Drag Race Philippines’ Matilduh On Being A Mini Challenge Assassin

The mini-challenge assassin has left the building.

During her time in Drag Race Philippines season 2 Matilduh, the self-described ‘Multimedia Drag Superstar,’ from Ilocos made herstory by becoming the franchise’s first-ever challenge assassin winning three of the four she participated in. So she is forever a winner, baby.

While her performance in the Rusical ultimately put her in the bottom, and lipsync against Miss Jade So resulted in her sashaying away, Matilduh’s charming and sassy interviews and vulnerable moments in the Werk Room made her a fan fave.

PRIDE caught up with Matilduh to talk about what being on Drag Race taught her, what she would do differently next time, and why the queens got so shady when Veruschka Levels was eliminated.

PRIDE: Congratulations on Drag Race Philippines season 2! How are you feeling about your time on the show?

MATILDUH: Thanks! It was not what I expected, but it surely is memorable. I’ve gained new sisters and memories which helped in improving my drag and as a person.

You had just survived a three-person lipsync which was such a gag! How were you feeling during that?

At that moment, I was shook! We really didn’t expect a three-way lipsync and we weren’t sure whether one or two queens would get eliminated. I was still confident performing the song ‘Bongga Ka Day’ because it was so groovy and upbeat and dancing is one of my strengths whenever I perform. Of course, I was also nervous because it was my first time lip-syncing but I just enjoyed it and gave it all that I got.

Everyone seemed happy that Verushka was asked to sashay away. Why?

I think it’s because some of us think she didn’t deserve the win and some don’t really jive with her and get her humor. It was just really a joke time for us when we say “deserve.”

In the past, there have been lipsync assassins, but you may be the first mini-challenge assassin in Drag Race Herstory. How does it feel to be that girl and to have that title?

Woah, it feels surreal. I just did my best in the mini-challenges because it was easy money and it didn’t involve getting critiqued by the judges. Haha! Years of playing those games and dances when I was young really paid off.

The Rusical is an iconic challenge. Was it one that you were looking forward to? Or were you nervous about it?

It was another performance challenge so I was excited about it. I just held back because coming from the bottom last week, I was really nervous to take a risk and choose a bigger role – which I regretted during the rehearsals.

When it came time to pick your role you chose a smaller one? Why did you go that route? Would you do it differently if you could do it all over again?

I didn’t want to take a risk at that time but I said it was still a challenge to make a small role memorable. If I were to do things differently, I would pick Princess Erica’s role which I think I can pull off.

Do you feel like the right people ended up in the bottom two? If so, who do you think deserved to be there?

Based on the performances on both the Rusical and the runway, I think everybody did well. I think there’s no other choice for the bottom two queens.

What are you most proud of from your time on Drag Race?

I’m very proud of my growth not just as a drag queen but also as a person. This competition challenged me and shaped me to become better. I am also very happy that my family knows what I do and accepts me wholeheartedly.

Is there anything you would change?

I would not hold back next time, especially during challenges. I got in my head that time and if given the chance, I’d play the game better.

What did you learn about yourself from your time on Drag Race?

I learned that I am an outgoing person. As a shy kid growing up, I didn’t really imagine myself being in front of a lot of cameras. I learned to be vocal and expressive since it’s a TV show at the end of the day.

In the era of All Stars and Vs seasons, if given the chance to compete again, would you come back?

Definitely. Why would I miss an opportunity to showcase my beauty and talent to the world?

Was there a moment from your time that we didn’t get to see that you wish we would have?

Yes, there’s more to me. I have changed a lot after being in the competition and I would be very happy to show the world a leveled-up Matilduh.

What’s next for you?

I see myself performing in different bars and events around the world if given the chance. I’m also open to entering showbusiness here in the Philippines and of course, more content on my socials. As of now, I get to perform weekly at viewing parties and nightclubs and I’m looking forward to bigger opportunities.

This interview was lightly edited for grammar and conciseness. Drag Race Philippines season is airing now on WOW Presents Plus.