On the sixth episode of Drag Race Philippines Season 3, Mama Pao (a.k.a Paolo Ballesteros) walked the main stage in an intricately embellished modern terno gown.
This look—born from a collaboration with stylist Robert Lim, his team, and the show's wardrobe stylist Yannie Tui—harmonizes the ageless appeal of the terno with a more contemporary and opulent flair. While the gown retains the signature streamlined silhouette and iconic butterfly sleeves, 23-year-old designer Emanuel Riñoza reimagined it with a high-fashion twist for the Drag Race Philippines main stage. Drenched in shimmering yellow crystals, the gown features a cinched, corseted bodice adorned with a conical bra, à la Jean Paul Gaultier. Asymmetrical draping cascades across the bodice and hip, giving the ensemble a softer touch to its otherwise rigidly structured shape. Completing the look are matching embellished gloves and its pièce de résistance: a fully encrusted salakot headpiece. Traditionally worn by Filipino farmers for sun and rain protection, the cylindrical, cone-shaped salakot is elevated with pearl tassels lining its rim, akin to the embellishments along the lower edge of the butterfly sleeves.
Netizens React to Mama Pao's Salakot Gown on Drag Race PH
The gown instantly gained rave reviews among the show's viewers, calling it the most stunning look of the season. One fan even exclaimed, "This is like my favorite drag look ever!" In fact, the look even earned Marina Summers' badge of approval. "Chef's kiss," the Filipina drag superstar told Emanuel through a post on X (formerly Twitter).
In an exclusive interview with Preview, the up-and-coming Mandaluyong-based designer shares the inspiration, creative process, and experience behind crafting the "Salakot Gown." Read on and get a closer look at the exquisite ensemble.
Preview Exclusive: Emanuel Riñoza on the Making of Mama Pao’s “Salakot Gown” for Drag Race Philippines Season 3
1. Hi Eman! Congratulations on the stunning “Salakot Gown.” What was the experience like designing this custom piece for Mama Pao?
"As a big fan of the show, dressing up Mama Pao was a very surreal encounter for me. It was an experience that I didn’t see coming this soon. This is the project that was [thrilling for] me to do, like whenever I think of it, I always get an adrenaline rush. It’s just really a proud moment for me as a starting designer in the industry."
2. How did the opportunity to design a look for Mama Pao come about? What led to you landing this project?
"One of her stylists reached out to me if I could do one look for her. Actually, since Drag Race came here to the Philippines, I’ve been eyeing to have my designs walk the main stage. However, I was still in college during Season 1, and I was working during Season 2, so I missed the chance to do it because I was busy and all. Then here comes Season 3, I was working freelance and I had all the time in the world. So when I was asked to do it, I answered yes with no hesitations and the rest was history. "
3. Could you tell us about the overall concept and creative vision behind the gown? What inspired you to take this specific direction for Mama Pao?
"So when I was asked to do a Filipiniana in particular, I already had three words in mind: iconic, Filipino, and drag. I want these three words to be seen on the piece."
"First, [I wanted it to be] iconic because this is my first time doing a look for Mama Pao, I wanted to design a piece that was never seen on her before. [I wanted] something that is new when it comes to the silhouette, the vibe, and aura of Mama Pao. [My vision for the look is that,] even after many seasons have passed, it will still be [remembered] by the audience."
"Second, [it has to look] Filipino because it’s Drag Race Philippines and I want to showcase a representation of our culture, not just with the butterfly sleeves but also in other visual elements like the salakot. I think the Filipino elements are very distinct and that will make the look different from [the outfits of the] other Drag Race franchise’s hosts.”
“Lastly, of course, it should be drag, I wanted to elevate the vision of drag in the local scene because fashion in drag is a limitless venture of creativity. I just think that it has to be more polished and it must set a standard in terms of quality and taste level.”
4. What techniques and materials did you use to bring the “Salakot Gown” to life? How long did it take to complete the entire look?
"In terms of technique, I just focused on my strengths as a designer, [which is] corsetry and draping. I made sure firsthand that Mama Pao’s silhouette was 'snatched for the gods,' as they say in drag. I made sure that her waist was cinched and that hourglass figure was visible at any angle."
"Then, when it comes to the fabric manipulation, I did some draping to somehow soften the look and balance out with the overall silhouette and the edges that are present in the design."
"Regarding the beadwork and embellishments, I made sure that even up to the most close-up shot of the piece, every drop of crystal was put in the right place."
"In terms of the timeframe, it took me a good 18 days doing the whole look all by myself, from patterns up to the finishing of the piece."
5. How was the collaboration process with Mama Pao? Did they have any particular requests for the design?
"To be honest, I really appreciate Mama Pao’s insight during our fittings. She really had a keen eye for details, [especially] in terms of proportion. But overall, she just let me do my thing and put the whole trust in my vision, which I really appreciated."
6. As a rising designer, what does it mean to you to have your custom design featured on Drag Race Philippines for Mama Pao?
“For me, it’s really my big break. Aside from it’s a once in a lifetime experience, I see it as a path that leads to greater opportunities. You know, like for us designers who are just starting, visibility is very important, and for me to dress up the main and the most special person of the show was really an honor.”
“I’m very grateful it happened during the time when I felt that my craft was in a place where it [wasn’t really] valued and appreciated. It's like it saved me from feeling lost and it really put me back on track. Also, I didn’t expect the volume of support and appreciation I got after it was shown on the show, it’s really overwhelming.”
7. What message or story were you hoping to communicate through this gown?
"Everything is possible, and everything has its own timing. Don’t lose hope whenever you feel that your craft is not being valued, it just has to be redirected to the right platform. I hope all starting designers like me stay genuine with their craft and find the purpose of why they are doing it. As I always say, fashion with a burning desire and passion is equivalent to a dream with a positive mindset."
8. Lastly, is there a fun fact about the making of the “Salakot Gown” that you can share with us?
"I originally designed it as a mini dress but Mama Pao requested to make it as a gown, and the rest was history."
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