LIFE'S A DRAG

As we celebrate Pride month, step behind the spotlight and sequins to experience the magic that happens offstage at O Bar, where creativity and dedication intersect to create unforgettable moments

- Dorynna Untivero

Out of her usual glamorous drag, Angel Galang enters centre stage. Donning a casual crop top, tartan mini skirt and Jordans, the Drag Race Philippines Season 3 alum rehearsed her steps for Like Jennie.

Alongside equally talented back-up dancers, they go through the K-pop number again and again. We arrived at O Bar very early in the evening. The space was still barren, no air conditioning, no mood lighting and void of glitz or frills. It was a humdrum venue, but only for a few more hours till doors open to the public at 10pm. For now, it's all about perfecting blockings, timing, light design and fine-tuning every detail.

Running the rehearsal was Eva Papaya, a queen with more than 20 years of performance under her belt. She was among the first to grace O Bar's stage—back when it was barely a stage and more like a platform—and back when O Bar was a much smaller building in the heart of Malate, Manila. “We never meant to be a gay bar,” said Ramon Papa, co-owner of O Bar. “We got a gay clientele, without really intending to. We just said: gay, straight, transgender, whatever, it didn’t matter—everybody's welcome here.”

Similarly, the drag shows began by sheer chance. One of their customers started lip syncing on the floor, and Papa Mon, as Papa is more commonly referred to, dared her, “Why don’t you go up there?” And they had a blast watching her perform where ledge dancers usually would be. Turns out, she was a professional drag artist all along.