Drag Race Philippines has paid tribute to contestant Misua, who died in her sleep while filming the fourth season of the World of Wonder competition series.
Misua, whose real name was Jason Elvie Ty, was 27. She died on 2 April 2026 while the cast were filming the show’s second episode.
The episode, which debuted on Friday, opened with a tribute confirming that Misua’s death had occurred during production. The programme said filming had been temporarily halted to support the queens, cast and crew.
“We are heartbroken to share that Jason Elvie Ty, known to many as Misua, passed away in her sleep on the morning of April 2, 2026,” the message said. “Misua was a talented queen from Cagayan de Oro. She brought light, artistry, and joy to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed.”
It added: “We honor Misua’s memory and her beautiful spirit that she generously shared with the world. We pay tribute to her today and for the entire season. Light and love, dearest Misua.”
The queens returned to the Werk Room after the production break and reflected on Misua’s impact. Bombalicious Eklaver said it was “hard to fathom” moving from a competition to hearing such devastating news, describing it as a reminder that “life is really short”.
Merckz, a close friend of Misua’s outside the competition, recalled their work as a choreographer and fashion designer helping previous Drag Race Philippines contestants prepare for the show.
Speaking through tears, Merckz remembered Misua telling her: “Sis, we’re in the spotlight now.”
The queens later honoured Misua by shouting her name and raising their hands before preparing for the main stage. During her group’s performance, Manza waved a yellow flag while the lights dimmed for Misua’s verse.
Host Paolo Ballesteros addressed the judges before the performances, extending condolences to the Ty family, the House of Lafeya and everyone who knew and loved Misua.
“Misua, you will always have a place in our hearts. Thank you so much, and goodbye, queen Misua. We love you,” he said.
Ballesteros, also known as Mama Pao, said the show would honour Misua for the rest of the season and continue “exactly as she would’ve wanted”. At the end of the episode, he asked the queens to say: “We love you, Misua.”
He also paid tribute to former judge Jiggly Caliente, who died last year.
Following Misua’s death, her family and close friends have been sharing the looks she created for the programme on Instagram. They said the designs had been imagined and made by Misua but that she had never had the chance to present them herself.
“Her work deserves to keep moving; to be seen; to be remembered,” they wrote, adding that they would continue sharing her work “one look at a time”.
