Bald Bombshell

Philippines-born Ryan Ong Palao, also known as Ongina, is her own kind of drag queen. Best known for her stint on RuPaul's Drag Race, a reality drag competition that aired on the Logo network earlier this year, Ongina is unique in that she doesn't stuff, tuck or wear wigs, yet...

By Katey Margolis

July 30, 2009

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Philippines-born Ryan Ong Palao, also known as Ongina, is her own kind of drag queen. Best known for her stint on RuPaul's Drag Race, a reality drag competition that aired on the Logo network earlier this year, Ongina is unique in that she doesn't stuff, tuck or wear wigs, yet she shines and twinkles with the best of them. Drag without wigs? How does she do it? Well, she is tiny and has mad makeup and fashion skills, but it is really all about her outstanding ability to exude glamour and femininity, all while standing in front of you with a bald head and tattoos. Think Calvin Klein model Jenny Shimizu with glitter. Ongina is drag for the 21st century, using unconventional ideas of what it means to be feminine, taking gender around a whole new bend. Ongina really throws down the gauntlet for the over-powdered queens, all while blowing them a kiss. She will be bringing her act to Denton on Saturday, sashaying into town for the night at Mable Peabody's Beauty Parlor and Chainsaw Repair. There is even a before-show meet-and-greet! Admission is $5 for the show and $10 for the meet and greet from 7 to 8 p.m. The performance starts at 10 p.m. Mable Peabody's is located at 1215 E. University Drive in Denton. Call 940-566-9910.
Sat., Aug. 1, 7 p.m., 2009

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