BY DENISE MALLABO

It was an early start for Precious Paula Nicole’s day and she’s out of drag. Prior to engaging in this interview, Rodolfo Gabriel II, when out of drag, already had a meeting with one of his seamstresses, who provided him with an outfit that he will be wearing for his next performances. Precious’ life has undergone significant changes following her victory in the first season of Drag Race Philippines, when she was awarded the grand prize. Drag Race Philippines serves as a spin-off of the American reality drag competition series RuPaul's Drag Race within the country.

Rodolfo went through a typical upbringing in Daet, Camarines Norte. Although their house experienced a fire and storm at one point, these unfortunate events had a profound impact on the development of young Rodolfo. He grew determined and brave. When he was 15, he moved to San Pedro, Laguna, where he had the chance to further his studies while also being trained as a professional dancer. From a young age, he possessed a clear understanding that his passion lay in the realm of performing. However, his enthusiasm for dancing diminished as the monotony and regularity consumed him. “I was introduced to drag by my then-partner who was the first to attempt to enter that world. I was extremely supportive. I was the first to purchase his wigs, heels, first gown, and make-up. I also told myself that this could be where I'll end up as a performer. That seems to be the direction I'm headed,” Precious shares. She would often attend his performances and finally became his backup dancer for a duration of two years, unbeknownst to her that she was already pursuing an understanding of drag, which she would later on attempt. In 2010, when she first began performing in drag at O-Bar, she wasn’t known as Precious Paula Nicole. At the time, she went by the drag name Vodka Fierce, which was a portmanteau of two names: a character in a series played by actor Paolo Ballesteros (Vodka) and another from Beyonce's alter ego (Fierce). Upon receiving advice from her drag mothers, she made the decision to change her name to Precious Paula Nicole, as they told her that the name Vodka Fierce lacked charisma.

Without a doubt, the victory has altered the course of Precious Paula Nicole's life. She has been quite booked and blessed ever since. She is now witnessing the fruits of her labor. Regardless of the outcome, she has always handled adversity with poise, acceptance, and a willingness to learn. As Precious Paula Nicole continues on her journey through life, she values gratitude and the importance of paying it forward. Listening to Precious recounts her HERstory, learnings, lows, and highs is like listening to an ideal narrative for a dramatic television series: initially heartbreaking but ultimately triumphant. Continue reading to learn about the drag royalty that is Precious Paula Nicole as she recounts her personal experience in participating in Drag Race Philippines, engaging in Drag Con, and providing guidance to aspiring drag queens in their establishment within the drag community.

How has your artistic style evolved since you first started doing drag?

I understand that my strong suit is dancing. I told myself, "I will be a dancing queen, like a show girl." When you say Vodka Fierce, people already expect dancing, flipping, and splitting. I am confident that this is what I can offer them. Not all drag queens I encountered can dance. Then after several years, I began the art of imitating. I will perform make-up transformations, attempting to emulate Regine Velasquez, Mariah Carey, and Katy Perry. These are popstars who don't actually dance, yet they have specific nuances that you can pick up. How they breathe, move their hands, and sing, all at the same time. I used to be conscious because I felt that if I imitated Regine Velasquez, I should really capture here to the tee or else I'll be bashed. When I first started, it was quite difficult to please people. When I joined Drag Race, I realized that you could be more artistic and explore on that type of art. I'm discovering fresh looks that are okay if I don't associate with anyone else.

How did you learn about Drag Race Philippines? How was your audition like?

During the pandemic, TV5 aired a drag contest called LOL Drag Queendom. Captivating Katkat won, and I finished second.  I was heartbroken that I did not win since I really needed the money; it was the pandemic, we didn't have a job, and we had no income. During a break, TV host Alex Gonzaga joined us and she said that there will be a Drag Race Philippines, and that we should audition. I couldn't audition since I didn't have any money, so when the auditions for Drag Race Philippines was formally announced, I didn't sign up right away. When I returned to Manila from Bicol after a month since the announcement, that's when I thought of signing up. When I submitted an application, the site did not accept it. Two days later, it was as if someone had whispered to me to try signing up again, and then my application went in. After I signed up, they quickly messaged me that I needed to record an audition tape and submit it the next day, which was stressful! I spent the entire day recording an audition tape, which I sent in the evening, and then the next day, production messaged me that they wanted to interview me. Everything happened three days straight. When I found out that I got in, they gave me less than three weeks to prepare. That's why it's called Drag Race; it's literally a race. I barely processed everything. I didn't seem to have time to think about what I'm going to do; I simply kept going.

What is your favorite aspect of Drag Race Philippines, other than becoming the first winner?

During the pandemic, I promised myself that once the lockdown had ended, I'd stop doing drag. I've been doing it for 11 years but our salary as drag artists isn't particularly high. You have work for four days a week, but the pay is only good for that week; it barely covers your expenses. I had very little money when I joined Drag Race Philippines. I have barely P2,500 in the bank. But I told myself that even if I don't win or get eliminated in the first round of Drag Race, I'd still do good. I know something good will happen to me by being part of Drag Race; I never saw it as a competition. I entered without the primary goal to win the grand prize or the maxi or mini challenges; it was enough for me to be there since I know that becoming a Ru Girl will change my life. I treated Drag Race as if it was a workshop. I recognized that money should not be my major goal in order for me to receive what I deserve. I prayed that I wouldn't be eliminated in the first episode, that I wouldn't be the Porkchop of Drag Race Philippines. I also remembered that I entered Drag Race without money to pay for my rent that month. What I went through was very challenging. That's why I do not worry about money anymore as long as I'm happy with what I'm doing and enjoying everything I've worked hard for over the last 14 years.

What have you learned from participating in Drag Race Philippines? What do you believe is a misconception regarding the franchise?

Many people believe that getting into Drag Race is easy, but what we've gone through has been anything from easy. It's like passing through the eye of a needle. When I entered Drag Race, I promised myself that I would be open to all possibilities, including the possibility that I would make a mistake or fail to complete the challenges correctly. It doesn't mean you've been doing drag for a long time, you've mastered the art of it. There are queens today who are better than you despite only having been in drag for two or three years. That is why when I was in Drag Race, I was there to learn, not to prove to everyone that I am good. People assumed that because I had been in the industry for a long time, that was why I won. No. You must be willing to accept the possibilities of both winning and losing. Your mentality, as well as your talent, will be challenged. Imagine, you're locked in, and you're in the hotel alone. You don't have a television or a mobile phone. You will be escorted to a studio where you will compete with each other. You have no source of inspiration but yourself and the room in which you are in. When they take you on the first day, you only return on the last day of the filming. You will receive your phone back on the last day. Drag Race Philippines is like a hybrid of American Idol, America's Next Top Model, and Pinoy Big Brother.

How do you think the drag scene in the Philippines has improved? What do you believe should still be improved the most?

We drag artists already have the power to control our careers. We choose where we want to perform. We produce and direct our own shows. However, many queens are still continued to be treated as if they are simply another bar's queen. I believe that these venues should give these queens the opportunity to perform somewhere other than their home bars. If they let these queens to perform elsewhere, they will improve. When we opened our club Rampa, we said we intended it to be a training ground for queens preparing to compete in Drag Race. We will host workshops in our club where we will teach queens how to do make-up, hair styling, and acting.

Can you share your experience attending international conventions and shows as a Drag Race queen? How does becoming an international artist vary from performing in the Philippines?

After I was proclaimed the winner of Drag Race Philippines, the first email I received was an invitation to Drag Con UK wherein I only have two months to prepare. I took care of a lot of things in order to be able to attend Drag Con UK, I really pushed for it. There were times when I had an interview at the embassy but had to leave right away because I had a gig that same day. Before traveling to the United Kingdom, we organized a team called Precious UK. The crew included nine nurses and doctors who volunteered to assist us during our journey to the UK, such as assembling the booth. A "bayanihan" occurred. Filipinos are incredibly helpful. You will not be left behind no matter where you go; there are Filipinos all over the world who will support and be proud of you. I didn't know them personally; we only had a GC, and because I was so busy, I didn't get to join in the GC chats very often. So, when I arrived and we were creating the booth, I made it a point to talk to them so that I could get to know everyone. Team Precious UK fed us and toured us around. I owe them so much because it was only my manager and I that traveled there, and without their assistance, it would have been quite difficult for us to obtain things for our booth and navigate around.

At Drag Con LA, I was with my siblings and Dani Barretto, who became my friend throughout the Drag Race era, as well as Mama Janet. When we arrived, we didn't have to worry about where we would stay, and they even purchased things for our exhibit. The love and support I've received thus far have been astounding.

What advice do you have for individuals interested in doing drag? What three tips can you provide them to help them excel in this craft?

For those who believe that drag is for them, let me just say that the world you are entering is really challenging. If you believe in your heart that you are capable of it, don't wait till later; start right away. Get make-up, put on make-up, and explore what you believe your brand is as a queen. Are you a dancing queen? Drama queen? Pageant queen? There are various categories in which you may belong, so do your research. Look for those who can help you. Look for good individuals who will not deceive you.

Three ways to excel in drag? First, establish your purpose: why do you want to do this? What impact will this have on you and others? What can other people learn from you? Second, do what your heart says. A lot of people will deceive you. Your brain may deceive you at times, but your heart will not. Your heart will not lead you astray, therefore if you follow it, you will win every battle. Third, keep practicing. Even if you don't think you can do something, just give it a shot.

When you're already a drag queen, you should be aware that you're a storyteller. We are not like the goldfish that live in the aquarium, who merely open their mouths to breathe. No! We're on stage because we've been given a platform to share our story, inspire others, and help those in need.

What are you most excited for this year?

I'm looking forward to returning to the United States in July for Drag Con and to visit my sisters and other relatives. I'm also looking forward to the third season of Drag Race Philippines. I'm thrilled to welcome another set of queens that will be adored by everyone, not just in the Philippines, but all across the world. I'm now at the point where I'm loving both what's coming and what I now have. I'm delighted we share blessings, not just talents. We are now training 21 queens at Rampa, and we are transforming their lives.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

The title of my book will be A Precious Life. I want my book to be encouraging. I want it to inspire everyone to dream and to understand that it is never too late to dream. You cannot choose what age or period to dream. I want everyone to learn about my 33 years of struggles which culminated in me winning the Drag Race.

And speaking of books, before the top four in Drag Race Philippines were announced, my friend Brigiding handed me RuPaul's book. It was mentioned there that it took RuPaul 11 years to gain her break, for people to value her and what she has achieved. And when I read that, I was in my 11th year in drag. It was a wonderful, full-circle moment. I saw this as a sign that my life was going to change.