Paolo Ballesteros Instagram – For #PaoloBallesteros, the power of #drag goes beyond the wigs, clothing, onstage performances, and all that meets the eye. From conceptual #performances to stunning #makeup transformations, this beautiful form of #art has branched out from being a 16th-century #theatrical necessity and underground #LGBTQIA subculture to the global phenomenon it is today. “Nagkakaroon ka ng power na kaya mong gawin ang kahit ano ’pag naka-drag, na parang on a normal day, maiilang kang gawin,” shares Ballesteros. Learn about drag more intimately through the link in bio. Text JOSH STONE Photography DOOKIE DUCAY Creative Direction BRIE VENTURA & JANN PASCUA Cover Photo Manipulation JANN PASCUA Fashion Direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU Beauty Direction MIKA REYES Styling PAUL SESE assisted by MIGUEL QUILANG Makeup GUILLY VALENZUELA Hair IAN GARCIA assisted by ALDRIN VIVO Wigs MERMAID MANILA HAIR & WIGALOO PH Nails NAIL BADDIE Production Design CLAU VERZOSA & JAY Shoot Coordination KZ FRANCISCO & MJ ALMERO Shot on Location at BEYOND CONCEPTS STUDIO, QUEZON CITY Special thanks to VINCENT SY, MARIA FERNANDEZ AND KAT REYES OF MERMAID MANILA HAIR Botticelliesque sea foam patina on pearl encrusted corset over a silk organza play on waves and crests, ethereal wrap and skirt by @jangarciadesigns #DontStopUsNow #BeFierceBeFabulousBeFree