The cast of Drag Race Philippines have paid tribute to their season 4 sister Misua in her emotional final episode after her tragic death during production.
Back in April, Misua competed in the new season’s premiere episode, but during filming of episode two, World of Wonder announced the performer had passed away in her sleep. Misua was 27.
Now the queen’s final scenes have aired, with Misua joining her sisters to rehearse for the girl group challenge. After one last confessional, title cards appeared on the screen announcing Misua’s death.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Elvie Ty, known to many as Misua, passed away in her sleep on the morning of April 2, 2026. Misua was a talented queen from Cagayan de Oro,” the message read.
“She brought light, artistry, and joy to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed.
The tribute went on, “Her passing occurred during the filming of this episode. Production was temporarily halted to care for the queens and provide support for the cast and crew.
“We honor Misua’s memory and her beautiful spirit that she generously shared with the world. We pay tribute to her today and for the entire season. Light and love, dearest Misua.”
After filming restarted, the queens returned to the Werk Room, breaking down in tears as they remembered Misua.
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‘Sis, we’re in the spotlight now’
Bombalicious Eklaver said it was “an honor and a privilege” to get to know Misua even in a short time.
“It’s really hard to fathom that we’re in a competition and then all of a sudden we heard this news,” she said.
“This is like a wake-up call that life is really short.”
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Merckz, who was close to Misua outside the show, shared her last conversations with Misua just a day before she died.
The queen said Misua had created many of the previous looks on Drag Race Philippines, while Merckz had crafted queens’ choreography.
“We were talking about how we’re not behind the scenes anymore, you know?” Merckz said, tearing up.
“She told me, ‘Sis, we’re in the spotlight now.’ Then the next day, I heard the news.”
But the queen said her late friend would want the show to go on.
“It’s like the universe didn’t give her enough time to enjoy the moment… but I know she wouldn’t want us to forfeit and for us not to keep going with this,” she said.
After a cheer for Misua around the table in the Werk Room, the queens got in drag and headed to the main stage.
Yellow dragon tribute to Misua after her death
On the main stage, host Paolo Ballesteros said World of Wonder and the entire Drag Race family sent their “deepest condolences to the Ty family, the House of Lafeya, and to all who knew and loved Misua.”
“Misua, you will always have a place in our hearts. Thank you so much, and goodbye, queen Misua. We love you,” Mama Pao said, dedicating the rest of the season to the late queen.
During Misua’s verse in the girl group song, the studio lights dimmed as Manza twirled a yellow dragon – Misua’s favourite colour – in honour of the late performer.
Host Mama Pao told the queens that there would be no elimination, but a lip sync for the win. There wasn’t a dry eye in the studio as the top two Merckz and Katana performed an emotional lip sync and took turns waving the yellow dragon around.
After Merckz won the lip-sync, Mama Pao led a cheer to Misua, and late judge Jiggly Caliente. The Drag Race season 4 and All Stars 6 queen died in April 2025 before Philippines‘ third season.
“Can I get a, ‘We love you, Misua’ up in here?” Pao said, before turning to the camera to say, “And we love you also, Jiggly!”
Drag Race Philippines is streaming in Australia on WOW Presents Plus.
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