THE BIRTH OF MEGA DRAG with @pochoy_29 🫧 more than just this full fantasy experience, there is a whole lot more to these photo manipulations and patched up visuals you see—there is a sense of sheer immensity that we associate to our own drag, to our own art form—whether it's resurfacing from the depths of the waters of our souls or to celebrating the triumphs our land. grounded from the idea of living fierce, fabulous, and free, we challenge the maiden issue of MEGA Drag further on what it actually means, not just for us, but for the rest of world. PILIPINAS—we strive to integrate our motherland to the very core of the first issue. it's seemingly the incorporation of the elements that we wanted to tell the world that it's us. for PERLAS NG SILANGAN (free), it's all about the essence of birth—either of natural birth, of new hope, or the birth of one's identity; LAKAPATI, the Philippine goddess of harvest (fabulous) in our land's abundance we flourish. and when we flourish, we see beauty—the beauty that surrounds our archipelago. and finally, inspired by the warriors who fought for our island's freedom, the bearing torch of Lapu-Lapu carried from the depths of Paolo's burning soul is our ODE TO THE PACIFIC RING OF FIRE (fierce). above all, we wanted to introduce our culture—whether it's in the textiles or fabrics of the dress or the hair or the makeup. queens and kings, welcome—to a world where u can be fierce, be fab, and be free. but most especially, where u can be safe. in whichever spectrum you are in, we have a space for you. • also sharing some edits that didnt make the cut 🤪 • —• Photography by DOOKIE DUCAY Creative Direction by BRIE VENTURA & JANN PASCUA Cover Photo Manipulation by JANN PASCUA Photo Manipulation and Post-Processing by BRIE VENTURA Fashion Direction by RYUJI SHIOMITSU Beauty Direction by MIKA REYES Styling by PAUL SESE assisted by MIGUEL QUILANG Makeup by GUILLY VALENZUELA Hair by IAN GARCIA assisted by ALDRIN VIVO Wigs by MERMAID MANILA HAIR & WIGALOO PH Nails by NAIL BADDIE Production Design by CLAU VERZOSA & JAY Shot on Location at BEYOND CONCEPTS STUDIO Special thanks to VINCET SY