QUEEN IN FOCUS:
SALMO NELLA
Many students who cross paths with her quickly discover this. She takes time to understand their projects, listen to their intentions, and support them in ways that go beyond what is asked. For her, helping students is not an inconvenience but an extension of the life she once lived and still deeply respects.
This generosity extends far beyond simple advice. She lends her presence, her time, and her connections with honesty and warmth. She often helps students with their theses, films, or creative projects, asking for little to nothing in return. In a creative industry where time and talent are valuable, this willingness speaks volumes about her character. Her support is not transactional—it is rooted in empathy, shaped by her belief that education and creativity flourish when nurtured.
Her guidance also goes beyond academic support. When she invited our team to “Rampa,” she opened doors we never expected. She welcomed us into her spaces, introduced us to other drag artists, and made it possible for us to capture stories and moments we would never have reached on our own. It wasn’t merely about giving access; it was about giving trust. She allowed us to witness the culture, camaraderie, and artistry within drag—not from a distance, but from the inside, where the nuances are lived rather than observed.
Without her openness and kindness, much of the content we were able to create would not have been possible. She became not only a contributor to our project, but a bridge—connecting us to experiences, perspectives, and individuals whose stories added depth to our work. Through her, we saw firsthand the impact of drag beyond performance. We saw how queens support each other, how artistry becomes advocacy, and how identity becomes a source of pride rather than fear.
What stands out most in her journey is how seamlessly she blends her two worlds. Drag is often seen as a stage for transformation, but for Salmo Nella, it is also a platform for teaching—teaching confidence, empathy, courage, and authenticity. Her artistry is not just about aesthetic performance; it is about creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and understood.
Salmo Nella’s story is a testament to following one’s passion without abandoning one’s purpose. She reminds us that teaching can happen anywhere, whether in a classroom or under a spotlight, and that the most meaningful impact often comes from those who choose to lead with both heart and skill. In a community shaped by expression and resilience, she stands as a figure of strength, warmth, and generosity. And for those whose journeys she has touched, her presence continues to be both a gift and an inspiration.
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Philippine drag, a few artists stand out not only for their performance, but for the spirit they bring into every space they enter. Among these remarkable individuals is Salmo Nella, a queen whose journey intertwines the discipline of teaching with the artistry of drag—two worlds that, for her, are not opposites but reflections of the same calling: to uplift, guide, and inspire.
Before stepping fully into the spotlight, Salmo Nella spent years as a teacher in private schools. Her background in education reveals itself in the way she carries herself—structured yet compassionate, humorous yet thoughtful, confident yet always approachable. While she valued her time in the classroom, she eventually found herself drawn to a different kind of stage. It wasn’t dissatisfaction that led her away from teaching; rather, it was a growing realization that drag gave her a deeper sense of joy, fulfillment, and freedom. It was another form of expression, one that allowed her to engage with people in ways that felt truer to her evolving self.
What makes her story meaningful is not the shift from teacher to drag artist, but the fact that she never stopped being an educator at heart. Even as she embraced drag, she carried forward the traits that made her a remarkable teacher—generosity, patience, and a sincere desire to help people grow.
Words by Sean Wong
Images by Jannah Ricafort
QUEEN IN FOCUS:
SALMO NELLA
Many students who cross paths with her quickly discover this. She takes time to understand their projects, listen to their intentions, and support them in ways that go beyond what is asked. For her, helping students is not an inconvenience but an extension of the life she once lived and still deeply respects.
This generosity extends far beyond simple advice. She lends her presence, her time, and her connections with honesty and warmth. She often helps students with their theses, films, or creative projects, asking for little to nothing in return. In a creative industry where time and talent are valuable, this willingness speaks volumes about her character. Her support is not transactional—it is rooted in empathy, shaped by her belief that education and creativity flourish when nurtured.
Her guidance also goes beyond academic support. When she invited our team to “Rampa,” she opened doors we never expected. She welcomed us into her spaces, introduced us to other drag artists, and made it possible for us to capture stories and moments we would never have reached on our own. It wasn’t merely about giving access; it was about giving trust. She allowed us to witness the culture, camaraderie, and artistry within drag—not from a distance, but from the inside, where the nuances are lived rather than observed.
Without her openness and kindness, much of the content we were able to create would not have been possible. She became not only a contributor to our project, but a bridge—connecting us to experiences, perspectives, and individuals whose stories added depth to our work. Through her, we saw firsthand the impact of drag beyond performance. We saw how queens support each other, how artistry becomes advocacy, and how identity becomes a source of pride rather than fear.
What stands out most in her journey is how seamlessly she blends her two worlds. Drag is often seen as a stage for transformation, but for Salmo Nella, it is also a platform for teaching—teaching confidence, empathy, courage, and authenticity. Her artistry is not just about aesthetic performance; it is about creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and understood.
Salmo Nella’s story is a testament to following one’s passion without abandoning one’s purpose. She reminds us that teaching can happen anywhere, whether in a classroom or under a spotlight, and that the most meaningful impact often comes from those who choose to lead with both heart and skill. In a community shaped by expression and resilience, she stands as a figure of strength, warmth, and generosity. And for those whose journeys she has touched, her presence continues to be both a gift and an inspiration.
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Philippine drag, a few artists stand out not only for their performance, but for the spirit they bring into every space they enter. Among these remarkable individuals is Salmo Nella, a queen whose journey intertwines the discipline of teaching with the artistry of drag—two worlds that, for her, are not opposites but reflections of the same calling: to uplift, guide, and inspire.
Before stepping fully into the spotlight, Salmo Nella spent years as a teacher in private schools. Her background in education reveals itself in the way she carries herself—structured yet compassionate, humorous yet thoughtful, confident yet always approachable. While she valued her time in the classroom, she eventually found herself drawn to a different kind of stage. It wasn’t dissatisfaction that led her away from teaching; rather, it was a growing realization that drag gave her a deeper sense of joy, fulfillment, and freedom. It was another form of expression, one that allowed her to engage with people in ways that felt truer to her evolving self.
What makes her story meaningful is not the shift from teacher to drag artist, but the fact that she never stopped being an educator at heart. Even as she embraced drag, she carried forward the traits that made her a remarkable teacher—generosity, patience, and a sincere desire to help people grow.
Words by Sean Wong
Images by Jannah Ricafort
QUEEN IN FOCUS:
SALMO NELLA
Many students who cross paths with her quickly discover this. She takes time to understand their projects, listen to their intentions, and support them in ways that go beyond what is asked. For her, helping students is not an inconvenience but an extension of the life she once lived and still deeply respects.
This generosity extends far beyond simple advice. She lends her presence, her time, and her connections with honesty and warmth. She often helps students with their theses, films, or creative projects, asking for little to nothing in return. In a creative industry where time and talent are valuable, this willingness speaks volumes about her character. Her support is not transactional—it is rooted in empathy, shaped by her belief that education and creativity flourish when nurtured.
Her guidance also goes beyond academic support. When she invited our team to “Rampa,” she opened doors we never expected. She welcomed us into her spaces, introduced us to other drag artists, and made it possible for us to capture stories and moments we would never have reached on our own. It wasn’t merely about giving access; it was about giving trust. She allowed us to witness the culture, camaraderie, and artistry within drag—not from a distance, but from the inside, where the nuances are lived rather than observed.
Without her openness and kindness, much of the content we were able to create would not have been possible. She became not only a contributor to our project, but a bridge—connecting us to experiences, perspectives, and individuals whose stories added depth to our work. Through her, we saw firsthand the impact of drag beyond performance. We saw how queens support each other, how artistry becomes advocacy, and how identity becomes a source of pride rather than fear.
What stands out most in her journey is how seamlessly she blends her two worlds. Drag is often seen as a stage for transformation, but for Salmo Nella, it is also a platform for teaching—teaching confidence, empathy, courage, and authenticity. Her artistry is not just about aesthetic performance; it is about creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and understood.
Salmo Nella’s story is a testament to following one’s passion without abandoning one’s purpose. She reminds us that teaching can happen anywhere, whether in a classroom or under a spotlight, and that the most meaningful impact often comes from those who choose to lead with both heart and skill. In a community shaped by expression and resilience, she stands as a figure of strength, warmth, and generosity. And for those whose journeys she has touched, her presence continues to be both a gift and an inspiration.
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Philippine drag, a few artists stand out not only for their performance, but for the spirit they bring into every space they enter. Among these remarkable individuals is Salmo Nella, a queen whose journey intertwines the discipline of teaching with the artistry of drag—two worlds that, for her, are not opposites but reflections of the same calling: to uplift, guide, and inspire.
Before stepping fully into the spotlight, Salmo Nella spent years as a teacher in private schools. Her background in education reveals itself in the way she carries herself—structured yet compassionate, humorous yet thoughtful, confident yet always approachable. While she valued her time in the classroom, she eventually found herself drawn to a different kind of stage. It wasn’t dissatisfaction that led her away from teaching; rather, it was a growing realization that drag gave her a deeper sense of joy, fulfillment, and freedom. It was another form of expression, one that allowed her to engage with people in ways that felt truer to her evolving self.
What makes her story meaningful is not the shift from teacher to drag artist, but the fact that she never stopped being an educator at heart. Even as she embraced drag, she carried forward the traits that made her a remarkable teacher—generosity, patience, and a sincere desire to help people grow.
Words by Sean Wong
Images by Jannah Ricafort
QUEEN IN FOCUS:
SALMO NELLA
Many students who cross paths with her quickly discover this. She takes time to understand their projects, listen to their intentions, and support them in ways that go beyond what is asked. For her, helping students is not an inconvenience but an extension of the life she once lived and still deeply respects.
This generosity extends far beyond simple advice. She lends her presence, her time, and her connections with honesty and warmth. She often helps students with their theses, films, or creative projects, asking for little to nothing in return. In a creative industry where time and talent are valuable, this willingness speaks volumes about her character. Her support is not transactional—it is rooted in empathy, shaped by her belief that education and creativity flourish when nurtured.
Her guidance also goes beyond academic support. When she invited our team to “Rampa,” she opened doors we never expected. She welcomed us into her spaces, introduced us to other drag artists, and made it possible for us to capture stories and moments we would never have reached on our own. It wasn’t merely about giving access; it was about giving trust. She allowed us to witness the culture, camaraderie, and artistry within drag—not from a distance, but from the inside, where the nuances are lived rather than observed.
Without her openness and kindness, much of the content we were able to create would not have been possible. She became not only a contributor to our project, but a bridge—connecting us to experiences, perspectives, and individuals whose stories added depth to our work. Through her, we saw firsthand the impact of drag beyond performance. We saw how queens support each other, how artistry becomes advocacy, and how identity becomes a source of pride rather than fear.
What stands out most in her journey is how seamlessly she blends her two worlds. Drag is often seen as a stage for transformation, but for Salmo Nella, it is also a platform for teaching—teaching confidence, empathy, courage, and authenticity. Her artistry is not just about aesthetic performance; it is about creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and understood.
Salmo Nella’s story is a testament to following one’s passion without abandoning one’s purpose. She reminds us that teaching can happen anywhere, whether in a classroom or under a spotlight, and that the most meaningful impact often comes from those who choose to lead with both heart and skill. In a community shaped by expression and resilience, she stands as a figure of strength, warmth, and generosity. And for those whose journeys she has touched, her presence continues to be both a gift and an inspiration.
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Philippine drag, a few artists stand out not only for their performance, but for the spirit they bring into every space they enter. Among these remarkable individuals is Salmo Nella, a queen whose journey intertwines the discipline of teaching with the artistry of drag—two worlds that, for her, are not opposites but reflections of the same calling: to uplift, guide, and inspire.
Before stepping fully into the spotlight, Salmo Nella spent years as a teacher in private schools. Her background in education reveals itself in the way she carries herself—structured yet compassionate, humorous yet thoughtful, confident yet always approachable. While she valued her time in the classroom, she eventually found herself drawn to a different kind of stage. It wasn’t dissatisfaction that led her away from teaching; rather, it was a growing realization that drag gave her a deeper sense of joy, fulfillment, and freedom. It was another form of expression, one that allowed her to engage with people in ways that felt truer to her evolving self.
What makes her story meaningful is not the shift from teacher to drag artist, but the fact that she never stopped being an educator at heart. Even as she embraced drag, she carried forward the traits that made her a remarkable teacher—generosity, patience, and a sincere desire to help people grow.
Words by Sean Wong
Images by Jannah Ricafort
