New York’s own “Asian plus-sized Barbie”, the personality packed Jiggly Caliente was almost sent packing on last week’s premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Fortunately, this bubbly BBW is sticking around to entertain as only she knows how! We got a chance to talk with this Pinoy princess about her following in the footsteps of fellow Filipino Manila Luzon, her unusual name and her Drag Race experience in our exclusive interview! Are you ready to “get Jiggly with it”?
Socialite Life: Tell me a little bit about yourself?
Jiggly Caliente: In a nutshell, I’m a short round plus-size Polynesian Pinoy doll from NYC with a lot of swag of a city girl, the exotic looks, and the talent of a true showstopper!
SL: How did you get started in drag?
Jiggly: It was a dare that took on a life of its own. A friend dared me to do a drag talent search and I ran with it since then.
SL: How did you come up with your name?
Jiggly: I thought I was cute like the Pokemon so I chose Jigglypuff. But I’m also a sexy bitch and since I do jiggle, I hacked off the “puff” and put “Caliente” on the end since it’s Spanish for “hot” – hence Jiggly Caliente emerged.
SL: You’re following in the footsteps of Manila Luzon in being the queen-testant representing the Philippines – do you feel any pressure in doing your country proud?
Jiggly: I do feel I represented my country proud because I am a proud Pinoy. I even had my country’s flag in my station and it wasn’t a small flag it was a huge flag. I am so proud to be in the leagues of great Pinoys who fight to win … such as Manila Luzon – Runner-up on Season 3, Shamcey Supsup – Ms. Universe 2011 3rd Runner-up, and of course the undefeated Manny Pacquiao… and soon enough RuPaul’s Drag RaceSeason 4 Winner Jiggly Caliente .. fingers crossed… either way I am proud of being Pinoy – it’s something my Mom instilled in me even after we moved to here in the US. I love my culture, my land and of course the food… Pinoys do it better baby!
SL: Who are your biggest influences or inspirations?
Jiggly: In my day-to-day life, my family – mainly my Mom and brother – are my biggest inspirations to strive and work hard to do better and be better. As far as my drag career, I would say of course Mama Ru who paved the way for us kitty kats to prowl thru industry and make a name for ourselves. Stage-wise my influences and inspirations are Chevelle “Boom Boom” Brooks from Houston, Texas – my drag mom who is a very dynamic entertainer, multi-crowned and all, Angela Carrera – she just oozes beauty and sexiness on stage and Kim Moore from Puerto Rico – who is just so talented and beautiful as well.
SL: How would you describe your look?
Jiggly: To simplify it, my look is an exotic beauty with urban sass and flair.
SL: What do you enjoy most about performing?
Jiggly: Being on stage, the lights, music booming and the crowd going crazy. I don’t know, but it does something crazy to me. I just love it, it’s a high I can’t explain but all I know is that when I perform I feel like I’m definitely in my element. It’s my outlet for my emotions – lol!
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SL: Where is your favorite place to perform?
Jiggly: My favorite place to perform is my home club/bar The Web in Midtown Manhattan. It’s home and they just appreciate me more. The outpouring of support and love is just endless from there.
SL: What can people expect to see when they come see you perform?
Jiggly: You will definitely see a performance, emotions and love. I always connect to my music somehow. Expect to see top 40, urban music and some good choreography. High energy and beautiful blended makeup.
SL: What do you think separates you from the other queens?
Jiggly: I think my story, personality and look definitely set me apart from the other queens. I’m sure I’ve got the most sass and swag out of any Asian they ever had on the show…and for the big girls, I definitely put it in my work being a beautiful performer – from the past queens and some of the ones in my season as well. I don’t just sit there – I’m here to get the job done and send girls home – lol!
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SL: What was it like working with RuPaul?
Jiggly: It was definitely a great experience to work with Mama Ru. Damn! She’s tall and she really does carry herself like pure elegance…and when she is done up in front of you, it’s just like wow. Like, damn! She does look airbrushed – even in person. She is just so statuesque and gorgeous.
SL: What was it like working with the other queens?
Jiggly: Ugh! I hated them! Lol…that’s a joke. No, I think we all did actually like each other. I mean, there were some hiccups but I think at the end of the day and now we all do like each other. But, like any recipe for trouble, you put a bunch of people with strong personalities and ideas in one room to compete, the claws come out and the fighting words fly…and for me my eyes start to roll – lol!
SL: What would people be surprised to know about you?
Jiggly: I don’t think I’m allowed to say but I will say this…the people who know of me will be surprised to know about my humble beginnings and just who I am inside and out. I really poured my heart out and the world will see the real me – even behind the mask of make-up – the good and bad, all of me.
SL: What do you hope people will learn about you from the show?
Jiggly: That with or without my make up, I keep it real and that’s just how I am. I’m definitely the “round the way”, homegirl type. I’m the girl you can kick it with go to the mall and look for boys – lol!
SL: What song would be your dream song to “lip sync for your life”?
Jiggly: “Run the World” by Beyonce, ‘cuz I know I would turn that song out with the choreography and the look…but that’s just wishful thinking…
SL: What words of wisdom do you live by?
Jiggly: Karma is a bitch and it comes back to you threefold. Basically, don’t do shady things to others ‘cuz karma will come back around and bite you in the ass and it will be 3 times worse than what you did to someone else. But, in return, if you do good to others karma has a way of coming back around to you as well.
SL: Could you share one of your beauty tips with us?
Jiggly: Face scrub is definitely something I do…with so much makeup that my face gets with the shows, all you definitely need to do is be able to wash your face and keep your canvas clean and smooth – so that’s the start – and base, that’s the best beauty tip I can give. Keep your skin flawless and radiant so the best upkeep and care for your skin is the best. Wash it well and drink lots of water to keep the skin fab. Another tip would be to use the best makeup…this is your face, your money maker…so it’s best to use the best for it…that’s how I see it. My face is precious, hence I should use precious things and the best for it as well.
SL: What one beauty item can you not live without?
Jiggly: That’s a tough one…I would cheat and say my makeup case with all my “war paint” in it – lol…but if it’s just one thing I can’t live without it is my foundation. It’s the base of it all, so I need that perfect and everything else I can find a way – lol!
SL: What are you hoping to gain from your experience on the show?
Jiggly: Do you mean besides raise my booking fee? Lol! I think I gained the respect of the other queens for my craft and style and I learned from other queens as well. That is definitely something I am hoping to gain is not only broaden my horizons in drag and learn to appreciate the different types of drag…’cuz it is such a huge umbrella of different type of girls and this season definitely serves you all that, hunty!
SL: Any upcoming news, future projects or events you’d like to share with us?
Jiggly: Well def look out for my “Lick n Jiggle Tour” all over the United States, look out for Jiggly Shots, n the Jiggly Pops. Maybe follow in my sisters’ footsteps and come out with a badass mama jahamba single too… we’ll see just stay tuned and check out my website and me on other social media networks 4 more information.
SL: How can your fans best stay in touch with you?
Jiggly:The best way to stay in touch with me is my website, WWW.JIGGLYCALIENTE.COM. You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter (@JigglyCaliente). My fans can hit me up and I’ll let you guys know more about your girl Jiggly Caliente!
Socialite Life debuted back in 2003. SL Flashback showcases some of our favorite content from years past. This article was originally published on February 6, 2012.
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