Paolo Ballesteros showcased the power of flirting in her first cover shoot as a drag queen on a popular fashion magazine.
Mega draga variety of Mega magazine, announced on Instagram on May 25 that Paolo was their first-ever cover star for its debut issue.
“For #PaoloBallesteros, the power of #drag goes beyond wigs, clothes, stage performances and anything else that meets the eye,” his post read.
“From conceptual #performances to stunning #makeup transformations, this beautiful #artform has grown from a 16th century #theatrical necessity and underground #LGBTQIA+ subculture to the global phenomenon it is today. today,” he added.
On the post, it was stated that Paolo’s glamorous blue outfit was designed by a designer named Jan Garcia.
“Botticelliesque seafoam patina on a bead encrusted corset over silk organza play on waves and ridges, ethereal wrap and skirt by @jangarciadesigns,” Mega Drag captioned.
The publication also posted a video showcasing Paolo’s different looks in the photo shoot on another Instagram post.
“While he usually entered poster design contests as a kid, #PaoloBallesteros immediately knew he had a gift for #creativity,” the caption reads.
“With help from the industry and friends around him, watch Ballesteros become more comfortable expressing themselves more freely in this exclusive fashion film,” he added.
The “Philippine Drag Updates” Twitter page uploaded photos of Paolo’s drag queen transformations during the photo shoot on May 25.
More images of Paolo Ballesteros as MEGA Drag’s first cover star. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/VcaHcYvrkA
– Filipino Drag Updates (@DragUpdate) May 25, 2022
The cover photos have garnered praise online.
“Mighty naman,” said one Twitter user.
“It’s all ggg”, another online user tweeted with fire emoticons.
“Catch talaga si Pao,” a Twitter user wrotee with tilt and crown emojis.
In the Mega Drag interview, which was posted on May 25, the veteran actor shared drag as an art form that gave him more freedom to showcase his skills.
Apart from being an actor, Paolo has also gained a reputation for his impressive transformations and his cosplay of local and international celebrities.
“Marami pa akong kayang ibigay, marami pa kong kayang ipakita, marami pa akong kayang talent in a showcase. “Yong creativity ko, hindi lang dito nahihinto,” he said.
Paolo further described drag as a powerful art form.
“Nagkakaroon ka ng power na kaya mong gawin ang kahit ano ‘pag naka-drag, na parang on a normal day, maiilang kang gawin,” Paolo said.
“‘Yon ‘yong natutunan ko and nabigay ng drag sa akin,” he added.
Paolo and Vice Ganda are among the stars pushed by their fans to host “Drag Race Philippines” which will premiere on August 17.