MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American drag artist Jiggly Caliente passed away on Sunday, April 27, at 44 years old.
Caliente — whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo — was a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 and All Stars Season 6. In 2022, she became the resident judge on Drag Race Philippines.
Caliente was one of the first artists to represent Filipino Drag on the international stage, eventually building her career by empowering budding drag queens, and advocating for transgender rights.
Her passing meant the loss of an absolute icon in the drag scene, prompting many drag communities and artists to honor her with heartfelt messages and touching tributes.
Family and friends
On her official Instagram account, the family of Bianca Castro released an official statement, announcing her passing and celebrating Jiggly Caliente for her “infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,” touching many lives through her artistry and activism.
Her family and friends, who were with Caliente at the time of her passing, honor her legacy as one of “love, courage, and light.”
Drag Race Philippines
Drag Race Philippines took to Instagram on April 27, to pay its respects.
“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Bianca Castro, aka Jiggly Caliente,” the post read, adding that Caliente has touched many in the Drag Race Philippines family and wider community with her “humor, love, and light.”
“Our love and deepest condolences go out to her family and friends,” the post concluded, “Please give them the privacy and space to grieve this tremendous loss.”
KaladKaren
News presenter and Jiggly’s fellow Drag Race Philippines judge Jervi Wrightson, also known as KaladKaren, took to social media to pay tribute to the late Caliente in separate posts.
“Drag Race Philippines will never be the same without you,” Wrightson wrote, “I love you, my sister Jiggly.”
In an X post, Wrightson narrated how Caliente would come back to America after filming Drag Race Philiipines with almost nothing, after giving away all her makeup, accessories, and wigs to her fellow gays.
“Jiggly, mami-miss ko ang patalbugan natin ng looks every episode (Jiggly, I’m going to miss our bouncing off of each other’s looks every episode),” Wrightson wrote in another X post, sharing one last story about how she, along with a few assistants, played a trick on Caliente by purposely wearing a different outfit from what was displayed.
Pangina Heals
On Instagram, Drag Race Thailand host Pangina Heals expressed her sorrow for the loss of her friend, whom she described to have lived an unapologetic life and was someone who was always filled with light.
“I always find your humor to be so cutting and delicious. I am always in awe with you. You are such a cheerleader to so many people including me and I cannot believe you are gone,” the Thai artist wrote.
Both Jiggly Caliente and Pangina Heals have competed in the international franchises of Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Marina Summers
Filipino Drag superstar Marina Summers posted a photo of Caliente on her Instagram page, thanking her Ate Bianca for the joy and support she has given her throughout her career.
“I will miss your random memes, funny reels, and endless phone calls despite our time differences. You have played an important role in my life as a genuine friend, a sister, a cheerleader, a mentor,” she shared.
“Mahal na mahal na mahal kita kapatid. Rest in power my beautiful Ate. Hanggang sa muli,” she said.
(I love you so much, sister. Until next time.)
Marina Summers is the runner-up of Drag Race Philippines Season 1 where Jiggly was a resident judge.
Hana Beshie
Drag Race Philippines Season 2 contestant Hana Beshie took to her Instagram Story to talk about fond memories she shared with the late drag queen.
“I can still remember this very moment na pinicturan kita, ang cute mo (where I took your photo, you were so cute), you were radiating with joy,” the Filipino drag performer captioned her Instagram story.
She wrote how Caliente was one of the people who believed in her and assured her of her talent, and added that she wasn’t the only one touched by Caliente.
“Alam ko hindi lang sa akin pero sa lahat ng mga girls na tinuring mong baby sisters. Salamat sa lahat ng mga memories ate huhuhu madaming nangmamahal sayo,” she said.
(I know it’s not just me but all the girls you treated as your baby sisters. Thank you for all the memories ate, so many people loved you.)
“May kwento ka sakin sa tungkol sa kantang to na nakakatawa pero bakit ansakit nya na pakinggan ngayon,” Hana Beshie wrote in her succeeding Instagram story.
(You told me a funny story about this song, but why does it hurt to listen to it now?)
M1ss Jade So
M1ss Jade So, who also competed in Drag Race Philippines Season 2, posted a photo with Caliente and spoke about how everyone will remember how protective and caring the late drag personality was to her.
“Our memories, your sweetness, [advice], and unwavering support to me will forever be treasured. I know I’ll make you proud of me wherever you are,” she said.
She also grieved Caliente’s death by dedicating a run to her.
“Sweated out my sorrow for ate Jiggly. I hope we had a goodbye. But I hope she’s soaring high now,” she expressed.
Jaremi
Former Filipino-American drag queen Jaremi, who performed under the name Phi Phi O’Hara, also took to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to the late Caliente, who was his best friend.
Jaremi recalled being with Caliente in the hospital for the last time, holding her hand while saying a final goodbye to her. The voice actor looked back on all the memories he shared with her, from ordering cheap food, to playing video games, watching movies, traveling, performing together, and blasting Janet Jackson’s music.
“You were everything to me…. I feel broken and crushed. I hope you know how proud I am of the woman you grew up to be and the spaces and hearts you touched. You have been a fighter your entire life and you will always be remembered for living life authentically and [truthfully],” said Jaremi.
Macoy Dubs
Meanwhile, content creator Macoy Dubs went on Facebook to share screenshots of her past conversations with Caliente.
“You were so kind to me all these years. I am still in shock.” the post was captioned.
The screenshots included conversations that highlighted the late artist’s warm personality, with one message showing how Caliente had hoped the social media personality could be a guest judge on Drag Race Philippines as well.
Before her passing, Caliente told Rappler in 2022 that she envisioned a future where Filipino Drag would become mainstream through Drag Race Philippines and that show would serve as a platform where queer stories are told, heard, and amplified. – with reports from Bea Gatmaytan and Kevin Ian Lampayan/Rappler.com
Bea Gatmaytan is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Kevin Lampayan is a Rappler intern studying Bachelor of Arts in Literary and Cultural Studies at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Content shared from www.rappler.com.