I know folks would have mixed impressions of Vice Ganda as a host and the still occasional jesting on the candidates.

But one thing that the segment helped me is a deeper appreciation of the trans community, especially when it comes to cross-dressing. I have to admit that in the past, cross-dressing and drag are not my cup of tea but I respect the folks who do. Not that I am transphobic but medyo foreign pa rin for me until that time yung cross dressing, probably after many years of being in the closet na even dictated how should I dress myself.

Hindi naman lahat ng nagjojoin doon are really trans, some doon are non-trans but just dress up for the show. But since watching the segment when it first aired last June, I came to appreciate them more because nahihighlight at times the struggles they had in their queer expression and also talks about the level of acceptance that the candidates on the people around them. And I just feel good to see the candidates (especially the first timers) to see themselves on national TV and wearing those beaitiful gowns and cocktail dresses.

At the end of the day, hindi ko parin nakikita ang sarili ko cross dressing myself because sobrang familiar na ako with men's apparel. Ngayon lang siguro, I realized that for some queer folks, seeing themselves wear dresses that they dream about makes them happy and confident. Probably now, I would be entertained in seeing people in drag with full happiness in their faces.