Restless and looking for things to do before 2022 ends? You still have plenty of time and plenty of events to catch. Here are some of the events on our list where, you’ve guessed it, you can support and mingle with local queer artists.
Whether you’re looking for something big or intimate, our handy list is full of options for all the bookish babes, belles of the ball, and just anyone who’s up for a good time.
Drag Playhouse’s “House 628 Live: The Renaissance Ball”
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Drag Playhouse is bringing its House 628 party offline. OG Nectarines Marina Summers, Eva Le Queen, Prince, and OV Cunt make their return to the Nectar stage with “The Renaissance Ball.” To celebrate Queen Bey’s birthday month, the category is: A Night of a Thousand Beyoncé. And guess what? We’re getting a special performance from another RuGirl, Viñas DeLuxe. So dig out your best Bey-inspired fits or go in full drag. With cash prizes and 4-foot trophies at stake, you might want to sign up to join the “runway” categories, too.
Where and when: Nectar Nightclub on Sept. 15 at 11 p.m.
Door charge: P500 inclusive of a cocktail
Manila International Book Fair 2022
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The Manila International Book Fair is back. Enjoy four days of book hunting and special events like book launches, talks, and meet-and-greets. There’s a lot you can check out so we recommend listing the ones you’re prioritizing. Ours includes the book signing with Ateneo University Press authors like Virgilio Almario and the UP Press forum called “Ugnayan ng Salita: Danas at Akda sa Panahon ng Pandemya.”
Where and when: SMX Convention Center from Sept. 15 to 18
Ticket: Deadline for free registration on Sept. 14
Isip Kwago’s “AFK Book Fair”
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If you’re looking for a more intimate book fair to attend, Isip Kwago’s “AFK Book Fair” fits the bill. Among the indie artists, brands, and publishers taking part are fashion labels Salad Day and Ube Kendi, Electromilk, Makò Micro-Press, and Sabokahan Youth. Altermidya will hold film screenings of “Portraits of Mosquito Press” and “Liway.” Bantayog ng mga Bayani executive director May Rodriguez will lead a conversation called “A Curated Shelf” in commemoration of the 50th year of Martial Law. Slow Space Coffee Bar will also serve literature-inspired drinks.
Where and when: Molito Lifestyle Center on Sept. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Open Table MCC’s “A conversation with her majesty Eva Le Queen”
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Progressive LGBT-affirming church Open Table MCC knows how to have fun. For its 16th anniversary, the church is holding “A conversation with her majesty Eva Le Queen.” And yes, attendees can drink sangria while sharing stories and meeting the “Drag Race” star.
Where and when: De Oro Building in Mandaluyong on Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Ticket: Limited seats available for free upon registration
House of Anansi’s “EnCUNTo Ball”
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Have you been waiting for a ball where you can serve Philippine mythological looks? The House of Anansi’s “EnCUNTo Ball” is exactly what you’re looking for. Keep in mind that each category has a different dress code, so if you’re signing up to join the Virgin Vogue, you have to dress as a duwende. Get ready to wow judges Sattva Ninja from the House of Ninja, Prince Nunoy Revlon from the House of Revlon and the House of Angels, and Onika 007 from the House of Maraj.
Where and when: Venue TBA in Diliman on Oct. 2 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
House of Dirty’s “Kalat Kiki Ball”
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Another kiki house that’s true to their name is the House of Dirty. Dirty Mother Ozkurrr Mizrahi presents the “Kalat Kiki Ball,” which will have categories like jejemon realness, bizarre, and sex siren. You’ll have to impress judges Prince Nunoy Revlon, Prince Twyloit Mizrahi of the House of Mizrahi and the House of Pinklady, and Kenken Elle Marciano of the House of Marciano.
There will also be guest performances from “Drag Race” queen Precious Paula Nicole and Quezon province-based art group Pintakasi. You can opt to attend classes from two of the judges to prep beforehand.
Where and when: The Addlib Dance Studio at the New Frontier Theater on Oct. 8 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday Nudes’ “Life Drawing Session” with Turing
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Have you been dreaming of creating a nude portrait? Feminist creative space Sunday Nudes is holding a “Life Drawing Session” featuring “Drag Race” queen Turing. Apart from posing, she will also talk about pressures to conform in and out of drag and how she uses her craft to fight that.
Where and when: We Are Shapeshifters Studio at the First United Building in Escolta on Oct. 9 from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Ticket: Limited slots at P800
Art by Ella Lambio
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