michael Marouli bested the nine other delegates.

During the finale episode, the Top Four queens, namely, M1ss Jade So, Michael Marouli, Art Simone and VYBE, were tasked to write and record lyrics and choreography to perform the song Get Down.

After their performance, M1ss Jade missed the cut along with Down Under’s VYBE and ended their journey as finalists of the competition. In her parting speech, she expressed her gratitude for meeting her international queens and teased that this is not the last they’ve seen of her. “Thank you so much for this opportunity, and I’m really, really grateful for meeting my sisters,” the drag artist said.

“I would like to say that I will continue raising my flag for trans women and for the Philippines, and also for the vortexa citizens. I will be back for my Act III,” she added.

The show’s host, Michelle Visage, cheered for the Filipina queen, saying, “I can’t wait, I can’t wait. I will buy all the tickets.”

In true M1ss Jade fashion, the Filipina queen gagged the remaining competitor with her exit line. “Michelle, you didn’t eliminate me. You will ascend me to RuPaul. To meet my highest self. This is my way to the vortex,” she said.

M1ss Jade ended her journey strong in the competition, having three RuBadges under her belt. She was only in the low placements in the Snatch Game and the penultimate Makeover Challenge but impressed the judges during Design and Acting challenges, giving the first two badges. The Filipina queen finally won the lipsync during her win in the second design challenge, a rare feat in the said reality competition series.

During her watch party, M1ss Jade stressed how the end of the competition is just the beginning of her new dream to finally meet RuPaul, the main judge of the Emmy-winning US series. “I would like to say thank you to everything that I’ve learned throughout this journey of mine. Ang dami kong natutunan,” the Filipina queen said. “This is the beginning of the manifestation to reach my highest self and meet my highest self, which is RuPaul. So, abang-abang lang tayo sa next opportunity,” she added.

Several queens competed in international franchises such as Marina Summers and Minty Fresh in “UK vs The World” Seasons Two and Three, respectively, along with Eva Le Queen in “Global All Stars” Season One.

Five queens competed in “Slaysian Royale,” such as Bernie, Khianna, Arizona Brandy, and Viñas Deluxe, with Brigiding winning the crown.

“Drag Race Philippines” is set to air its fourth season on Sept. 25.