Maharlika from the Haus of LaFeya is not just one of the Superstar Divas and a Royalty of CDO drag; she’s a voice in the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing fight for visibility and acceptance in Cagayan de Oro. Also known as David Jaranilla, Maharlika became part of the G-SPOT team and a staple organization performer at PopTheGee, a platform that cultivates safe spaces for queer expression and community building. Her journey, filled with passion and perseverance, is a reflection of the power of creating places where the LGBTQ+ community can thrive and unapologetically share their stories.

Fashion and Styling in Performances

Ever since she was young, Maharlika has had an eye for fashion and styling. She spends a lot of time searching for inspiration, shaping a style that combines vintage glamour, burlesque, and Erté art deco elements.  For her, aesthetics are key: “I think fashion and how you present yourself is important in performing because it’s the first thing the audience sees as you walk on stage- and to me, it’s important to get a reaction.”

True to her words, the intricate aesthetics she brings to every performance speak to her dedication to the art of drag, where every detail counts.

Journey Into Drag and Dulaang Atenista

Maharlika’s drag journey began in 2017. She met her drag sisters in 2019 and formed the Haus of LaFeya. She started performing in 2022, became a Superstar Diva in 2023, and has been serving ever since. Drag, for Maharlika, is a combination of all her favorite art forms—theater, fashion, makeup, and performance.

The influence of RuPaul’s Drag Race in pop culture further fueled her obsession with all things drag. Moreover, her experience with Dulaang Atenista, a theater group, was instrumental in shaping her drag career. It helped her find her voice on stage, improve her presence, and ensure she always gives 100% in every performance. As she put it, “My experience with Dulaang Atenista helped me so much in finding my voice on stage. It helped me improve in how I carry myself, in finding my light, and in always giving my 100% in every performance I do.”

Introducing PopTheGee

G-Spot, also known as PopTheGee, is the brainchild of Hana Beshie and her partner, Chicco. It began as a volunteer group for the Leni-Kiko Campaign in 2022 and evolved into an organization created by queers and allies. G-Spot is a team of creatives united by one goal—a safe space for queer people in CDO. At the time, only pride marches were celebrated in the city. Drag events where drag queens could have a proper platform. With that, PopTheGee wanted to host a party for the LGBTQIA community while also creating a stage for drag artists, which were rare back in 2022.

The first-ever event hosted by PopTheGee, “Uy, Maaars,” stands out as the most memorable and impactful for the LGBTQ+ community. It was groundbreaking in many ways—first time organizing an event of such magnitude, first Pride party, first drag-centered event, and their first success. Two years later, they now hold regular events at Superstar KTV Lounge & Club.

However, the journey of organizing these events was fraught with challenges, including logistics, finances, management, and promotions. The organization as a whole was a new experience for Maharlika and her team. But despite these obstacles, they persevered, driven by their end goal—a safe space for the community to thrive as their true selves.

Message for LGBTQ+ Youth

Maharlika’s message to LGBTQ+ youth centers on self-acceptance and living authentically. She encourages young people to embrace their identity and celebrate their uniqueness, reminding them, “It’s never too late to discover who you are or rediscover who you are. As long as you keep on living as your true self, everything will fall into place.”

In a world that often pressures individuals to conform, she believes that staying true to yourself is key to finding peace. Maharlika emphasizes that each person’s journey is unique, and there is power in celebrating what makes you different—not just during certain occasions, but always.

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