Filipina-American drag queen Aura Mayari will be joining the 15th season of the largest American reality competition television series “RuPaul's Drag Race.”
On Wednesday, the drag race revealed Mayari as one of the 16 contestants in the new season.
“Serving Filipina moon goddess, it's @AuraMayari! #DragRace Season 15 premieres FRIDAY JAN 6 at 8/7c on @mtv! ” it captioned in a Twitter post.
In an introduction interview, Mayari said the origin of her drag name was inspired by Filipino words.
“I’m proud of being a Filipino. Aura came from a Filipino gay lingo that can be used for someone who is overacting, overly confident, trying to get attention, someone who is horny, and someone who is always flirty. That's kinda like my drag,” she said.
Mayari described herself as a "performer" and not just a "look queen" which she said makes her different from all contenders.
She also shared that she was inspired by Manila Luzon, a Filipina former drag race contender.
“I just fell in love with her. She just represented the Philippines and talked about the Filipinos a lot. The Filipinos loved it. The Filipinos are prideful,” Mayari added.
The "RuPaul's Drag Race" - Season 15 is set to air on January 6, 2023.
In the previous seasons, several Filipinas had already represented the country including Ongina for the show's pilot season, Manila Luzon (Season 3, All Stars 1, All Stars 4), Jiggly Caliente (Season 4), Phi Phi O'hara (Season 4), Vivienne Pinay (Season 5), and Rock Sakura (Season 12).
The first season of the show was first premiered back in 2009.
In its 13 years of airing, "RuPaul's Drag Race" has received several Emmy nominations and awards.
