Manila Luzon delivered an emotional and comedic tribute to her longtime friend and RuPaul’s Drag Race sister, Jiggly Caliente, following her passing in April at the age of 44. In a eulogy shared via video on X (formerly Twitter) on May 16, Manila remembered her fellow queen with humor, tenderness, and the kind of inside jokes that only 20 years of friendship can create.
Remembering a Legend
Jiggly Caliente, born Bianca Castro, died from a severe infection that ultimately led to the loss of her leg. Her passing marked the loss of not only a beloved performer but also a groundbreaking advocate and beacon of representation for both the Filipino and trans communities.
Manila opened her tribute with warmth and wit: “We supported each other, we helped each other along, we read each other constantly, and we annoyingly dreamed big together.”
Their friendship started at The Web, a now-defunct gay Asian club in New York City. Jiggly encouraged Manila to compete in her first pageant, Miss Gay Asia America. Manila finished runner-up — “Not the first time,” she quipped, a callback to her Drag Race Season 3 result.
Glammed Up and Glorious
The eulogy was filled with stories about Jiggly’s love for glamour, pageantry, and a good laugh. Manila recalled how Jiggly would go full glam just to watch Miss Universe on TV — a true queen move.
“She even won Miss Universe Latina,” Manila joked. “She wasn’t technically Latina, but she’s Filipino, so there might be some Spanish blood in there… and her last name is Caliente, so it counts.”
From Apple Store to All Stars
Manila also shared a hilarious memory of helping Jiggly film her audition tape for Drag Race Season 4 — including scenes in an Apple Store glass elevator. “It was full Beyoncé-level production… even if it gave a little Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka,” she said to laughter. “But it got her cast!”
Their sisterhood extended far beyond Drag Race, with collaborations on music, videos, and multiple tours. Manila reflected on the surreal full-circle moment when both returned to the Philippines — Manila to film Drag Den, and Jiggly to judge Drag Race Philippines.
A Sisterhood That Spanned Generations
“One night we had dinner, just the two of us, and talked about how far we’d come,” Manila recalled, choking up. “I never knew we’d get to do all of this, Jiggly. I’m so sad we can’t keep dreaming bigger and bigger together.”
She ended her tribute with words that summed up the legacy of Jiggly Caliente: “I’m so proud of everything you accomplished. I’m so proud of the representation you gave for the Filipino and trans communities. And I’m so proud of the woman you became — and the friendship we shared.”
A Legacy of Joy and Justice
Jiggly Caliente first rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 in 2012 and returned for All Stars Season 6 in 2021. She came out as a trans woman in 2016 and became known not only for her humor and fashion, but also her fearless advocacy.
Her family announced her passing on April 27, sharing that she died “surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”
“A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy,” their statement read, “Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.”
