Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale cast found out Jiggly Caliente passed away mid-episode

After losing one of its own, the RuPaul's Drag Race global family came together to honor the late season 4 and All Stars 6 alum Jiggly Caliente after her death at age 44 in April.

via: Pink News

The cast and crew of Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale have revealed that they found out about Jiggly Caliente’s passing during the filming of the latest episode.

The latest addition to the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars format is the currently airing Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale, which for the first time brings together all Asian queens to battle for a crown for the second time.

The series features queens from across the globe, and is hosted by Drag Race Philippines main judge Paolo Ballesteros (known as Mama Pao).

For the first three season of Drag Race Philippines, OG Drag Race girl Jiggly Caliente also judged the show.

In April, it was announced that she would not be returning as a judge due to a “severe infection” which led to the amputation of her right leg. Caliente died days after the announcement, aged 44.

And now, Slaysian Royale guest judge Captivating Katkat, who won Drag Race Philippines season two, has revealed why the cast and judges of the show were so emotional during the latest episode; because they had found out that Jiggly had passed that day, during filming.

“This episode was really emotional for us; after the critics, they informed us about Jiggly’s passing. That’s why we’re crying in the latter part of the episode. We missed you sis Jiggly!” Katkat wrote on X.

In clips of episode five, which saw Bernie (a queen from Drag Race Philippines season two) eliminated, the judges, including Global All Stars winner Alyssa Edwards, are seen tearing up during its final moments.

“Remember, always be true to yourself, in your thoughts, in your words, and in all that you do,” Mama Pao said after the episode’s elimination.

“We love you Jiggly,” she said, with her voice breaking and Katkat lowering her head to the table.

Following her passing, star was remembered around the world.

A statement from her family read that Jiggly, whose legal name was Bianca Castro was, “A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.”

Jiggly Caliente first appeared on season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012. She then returned for All Stars 6 in 2021, having coming out a trans woman in 2016.

She was inducted into the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor after she died.