CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Every June, Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community, but beyond the rainbow flags lies a history rooted in resistance. Inspired by the 1969 Stonewall uprising, Pride remains a reminder of the fight for equality and self expression.
For decades, drag has been more than entertainment. It has become a platform for protest, creativity, and authenticity, allowing queer artists to tell stories and challenge norms through performance.
In Cebu, that movement continues to flourish. Competitions like Wosh Ka Et? have helped shape the city’s growing drag scene, giving artists a stage to showcase their talent, artistry, and individuality.
And among the queens who continue to redefine what drag can be is Mel Niño Cardines, better known as Melat Morningstar.
Winning the Wosh Ka Et? All Stars crown was more than a victory for the 21 year old alternative drag artist from the Haus of Dahlia. It was redemption.
The win marked a full circle moment for Melat, who first entered the inaugural season of Wosh Ka Et? with little experience and even fewer resources.
“I didn’t win the crown, but it most certainly gave me a taste of what it’s like to compete against the best of the best,” Melat recalled. “It gave me the fire to come back stronger on All Stars, redeem myself, and prove that I also have what it takes to win the crown.”
This time, Melat was not alone. Backed by the Haus of Dahlia, fellow drag artists, and close friends, the queen returned with renewed confidence, polished performances, and one clear goal: to finish what had started years ago.
Unlike many queens known for glamour and pageantry, Melat carved a different path in Cebu’s drag scene by embracing horror inspired artistry. Dubbed Cebu’s “Wakwak Queen,” the performer transformed local folklore and dark aesthetics into a signature style that has become instantly recognizable.
“Growing up, I have always been fascinated by dark aesthetics because I love the horror genre,” Melat shared. “Halloween is an all year celebration for me, and I am very proud to be one of the pioneers of Cebu alternative drag.”
Drawing inspiration from the long standing folklore that the City of Naga is home to the mythical wakwak, Melat turned what many considered unusual into a celebrated identity, proving that drag extends far beyond sequins and showgirl glamour.
The journey to the crown, however, was not without sacrifices.
As the stakes grew higher in an All Stars season, so did the financial demands of preparing elaborate looks and performances.
“I most definitely struggled financially,” Melat admitted. “I didn’t want to come back and serve the same thing over and over again, so I swallowed my pride and looked for people who were willing to sponsor me.”
Those challenges were eased through the support of drag mother Blacc Dahlia, whose encouragement and connections helped bring Melat’s creative vision to life on stage.
Among all the performances throughout the competition, one stood above the rest.
Melat described the lip sync battle against Lexi Lorz as the defining moment of the season.
“It was definitely one of the best lip sync moments of my career,” Melat said. “Not only did I feel fierce in my look, but I also had the most fun interacting with my opponent.”
Beyond winning the title, Melat hopes the victory shines a spotlight on alternative drag and encourages audiences to embrace the diversity of the art form.
“There is so much more to drag than the usual glamour and showgirl fantasy,” the newly crowned queen said. “There are many different styles of drag with layers of creativity, edge, and quirk. I am glad to represent that kind of drag in the Cebu drag scene.”
First launched at Cave Cebu, Wosh Ka Et? has become one of Cebu’s leading drag competitions, providing a platform for aspiring drag artists to showcase their talent through lip sync battles, performances, and creative expression.
For Melat Morningstar, it became the stage where an early defeat transformed into an unforgettable triumph, proving that sometimes the most unconventional queen is the one destined to reign.
| Written by Andrew Matthew Ortoño
