Rampa Club – a beacon of change and artistry in Quezon City

Back in February, a glittering new star appeared in the nightlife sky of Quezon City. This was not just any star — it was and is a beacon of inclusivity, creativity, and boundless expression.Today, noted thespian and thriving businessman RS Francisco's Rampa Club — the first-ever drag venue in northern Metro Manila — has already manifested its goal to become one pulsating and life-changing hub, transforming not only Tomas Morato and perhaps even the whole of Metro Manila's entertainment landscape but also the lives of its performers and beloved patrons from the LGBTQ+ community.And by the way, even straight men and women who, with open minds, have gamely tried partying at Rampa keep coming back following their own change of heart. For, after witnessing the caliber, passion and dedication with which the club's bevy of drag queens perform night after night, they no longer consider the genre as entertainment only gays would enjoy but a form of entertainment that wows any sex, creed or nationality for that matter.For the uninformed, Rampa — which is both a noun and verb in Filipino that literally means a catwalk and "to walk down a catwalk" — is a sanctuary where uber-talented drag queens, known as the Rampa Reynas, take center stage in glamorously exaggerated makeup and flamboyant high fashion that can only be called art in themselves captivate audiences high-powered, breathtaking choreography, not to mention an unbelievable spattering of acrobatics. Think Marilyn Monroe doing "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," Lady Gaga," Bad Romance" or Beyoncé and "All the Single Ladies," but with 10 times the energy. They may be lip synching, yes, but be it a rap song with machine gun lyrics, no complicated move will make them miss a word.At Rampa's first-ever trade launch, RS elaborated on just how much Rampa has revolutionized the nightlife in Quezon City and beyond."Every night is a themed night, and every weekend, we now have Illusion Sundays, where everyone can come in drag and perform. We've noticed that there are so many from the community who want to dress up and take to the stage, and we're giving them that opportunity because Rampa is more than just a club. It is a safe space where everyone is welcomed with open arms. Women, men, trans individuals, and everyone across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Any body shape, any color, any expression is welcome at Rampa. We make everyone feel welcome here. We are one big family," the very amiable personality emphasized.Moreover, RS cannot be happier that the impact of Rampa extends beyond its walls. As Brigiding, one of the three big winners of "Drag Race Philippines" and big sisters of the Rampa Reynas revealed at the trade show, "Rampa has not only changed our lives but it has helped us change the lives of these young queens. We had almost 100 auditionees, and after selecting only the few most talented among them, we trained them to achieve the best version of their artistry. We are happy that besides changing our lives, we are also changing other people's lives and paying it forward."Viñas DeLuxe echoed this sentiment, expressing her joy at seeing the progress of new performers. "I saw them from the start, and now they are amazing. Brigiding even helped them with makeup tutorials, and besides training them at rehearsals, we taught them what's most important, which is how to get along with one another and how they should present themselves and interact with customers.From the receiving end, Rampa-trained Simbading expressed deep gratitude, responding to the mentors, saying, "We were inspired by these queens we saw on TV. And now, to be part of the family they are creating, being in this community and dancing here at Rampa with these queens we look up to is just unbelievable. They changed my life because I feel accepted and appreciated."Another performer was very emotional when he said, "Rampa gave me a voice. It created a safe space for us young queer kids to perform. I'm not just a simple gay kid anymore, I'm now supporting my whole family financially doing what I love and earning what I deserve."Precious Paula Nicole, the grand winner of Drag Race Philippines, and grand dame of Rampa summed up the essence of their thriving destination and said, "Before Drag Race, we could only afford what we needed for work. Now, we can afford what we want in life. We've also inspired other queens who want to enter the drag industry, and now, they have a place to be and perform here at Rampa."This is how beautiful and meaningful change can truly be.