The cast of Drag Race Philippines season four have paid an emotional tribute to their late sister Misua, whose final scenes aired this week after she died during production earlier this year.
Drag Race Philippines has honoured Misua in a deeply emotional episode featuring the 27-year-old queen’s final appearance on the show.
Misua, whose name was Jason Elvie Ty, died in her sleep on 2 April 2026 while season four was in production. World of Wonder temporarily halted filming following her death to support the cast and crew.
The season’s second episode, “Can I Get An Eme?”, begins with Misua taking part in preparations for the week’s girl group challenge alongside her fellow queens.
Her final confessional captured the excitement she was feeling about competing.
“I love the girls, I love the energy and the dynamics,” she said. “Let’s bring it on girls. We’re going to give them a good fight.”
The episode then fades to black before informing viewers of her death.
World of Wonder described Misua as a talented queen from Cagayan de Oro who “brought light, artistry, and joy” to those around her, explaining that production had been paused following her death.
“We honour Misua’s memory and her beautiful spirit that she generously shared with the world,” the programme’s tribute said. “Light and love, dearest Misua.”
‘Life is really short’
When filming resumed, Misua’s castmates returned to the Werk Room to grieve together and share memories of their friend.
Bombalicious Eklaver reflected on how quickly the competition had been transformed by loss, saying she felt honoured to have known Misua even for a short time.
“This is like a wake-up call that life is really short,” she said.
For Merckz, the loss was particularly personal.
The pair knew one another before competing on Drag Race Philippines, having both worked behind the scenes within the country’s drag community.
Merckz recalled a conversation with Misua shortly before her death, when they reflected on finally becoming contestants themselves after helping other queens succeed.
“She told me, ‘Sis, we’re in the spotlight now,’” Merckz said through tears.
She also said she believed Misua would have wanted the remaining queens to continue with the competition.
A yellow tribute on the main stage
The tribute continued on the main stage, where host Paolo Ballesteros, known as Mama Pao, offered condolences to Misua’s family, the House of LaFeya and everyone who loved her.
“Misua, you will always have a place in our hearts,” Ballesteros said, dedicating the remainder of the season to her.
There was no elimination that week.
Instead, Merckz and Katana lip-synced for the win to Maki’s Dilaw, with the performance becoming another tribute to Misua.
Yellow was Misua’s favourite colour, and during the performance the queens incorporated the yellow dragon prop she had previously used on the show.
Merckz ultimately won the lip-sync, but the emotional focus remained firmly on their late castmate.
The episode concluded with the queens offering individual messages to Misua.
“Misua, you are a winner, baby,” Merckz said.
Ballesteros also remembered late Drag Race Philippines judge and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Jiggly Caliente, who died in April 2025.
For viewers, the episode became less about competition than community — allowing Misua’s sisters to mourn her while ensuring the artistry and joy she brought to Drag Race Philippines remained part of the season.
