'Her legacy will slay': Drag Race stars mourn Jiggly Caliente

The world of drag has lost a shining star, Jiggly Caliente, who was a beloved contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race. Jiggly, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, passed away at the young age of 44. She was known for her vibrant personality and her dedication to promoting Asian representation in the drag community. Tragically, Jiggly had undergone an amputation of her right leg just two days before her death, which has left her friends and fans in shock and mourning. The official RuPaul's Drag Race account expressed their sorrow, stating, 'Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay - always. ' Jiggly was born in the Philippines in 1980 and moved to New York City with her family when she was a child. She quickly became a fan favorite on RuPaul's Drag Race when she appeared on the show in 2012, thanks to her humor and memorable moments with other queens. Beyond Drag Race, Jiggly also made appearances in popular television shows such as Broad City and Search Party, and she played the role of Veronica in the acclaimed series Pose. In 2021, she returned to Drag Race for the All Stars season, showcasing a more polished and confident version of herself. In an Instagram post at that time, she humorously asked, 'Did someone order a GLOW UP? ' while proudly using Tagalog hashtags to celebrate her Filipino heritage. Jiggly shared that her name was inspired by the cute Pokemon character Jigglypuff, and she embraced her identity with pride. On Drag Race Philippines, she was affectionately referred to as 'RuGirl from Laguna,' highlighting her roots in the Laguna province of the Philippines. Fellow Drag Race star Manila Luzon expressed her heartbreak over the loss of her best friend of 25 years, saying, 'Rest in peace, little sis. Your mug is still flawless. ' Raja, the winner of Season 3, also shared her grief on Instagram, stating that she was at a loss for words. Michelle Visage, a judge on the show, remembered Jiggly fondly, saying, 'My jiggles…. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved. ' Jinkx Monsoon, who won Season 5, reflected on Jiggly's vibrant spirit, saying, 'Jiggly was so much person in one little body. She lived her life exactly how she wanted to— never taking a moment of it for granted. ' The outpouring of love and remembrance from the drag community highlights the impact Jiggly had on those around her. Marina Summers, a breakout star from the franchise, shared a heartfelt message, saying, 'Ate Bianca, Jiggly, I hope you know that you are loved. ' Jervi Wrightson, also known as Kaladkaren, another judge on Drag Race Philippines, expressed his sadness, saying, 'I just lost my favorite seatmate. Drag Race Philippines will never be the same without you. ' Jiggly's passing comes at a poignant time as Drag Race Philippines is set to air its first All Stars season, titled Slaysian Royale, which will feature Filipina queens from the last three seasons competing against Asian queens from various international editions of the show. Jiggly's legacy will undoubtedly live on through the love and admiration of her fans and friends, as they continue to celebrate her contributions to the drag community and the representation of Asian culture in the entertainment industry.