Maxie Oliveros: From Streets to Drag Superstar!
**Maxie Oliveros Returns: From Manila’s Streets to Drag Stardom**
Picture this: Maxie Oliveros, the spirited young bakla we met on the lively streets of Manila, has blossomed into a fabulous drag queen. No longer the child beauty queen, she’s now a dazzling drag superstar! This upcoming June 2025, during the energetic celebrations of Pride Month, J+Productions presents “Dalaga na si Maxie Oliveros: A Drag Musical Extravaganza”. It’s a sparkling sequel to the beloved 2013 stage musical and the iconic 2005 film Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. Set in 2018, amid the tense backdrop of Duterte’s war on drugs, the story follows Maxie as she swaps her past hardships for the empowering field of drag, finding a new family that shines brighter than any sequin-studded gown.
**A New Star Takes the Stage**
Stepping into Maxie’s iconic heels is Jamila Rivera from Naga City, Camarines Sur, who was selected after rigorous auditions at PETA. “We want to tell Maxie’s story, give it justice, and make her journey even more fabulous,” Jamila enthusiastically shared, inspired by the celebrated drag queen Maxie Andreison, winner of Drag Race Philippines Season 2. At 17, Jamila’s Maxie is eager to capture the spotlight, bringing a mix of lip-sync battles, live performances, and raw emotions, an experience relatable to any aspiring queen discovering her true self.
**A Fusion of Drag and Drama**
The visionary behind this production, director Melvin Lee, along with co-writers Julia Icawat Enriquez and Mikaundre Gozum Santos, promises a show that goes beyond mere spectacle. “We’re aiming to reveal more than just glitz… I want the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level,” Lee explained, blending three fresh songs by JJ Pimpinio with dynamic drag covers. The cast lineup is nothing short of spectacular, featuring top Filipina drag icons like Zymba Ding, Corazon, Mrs. Tan, and Winter Sheason Nicole, alongside theater luminaries such as Jem Manicad, Gerhard Krystoppher, and Gabriel Villaruel. As Asia Society Philippines applauds, this Pride event aims to pull back the curtain on the authentic lives of drag artists, exploring themes of loss and resilience.
**Celebrating Pride in Makati**
Scheduled from June 13-22 at Illumination Studio in Makati, this hybrid show of music, performance, and storytelling promises to make an impact, following early buzz from ABS-CBN and insightful reviews like those from the Manila Bulletin focusing on Maxie’s inspiring journey. Tickets are available for P2,500 via Ticket2Me. Grab yours now, darlings, and experience the evolution of queer Pinoy pop culture. Maxie isn’t just growing; she’s thriving with passion, perseverance, and unapologetic brilliance. Ready to cheer her on?
