This Filipino DC drag superstar is appearing with more frequency in New York, including an epic Halloween appearance this weekend: Bombalicious Eklaver!
Thotyssey: Hello Bomba! How is Spooky Season treating you so far… do you like weird or scary looks, or do you always prefer beauty and glam?
Bombalicious Eklaver: Hello! I am feeling mysterious lately. I like both… but don’t make it Fashion Nova.
That is the perfect standard! So we just saw the end of World of Wonder’s “Slaysian Royale,” which featured largely Filipino and other Asian queens competing for the crown. Did anything about the season stand out for you?
So fab to see this type of competition materialized, as it brought different Asian drag representations. I only watched some episodes of it, but what stood out to me was simply the obvious and undeniable talents like Viñas and Khianna — not just by their looks, but as a total package. I was disappointed with unpolished drag being on a tv show. And I was so thrilled to see Brigiding win, as I know her personally and it was her time to snatch that crown.
I had seen a lot of Filipino culture for sure, and it was so relatable. I’d like to see more of other [drag from] Asian countries though, as I am sure they’re just as exciting and crazy as the Filipinos.
Jiggly Caliente, the New York based, Filipino-American iconic RuGirl whom we tragically lost at such a young age while Slaysian Royale was filming, was memorialized on the show’s finale. You’ve frequently performed with her; how will you remember Jiggly?
She was a tough woman, full of heart. She’s one of the queens who would always comment on my IG stories. I appreciated how she was very supportive of my craziness. I asked her once, mimicking Mama RuPaul, if I can call her “Jiggly.” Her response was “kahit wag na,” which means “don’t even bother,” and we cracked in laughter. I miss her dearly.
You are currently based in Washington, DC. How might you describe the drag scene there nowadays?
DC drag is festive and thriving. It lives with drag sisterhood or family — who you know in the scene — and anyone can do it.
Drag is probably more important in our nation’s capital than ever before.
This is very true, and this is why I chose to be more visible in drag.
What is your own drag presentation like?
Bombalicious is a camp-glam drag artist, and unapologetically Bomba. I like conceptual performances with twists and surprises to make the audience giggle and want more. She likes to serve big, bold and extravagant looks.
Where is your original hometown, and what sort of things were you interested in while growing up that may have ultimately put you on the drag path?
I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Angeles, Philippines. I knew that I was different growing up, as I liked to entertain people and make them laugh. I remembered I would gather all my family members and I would sing, dance and act in front of them in exchange for little gifts or prizes. I would also facilitate Little Miss Universe contests with my friends, or throw games with street kids during fiesta in our town. I liked to dress up and play with dolls and makeup. I did not know that dressing up is what you call drag until I moved to the U.S. in 2008 to work as a registered nurse. When I found success in nursing, my heart felt there’s something missing… and drag found me, and I use it as a venue for my undying love for arts.
Oh wow! Do you still continue nursing during the day? And have you ever done any nurse-themed drag?
I am still working, and will forever be a nurse (wink). I enjoy running my own empire in healthcare businesses. I have photoshoots, and incorporated me being a nurse in my performances. I even worked in an aesthetic clinic, providing Botox to clients while in drag.
You’ve performed in some drag showcases here in NYC, specifically Brooklyn’s 3 Dollar Bill. You’ll return there on October 26th for “BiNY Halloween,” produced by Diva Soria and hosted by yourself! What can you tell us about this upcoming show?
BiNY – “Baklas In New York” = is just pure kabaklaan (gayness) directed and produced by Diva Soria and hosted by your favorite pasabog queen. “BiNY” was coined from the name of a famous all Filipina women group BINI. In our case, we are the gay version of them. We bring legendary Filipino drag talents across the universe. We also welcome other drag across Asia, or simply drag with Filipino hearts. We are back on Sunday, October 26 and you can expect a pure comedic variety show celebrating Filipino gay culture and more!
What else is coming up for you?
I started moving half of my drag life to NY in 2025. And Bomba is about to explode even more… more shows, more collabs and big stages!
We’re here for it all! Lastly: who’s the most iconic Halloween slasher / monster of all time?
The most iconic Halloween slasher or monster of all time is the divine diva herself – the Witch! She’s beauty, she’s grace, she’s mysterious and she’s the power!
Thanks, Bomba!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Bombalicious Eklaver’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram, TikTok and LinkTree.
Thotyssey 