The Glamorous Aswang: Yudipota Reimagines Philippine Folklore Through Drag
- Malikmata Magazine
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Written by Mian Centeno, Additional Text by Bella Dela Merced
The Philippines, a nation woven with stories of diwata, aswang, and kapre, has long carried the echoes of its rich folklore. These stories, both thrilling and terrifying, have shaped the collective consciousness of generations. Yet, as modernity ushers in global influences, the tales once whispered under moonlit nights face the risk of fading into obscurity.
However, in the ever-evolving world of drag artistry, one queen rises to bridge the gap between the mythical past and the dynamic present. Yudipota, with her fearless reinvention of the manananggal and her signature brand of “glamorous aswang,” reintroduces Philippine folklore in a way that is bold, contemporary, and unapologetically Filipino. Hailing from Bacolod City, Yudipota began her journey in drag with a flair for the unexpected. What started as a Halloween surprise for her friends soon transformed into a full-fledged career.
At the core of Yudipota’s drag artistry is her deep connection to Filipino mythology, embodied most strikingly by her interpretation of the manananggal, one of the Philippines' most iconic and fearsome mythical creatures. Traditionally depicted as a half-bodied, bat-winged figure, the manananggal has long been a symbol of terror in local lore. Yet in Yudipota’s hands, it transforms into an emblem of empowerment, beauty, and creativity. Her manananggal-inspired look, which captivated audiences during her stint on Drag Race Philippines, seamlessly melded horror with high fashion. With meticulous attention to detail, she reimagined the feared figure as a vision of elegance, balancing eeriness with striking artistry—a testament to her unique ability to make the monstrous mesmerizing.
Yudipota’s standout manananggal look took center stage during the Sustainaball episode of the show. Recalling her excitement when the design challenge materials were revealed, “Noong nakita ko pa lang na pumasok yung cart, I knew what [I was] gonna do [because] I saw the cardboard,” Yudipota shares in her exclusive interview with Malikmata Magazine.
Her concept was to recreate a look she had previously done—this time with a bold twist. “I’ve already done that look in a way,” she explains, referring to her earlier version in black. Staying true to her vision, Yudipota incorporated bold spikes, vivid red hues, and intricate patterns that commanded attention on the runway. “My goal on the design challenge is paglabas ko pa lang, sobrang eye-catching na kasi striking yung red,” she adds.
The making of the look was also partly inspired by fellow queen Maxie, who often teased her about being a manananggal which added to her desire to bring the mythical creature to life.
Yudipota has since earned the title of "glamorous aswang"—a label she embraces with pride. For her, the essence of the aswang lies in its shape-shifting nature, a trait she directly connects to the transformative power of drag. “Since aswang is a shape-shifter and usually, the original form is like a demon—because the demon mostly changes their faces to lure people—drag feels like shape-shifting,” she explains. This philosophy underpins her ever-evolving approach to drag, allowing her to reinvent herself while staying deeply rooted in Filipino cultural heritage.
The international audience has taken particular notice of Yudipota’s work as Drag Race Philippines has already made its fair share of commanding global attention. For Yudipota, most are drawn to the unique mythology she incorporates into her art. “The international [audience] is always intrigued. [They always ask] ‘ano ba yung aswang?’ So I feel like my drag alone keeps them interested sa culture natin,” she shares. These global interactions serve as a gateway to introducing Philippine folklore to a wider audience and spark meaningful conversations about the richness of Filipino mythology. “Some people really ask ‘what is the inspiration of this [look]?’” she adds, underscoring how her drag becomes a bridge between cultures.
Yudipota’s journey is not without obstacles. She has also faced challenges in representing mythical figures in her art, particularly from those who are less welcoming of things perceived as unconventional or frightening. “That is why I added glam para ma-absorb siya ng tao and acceptable ito sa kanilang minds because may magandang aspect siya,” she explains.
“People are drawn to pretty things—that’s just the truth of it,” she says candidly. Yet, Yudipota’s artistry does not stop at beauty. She sees her craft as a way to provoke thought and challenge perceptions, particularly within the drag community. “The [heterosexuals] probably think drag is disturbing pero in our scene, in our culture, alternative drag is something otherworldly,” she explains, referring to her penchant for exploring the darker, unconventional side of her art. For Yudipota, drag is not merely entertainment—it provokes and is a means to redefine beauty standards and reclaim narratives within the drag industry.
Her inspirations are as diverse as her performances. Drawing from high-fashion legends like Alexander McQueen and Thierry Mugler, as well as pop icons like Lady Gaga, Yudipota masterfully intertwines global influences with distinctly Filipino elements. Her performances are theatrical spectacles, breathing life into forgotten tales and showcasing the versatility of Philippine folklore. “We all return to nature,” she reflects, emphasizing how her love for mythology and the environment informs her work. This connection to nature, paired with her sharp understanding of modern aesthetics, allows Yudipota to create art that resonates deeply with audiences while honoring her roots.
But Yudipota’s journey is not just about her individual artistry; it also feature the community she represents. The drag scenes in Bacolod and Manila, though vastly different, have both played significant roles in shaping her perspective. “Unlike Manila, where drag is a weekly thing and a career, in Bacolod, it’s like a side job,” she notes. Despite these differences, Yudipota has witnessed the rise of new talents in her hometown, many of whom credit her as an inspiration.
Beyond the glitz of the runway and the applause of live audiences, Yudipota recognizes the weight of her influence. Dubbed as “The Queen of Comprehension” by her fans, she is acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with her platform. “There are so many youths and kids following my footsteps somehow, so I feel like I need to be careful with my choices,” she shares. Whether holding a microphone or posting on social media, Yudipota approaches her role with intention, understanding that her actions can inspire others to embrace their individuality and push boundaries.
Looking ahead, Yudipota envisions an exciting evolution for drag, especially in the Philippines. “I want more flavor—a different flavor,” she declares. While she appreciates the traditional glitz and glamour that often define drag, she yearns for greater recognition of its darker, more experimental forms.
Yudipota acknowledges the challenges posed by the country’s conservative culture but remains optimistic about the transformative power of alternative drag to disrupt and redefine societal norms.
When asked if she plans to create more looks inspired by Philippine folklore, her answer is unequivocal. "For sure," she confidently replies. "We’re always gonna absorb what [nature] gives us and I feel like people are getting more into it."
Through her “glamorous aswang” brand, she not only reclaims and reimagines Philippine folklore but also ensures its survival in the modern age. By blending tradition with innovation, she creates a space where mythical creatures are not relics of the past but characters worthy of a reintroduction to the new generation.
In Yudipota’s hands, the manananggal is no longer a figure to fear—it is a symbol of resilience, beauty, and boundless creativity. Through drag, she invites us to see folklore through a fresher lens, reminding us that even the most ancient stories can be reborn in dazzling, unexpected ways. Yudipota is not just performing; she is preserving, transforming, and elevating stories of the folklore deemed as history.
Post-process by Timothy Andrei Milambiling and Bella Dela Merced
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