National QueenoftheMonth

What was your first experience with the art of female impersonation?

My first experience was going to the original Krash Club in Queens, and seeing the beautiful Glamazons that they had performing.  I most remember the gorgeous candis Cayne and Angela Carrera, I told myself “o, they are gorgeous” and I wanted to do that and be like them.

How did you get your name Jiggly Caliente?

I got my name from pokemon and we’ll I think I’m hot. (Laughs Out Loud)

What is your style of drag?

My style has pretty much been urban glam.  I love Pop & Hip Hop so I perform songs I really like.

What makes you different than any of the other female impersonators?

I’m different than the rest because I’m an Asian plus queen with swag. Go ahead and try to find another like me. I’ll wait. (Laughs Out Loud)

Do you remember the first song you performed, the first stage and how you felt about it?

My first song I performed was “Heartbreaker” by Mariah Carey and it was at a contest (Laughs Out Loud) It was god awful but I did do cute choreo.

What is/and or was your main goal when you became a female impersonator?

My main goal was and still is to enjoy performing and when that stops I won’t be on stage anymore.

What has been your greatest moment as a female impersonator? What was your most embarrassing?

My greatest moment as a female impersonator besides walking thru the doors of Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 4 would be being crowned Ms. Universo Latino Plus 2010.

My most embarrassing has been exposing my flaws to the world, my teeth and horrid hairline.  I cringe when I see it being made fun of and I’m working on fixing the flaws but it’s still rough to see and expose your flaw to the world.  They still have a field day with it.

                                                  

What's the best advice you can give a upcoming female impersonator?

The best advice I can give an upcoming female impersonator is to only do it if you love it.  It’s a business as we’ll so be smart and make sure you love it.

Does Jiggly Calinente come from a Drag family or have any drag children?

I do come from a drag family, I am the drag daughter of Chevelle Brooks and I have 3 drag kids too.

What does the art of female impersonation mean to you?

The art of female impersonation to me is a creative outlet for me to be someone else for a moment in time and live an relish in it.

Who inspires you as a female impersonator?

I’m inspired by a lot of different things, music, artist and even other entertainers.

What’s the biggest difference between yourself as a boy and you as Jiggly?

Nothing, no big difference in Paulo or Jiggly except the clothes and the time it takes to get ready (Laughs Out Loud)

What made you want to audition for Ru Paul’s Drag Race? How many tries did it take?

I only auditioned one time and it took a yelling from Manila to audition (Laughs Out Loud). During the NYC finale party for season 3 Manila, Raja and Jujubee encouraged me to do it. It’s their fault I ended up evening considering Drag Race.

Where was Jiggly Caliente prior to Ru Paul’s Drag Race?

Jiggly prior to Ru Paul’s Drag Race was a pageant queen and just doing gigs around NYC.


                                                       

One of the most memorable moments of your season was the Dragazine episode where you took Phi Phi O’Hara advice to go serious instead of comical, which lead to you being in the bottom two and then being eliminated. Do you feel that was your biggest mistake in the competition and do you feel if you would have been comical you might have stayed a little longer?

I don’t know, it was a mistake that cost me the competition but it wasn’t my biggest mistake.  I have no ill feelings towards it, I’m like shit, o we’ll, move on (Laughs Out Loud)

Who was your favorite cast member to work with on the show?

I got along with everyone but my favorite during filming was William.  He always made me laugh and giggle and during filming Dida and me were pretty close.

You call yourself the “Asian Plus Size Barbie” do you feel you represent the big girls and what advice would you give to the big girls who struggle with their weight?

I do feel like I represent for Jiggly girls of the world (Laughs Out Loud) My advice is either embrace it or change it.  I am constantly a roller coaster with my weight. (Laughs Out Loud)

You’ve mentioned that you want to get involved in more acting and that you hope to get your own sitcom. Do you have any prior acting experience? Any future things we can look for in the future?

I would love to act more and take a stab at it.  I’ve been in a few plays in high school but nothing major.  Hopefully, this independent film I’m cast in takes off.

We’re you asked to be on Ru Paul’s Drag Race All Stars? Who would be your dream partner?

That’s rough (Laughs Out Loud) My dream partner would be Jujubee, but if all stars happens and Phi Phi is on it, best believe I would wanna work with her.

I must ask “May I call you Jiggly?” where is the strangest place you be asked that question?

The airport bathroom in Atlanta (Laughs Out Loud) In my head I’m like “damn can’t I piss in peace” (Laughs Out Loud) but it comes with the territory I guess (Laughs Out Loud).


                                     

How much of Ru Paul’s Drag Race is real and how much is for reality television?

It’s all real. How they put it together is the television part (Laughs Out Loud)

What advice would you give to any future Ru Paul Drag Race contestants?

My advice would be stay true to you and stay grounded. Humility goes a long way.

What can we expect from you when you visit us March 30 for the March 4 Equality?

You can expect to see a short round funny Asian queen and as requested Missy Elliot (Laughs Out Loud)

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years hopefully the winner of Ru Paul’s Drag Race All Stars 2, (Laughs Out Loud) and television screens again somehow.

Anything else you would like to add or want the readers of ArizonaDrag.com to know about you?

I love you all and I can’t wait to meet my Arizona fans.


Visit Jiggly Caliente online at www.jigglycaliente.com

                                  Season 4 Superstar

                          Phi Phi O'hara

What was your first experience with the art of female impersonation?

I shared a little bit of my childhood and the abuse I went through and sadly one of those incidents happen on my 18th birthday. I was put into the hospital and wasn't able to celebrate, so my mother a few days later surprised me and took me to my first ever gay bar to see a drag show and introduce me to the girls. The first queen I ever met was a 6'8'' queened named Beyonce! I DIED!

Following that first experience, what made you want to get into the profession?

I was scared of drag, I didn't understand the art and thought in a weird way it was gross for a guy to dress as a woman. However being around it more and more I grew to respect the art and the illusion of it all. Since I have always been into the Theatre and Musical Arts I could relate to them. I was told I could never do what they do by a kid at the club and I hate when people say I can't do something so I said I would enter the amateur contest....guess what....I WON!

How did you get your name Phi Phi O’Hara?

I originally went by the name Phoenix O'hara....I chose Phoenix because I relate to the story of the mythical bird and how it risen from the ashes to become this powerful force. When I moved to Chicago it was DiDa Ritz who actually gave me the nickname Phi Phi for short and it stuck.

What is your style of drag?

EEEK....It is hard to answer this question....I used to be a HUGE pageant queen but I feel with all kinds of art and in career choice, you find ways to improve and expand your horizons. I would say my style has evolved into a very versatile queen, I try and dabble in all styles because you can never stop learning and evolving your persona.

What makes you different than any of the other female impersonators?

I have a snaggle tooth, wonky eye and a beautiful orange glow skin....(Just Kidding, Just Kidding)

                                       

Do you remember the first song you performed, the first stage and how you felt about it?

I performed Missy Elliot's "I'm Really Hot" (Laughs Out Loud) I thought I was super-hot with a tired as brown and red tracked wig and an outfit I bought from Forever 21! I was nervous...I was just trying to dance as much as I could and didn't know how to make it look feminine at all....you could tell I played sports (Laughs Out Loud)l "Football Shoulders"

What is/and or was your main goal when you became a female impersonator?

I didn't do it for any other reason but to shut someone up by saying I can't do it, however after doing it a few times I fell in love with the art and was constantly challenging myself to want to become something bigger and better. My goals have changed since then and now I have a platform that many people in our community don't have and I want to use it in a positive way as a role model for the LGBT community.

What has been your greatest moment as a female impersonator? What was your most embarrassing?

Greatest moment for me would be RuPaul's Drag Race of course. I never thought in a million years I would make it onto the show....and then to make it as far as I did just took the cake!

Most embarrassing moment was for the premiere party for the show and I performed Nicki Minaj and fell on stage....the next morning Perez Hilton posted it on his webpage....however he loved my performance still!! BAM!

What’s the best advice that you can give an upcoming female impersonator?

Be yourself....there are too many people in this world that want to control everything you and who you are. The great thing about this art is the ability to change who you are and find what style works best for you.

Does Phi Phi O’Hara come from a Drag family or have any drag children?

I have drag children all over the world now! I LOVE IT!! I originally come from the O'hara family from Dallas TX.

                                       
                                             Photo Credit: Jose A Guzman Colon www.joseaguzmancolon.com

What does the art of female impersonation mean to you?

It is about being able to be whatever and whoever you want. I think it is great that people can look at us and feel inspired to go against the grain and find something you feel passionate in without having people detour you away from accomplishing your dreams.

Who inspires you as a female impersonator?

Always and forever first my mother! She is a strong and powerful woman who I would love to grow up and being everything she has been for me. Second, are my fans....I don't think a lot of people value their fans and they are EVERYTHING to me and I never want them to think otherwise. I push myself to be bigger and better for them and to entertain the world!

What’s the biggest difference between Jaremi and Phi Phi?

It used to be Phi Phi having more confidence than Jaremi....however since the show it has molded me into one person....there is no Phi Phi without Jaremi.

What made you want to audition for Ru Paul’s Drag Race? How many tries did it take?

I was tired of seeing boring people on TV! (Laughs Out Loud) Just Kidding!  I like a challenge and I wanted to take my art and career to the next level.....and to win $100,000....just to lose! ha

In episode 1 of Untucked you mentioned “You don’t need RuPaul to be big. I can say for a fact that people knew who Phi Phi was before I got here. So I don’t need RuPaul to say I’m sickening. I know I’m sickening. I don’t need her to tell me that” Share with us, where was Phi Phi O’Hara prior to Ru Paul’s Drag Race?

I was and still am a nationally recognized entertainer and have been blessed to be booked around the USA because of my art. People took those words as me being cocky and it was more of believing in everything you are. I think toooooo many people rely on others to tell them they are something and it is sad. People should know they have a special place in this world without waiting for someone to tell them.

                                         
                                           Photo Credit: Jose A Guzman Colon www.joseaguzmancolon.com

You were the villain of the show during your season, and if I’m correct never before in the history of RuPaul’s Drag Race has one contestant been so overwhelmingly disliked. After the show, did you get many questions about that? How did you respond to that?

WRONG MIMI IMFURST!!!!!!!!!!!! (Laughs Out Loud) Just Kidding! I have always said if I was ever cast on a show or movie I would play the villain, I think it is more fun. Some people can't handle what people say but for me I love it. People believe everything they see or read about reality TV and at the end of the day we are making a TV show. What this did teach me is that there are tooooo many people in this world that are quick to judge someone before they know them when in reality they should evaluate themselves first. I love my fans and I especially love the people who do not support me....both push me to want to succeed even more!

During and after your season you mentioned that you wanted to be “the voice” and you wanted to let people know that they should be who they want to be? Can you elaborate more about what exactly you mean by that?

During the season and still afterwards I get people telling me that I will not amount to anything. I think it is horrible and absolutely disgusting to tell someone that. If you have a dream, any dream, turn that into a goal and accomplish it! Never let someone detour you from following your heart.

You were considered the “Pageant Beauty Queen” does Phi Phi hold or has she held any pageant titles?

Eeeeek where to start (Laughs out Loud) PS I was called a Barbie Girl too (Laughs Out Loud) I have won about 7 titles, but currently none. I don't see myself competing in pageants any longer but I love to still sit back and watch the girls compete!

I must ask or our readers will be disappointed: “At least I am a Showgirl bitch, go back to party City where you belong!” Sharon Needles? Friend or Enemy? Staged or real life? Why do you feel Ru Paul choose her over you to be America’s Next Drag Superstar?

(Laughs Out Loud) Sharon and I are friends and even liked each other during the show....WE ARE MAKING A TV SHOW PEOPLE! (Laughs Out Loud) Sure we got on each other nerves and sure we fought....but just like all families do, we have the same problems (Laughs Out Loud) We are sisters!! I think Ru picked her because if I won, churches would burn, the United States would catch on fire and the world would blow! (Laughs Out Loud) NEXT YEAR I AM AUDITIONING FOR THE EDITING DEPARTMENT!

                                         

What advice would you give any future Ru Paul Drag Race Contestants?

Play the game!!! Make sure you bring your "A" game and be creative. It isn't about having thousand dollar gowns and rhinestones, it is about being entertaining.

Now let’s talk about Jeremi Carey:

Are Jaremi and Phi Phi two different people? Do they have their separate identity? Do people call you Phi Phi when you’re out of drag?

Since the show we have molded into One person (Laughs Out Loud)  everyone calls me Pheefs, Phi Phi, J, Jaremi, Bitch, (Laughs Out Loud)  I answer to it all!

Jaremi was heavily involved in music prior to Ru Paul’s Drag Race and you’ve mentioned that you have worked or will work with Zach Adam on two separate albums, one for Jaremi and one for Phi Phi. How long have you been a singer? What can we expect from the two albums?

I have been singing since I was a kid, it was just unfortunate that the singing challenge on the show wasn't my style of music and the style I was trained in. I am releasing music from Phi Phi first, and slowly transition into Jaremi which is where I would like my music to stay.

When should fans expect to hear singles or get to listen to the entire album? Any release dates yet?

My single will be out in March, I was planning on releasing the single first but I decided to wait and release the music video and single at the same time! My single is called "Bitchy" which is an anthem for all of those people who ever been called names or said they would never amount to anything.

You’ve mentioned Jeremi was involved during your season and shortly after your boyfriend left you. But, now you are happily committed again. Is it hard to keep a relationship while being on the road and not being home all the time? It must take a strong man who trusts to be able to handle that?

 My ex did leave me because once RuPaul's Drag Race released the cast I received an overwhelming amount of attention and my ex didn't like it. He packed up his stuff while I was at work and moved back to his home state. I met my boyfriend Mikhael because of the show. He has been my biggest supporter and I am truly blessed to have someone who allows me to be who I am and respect the art as my job. It takes a lot of trust in relationships to work and luckily we trust each other with all our hearts! I love Mikhael!

                    

Back to Phi Phi:

What can we expect from you when you come to visit us March 30 for the 5th annual March 4 Equality?

A PHIERCE TIME! (Laughs Out Loud)  I give lots of high energy shows but this time around you might get some live singing....but we will see it is a surprise!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I really see myself acting more and evolving my music into a serious career! I have so many goals to accomplish so I'm just taking it easy and enjoying what I am experiencing now in life.

Anything else you would like to add or want the readers of ArizonaDrag.com to know about you?

 I just want people to know at the end of the day....TV....is just TV....never judge a book by its cover and take the time to get to know someone. There is too much hate and anger in this world to not get along. I think many people would find out they would get along with a lot more people in the world if they would just give someone a try. Always love yourself first....the more you love yourself the more you shine and the more you will succeed in life. Be proud of who you are, Imperfection is PERFECTION!

You catch Phi Phi O'Hara performing LIVE in Arizona on Saturday March 30, 2013 at the 5th annual March 4 Equality at Perk Park in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Visit Phi Phi O'Hara on the web at www.phiphiohara.com