Ongina

Ongina from RuPaul's Drag Race

== Ongina ==

Ongina is the stage name of Ryan Ong Palao, a Filipino-American drag performer and television personality. She is best known for competing on the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race and later returning for the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.

Early Life

Ryan Ong Palao was born on January 6, 1982, in the Philippines. He moved to the United States at a young age and grew up in Seattle, Washington. Ongina has been open about his experiences growing up as a gay man and the challenges he faced.

Career

Ongina began his drag career in the early 2000s. He gained national attention in 2009 when he competed on the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Ongina was known for his unique fashion sense, bubbly personality, and for being one of the first contestants to openly discuss his HIV-positive status on the show.

RuPaul's Drag Race

On the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race, Ongina quickly became a fan favorite. He won two challenges and made it to the top five before being eliminated. His emotional revelation about his HIV status during the "Mac Viva-Glam" challenge was a significant moment in the series and brought attention to issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars

In 2020, Ongina returned to the Drag Race franchise to compete on the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Despite high expectations, he was eliminated in the second episode. His return was celebrated by fans who appreciated his contributions to the drag community and his role in the show's history.

Personal Life

Ongina is an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and has worked with various organizations to promote education and support for those living with HIV. He continues to perform and make appearances at drag events and conventions around the world.

Legacy

Ongina is considered a trailblazer in the drag community, particularly for his openness about his HIV status and his impact on the visibility of Asian drag performers. His influence extends beyond his time on RuPaul's Drag Race, as he continues to inspire new generations of drag artists.

See Also

• RuPaul's Drag Race
• RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars
• List of RuPaul's Drag Race contestants