Reality television show Drag Race Philippines Season 4 aired a deeply emotional tribute episode honoring contestant Jayson Elvie Ty, known by her drag name Misua. This followed her tragic passing on April 2, 2026. Misua, a 27-year-old drag artist from Cagayan de Oro, passed away in her sleep during production. This prompted a temporary pause in filming as World of Wonder and the production team extended care and support to the cast and crew.
The second episode of the season, titled “Can I Get An Eme?,” focused on a girl group maxi challenge featuring guest judge Maki. Before transitioning into the heavy reality of her passing, the episode captured Misua’s enthusiastic final preparations, rehearsals, and confessionals. Sharing her excitement to compete alongside her fellow queens, Misua remarked in what would become her final appearance on screen: “I love the girls, I love the energy and the dynamics. Let’s bring it on girls. We’re going to give them a good fight.”
Following the preview footage, the episode gracefully faded to an on-screen message informing viewers of her death. When the cameras returned to the Werk Room, remaining contestants entered visibly shaken. They shared tearful reflections and memories of their departed sister. Merckz recalled a poignant conversation where Misua noted they were finally stepping out of the background. “Wala na tayo behind the scenes,” Merckz remembered telling Misua, who replied, “Ate, nasa spotlight na tayo.” (“We’re no longer behind the scenes… Ate, we’re in the spotlight now.”)
Honoring a Fallen Sister on the Main Stage
Host and main judge Paolo Ballesteros addressed the audience and judges-including Jervi “KaladKaren” Wrightson, rotating judge Jon Santos, and guest judge Maki-with a heartfelt message. He offered condolences to the Ty family, the Haus of Lafeya in Cagayan de Oro, and all who loved her.
“Misua, you will always have a place in our hearts. Maraming salamat, paalam, Queen Misua. We love you,” Paolo said, promising that the show would honor her memory for the remainder of the season.
Despite her absence, Misua remained an integral part of the girl group challenge. Her group, Eme La’ Chikazsx-consisting of Dixxxy Decoy, Ghulli Gush, Manza, Valeria, and Maureen Biology-chose to keep her verse in their performance. They affectionately referred to her as their group’s “angel.” As her recorded vocals echoed through the studio, the stage lights dimmed into a singular spotlight on Manza, who waved Misua’s signature yellow dragon prop from the premiere.
An Emotional Lip Sync and Online Tributes
Continuing the episode’s poignant themes, for the second consecutive week, no queens were eliminated. Katana and Merckz emerged as the Top 2 for the challenge, facing off in a high-stakes lip sync battle to Maki’s hit song “Dilaw.” The song was chosen because yellow was Misua’s favorite color. Midway through the emotional performance, Katana noticed Merckz struggling to catch her breath. This prompted both queens to pause and share an embrace before finishing the number by incorporating Misua’s yellow dragon and tinted eyewear.
Merckz ultimately won the lip sync battle, making her, Katana, and Manza the early frontrunners with badges. Paolo Ballesteros closed out the evening by calling for cheers dedicated both to Misua and to Jiggly Caliente, the late former main judge who passed away prior to Season 3.
Viewers, international fans, and alumni of the franchise flooded social media with praise for the respectful and tender treatment of the tragedy. Team Misua (@themisuarchive) continued sharing scheduled weekly posts of the runway looks Misua had prepared, modeled by her drag sisters from the House of Lafeya in her memory. Guest judge Maki shared his thoughts online, writing that he never imagined his song could represent sisterhood in such a profound, community-driven way.
