Bombalicious Eklaver: A Dazzling Queen Redefining Drag with Culture and Artistry
Discover Bombalicious Eklaver's electrifying artistry, bold cultural roots, and her quest to champion and challenge the boundaries of drag expression.
Bombalicious Eklaver: When Drag Meets Culture, Art, and Fearless Expression
When it comes to the world of Cosmo Queens, few queens can command the stage and redefine boundaries quite like Bombalicious Eklaver. With an air of extravagance, her performances and aesthetics are drenched in bold artistry, cultural pride, and a celebration of self that is both empowering and liberating. In this in-depth feature, we explore Bombalicious’s signature style, her inspirations, and the dynamic elements that make her a stand-out figure in modern drag.
The Artistry and Extravagance of Bombalicious
If there is one phrase to define Bombalicious Eklaver’s approach to drag, it’s “go big or go home.” Her appearance on Cosmo Queens is a revelation in terms of both style and substance. The stunning look—complete with spectacular lips, hypnotic eyes, and a dramatic headpiece—captures the exuberant spirit of the holidays and the unique flair she brings to the drag stage.
- Striking Makeup: From expertly sculpted brows to a shimmering, dewy complexion, Bombalicious’s makeup looks are equal parts theatrical and sophisticated.
- Statement Headpieces: She often tops off her outfits with extravagant headpieces that pay homage to traditional Filipino iconography and new-age glamour.
- Dynamic Costuming: Whether draped in gold chains, donning butterfly-sleeves terno, or appearing almost nude, the visual impact of each ensemble tells a story of both cultural narrative and personal reinvention.
The Power of Cultural Inspiration
At the heart of Bombalicious’s drag is a profound connection to her Filipino heritage and a commitment to representing her roots. Her art frequently draws from folklore and traditional national symbols, refracted through a lens of modern interpretation and queer empowerment.
- Folkloric Figures: Inspiration comes from legendary creatures such as the tikbalang and manananggal, figures deeply embedded in Philippine mythology and storytelling.
- Iconography: The use of motifs like Sto. Niño and the graceful Maria Clara archetype, as well as nods to the glitz of Miss Universe winners, lend her drag both a sense of history and glamor.
- Fashion Heritage: The famed butterfly-sleeves terno, a traditional Filipino attire, is reinvented by Bombalicious to fit her contemporary drag sensibilities.
“I’m an immigrant with mixed blood, and presenting my culture is important to me.” Bombalicious explains. Her looks serve as both a tribute and a bridge—bringing Filipino history and pride into the spotlight of international drag culture.
Fearless Femininity and the Influence of Iconic Women
Bombalicious’s drag is shaped not just by tradition but also by the strong, iconic women who have been part of her life and personal history.
- Filipina ‘Bomba Stars’: These women, known for their bold and unapologetic sexuality in Philippine cinema, have deeply influenced Bombalicious’s sense of empowerment and self-expression.
- Personal Muses: Family members and other women who demonstrated resilience, strength, and flair continue to inspire her artistry and values.
What others are reading
For Bombalicious, drag becomes an homage to women who defied norms and expectations, channeling their legendary courage and sexuality into vibrant performance art.
Reimagining Drag: Between Grandiose and Minimalism
While Bombalicious is known for her over-the-top looks—often appearing like a “walking piece of art”—she shares that her personal favorite moments in drag are when she strips down to nearly nothing. Whether adorned in just nipple pasties, a thong, killer heels, or painted gold with only chains for coverage, this raw state is, for her, the highest form of liberation.
- Minimalism as Liberation: “Wearing almost nothing is very liberating. And when you’re as old as I am, you become really comfortable in your own skin that you don’t care about what others may think.”
- Fluidity in Drag: For Bombalicious, drag is a shifting blend—oscillating between excessive glam and empowered nudity, always dictated by what feels true to her in the moment.
This philosophy underscores a shift in modern drag: it is less about adhering to fixed standards and more about authentic self-expression, whatever form that may take.
Community, Visibility, and the Evolution of Drag Performance
Bombalicious Eklaver is celebrated both on stage and within the broader LGBTQ+ community, known not just for her art but for her active engagement and spirited presence. Her involvement as a drag queen extends to regular performances and hosting duties—from the Baltimore Eagle’s “BLOWOUT!” to pop-up brunches and special drag revues in Washington D.C. and beyond.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Day Job | Registered Nurse (RN), with a focus on community health and care |
| Key Venues | Baltimore Eagle, Drag Underground at Dupont Underground, Firefly – D.C., Mercy Me – D.C., TallBoy – D.C. |
| Signature Events | “BLOWOUT!” Saturday nights, “Drag Social,” “Superstar” featuring up-and-coming drag talent |
| Community Role | LGBTQ+ visibility, drag mentorship, pandemic awareness, cultural representation |
As a prominent figure in D.C. and Baltimore’s drag circuit, Bombalicious is also recognized for her activism and efforts to maintain safe spaces—especially significant during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reshaped how drag shows and queer nightlife operate. Performers and audiences alike have become more vigilant, with continued health precautions and evolving formats for engagement.
Style Icons: Fashion Statements and Makeup Power Moves
Bombalicious’s looks are designed not only to turn heads but to tell stories. Each ensemble merges traditional and avant-garde elements, creating a visual language that is unmistakably hers.
- Themes: Mythology, old Hollywood glam, and cutting-edge couture blend in her style palette.
- Signatures: Sky-high hair, ornate headpieces, elaborate accessories, and unexpected color choices.
- Makeup Techniques: Painted-on lashes, exaggerated lips, gold dusting, gradient highlight and contour—every detail meant for close-up scrutiny.
- Chameleon Approach: Bombalicious shifts between regality and irreverence, sometimes appearing as a Medusa figure, other times as a “Kapre” or mythological giant, and occasionally as a glimmering, near-naked muse.
Her skillful transformations push the envelope of what new-age drag can be, fusing classic pageant realness with genderfluid self-expression and pulsating, theatrical presence.
Beyond the Stage: Personal Journey and Impact
Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Bombalicious Eklaver’s journey to drag stardom began with comedy videos and social media sketches—one of which went viral and ignited her passion for performance. After immigrating to the United States, she settled in the Baltimore/DC area, balancing her day job as a registered nurse while cultivating a formidable reputation in the local drag scene.
Her performances are more than art—they’re a venue for inclusion, joy, and representation. With every show, she champions the visibility of queer Asian performers and the transformative power of drag as healing, activism, and unapologetic fun.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bombalicious Eklaver
Who is Bombalicious Eklaver?
Bombalicious Eklaver is a renowned drag queen and performer known for her vibrant, culturally infused looks and strong presence in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. drag scenes. She is celebrated for infusing her Filipino heritage—mythology, fashion, and iconography—into her drag persona and performances.
What inspires Bombalicious’s drag style?
Her drag is inspired by a blend of Filipino folklore, traditional and modern iconography (including Sto. Niño and Maria Clara), plus fearless “bomba stars” from Filipino cinema, and strong women in her life.
Where does Bombalicious perform?
Bombalicious is a fixture at clubs like the Baltimore Eagle and across Washington, D.C., where she hosts events such as “BLOWOUT!” and brunch performances. She also appears at special drag underground and cultural events throughout the region.
How does Bombalicious use her platform?
She leverages her visibility to advance LGBTQ+ representation, raise awareness for safe nightlife—particularly during the COVID-19 era—and mentor new drag talent. She celebrates authenticity, body positivity, and intercultural dialogue in every performance.
How can I follow Bombalicious’s work?
For the latest looks, shows, and more behind-the-scenes content, follow Bombalicious Eklaver’s official Instagram and Facebook profiles. You can also find her at major queer and drag-focused events in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Follow Bombalicious Eklaver
- Instagram: @bombalicious.eklaver
- Facebook: Bombalicious Eklaver
About the Editor
Annabel Iwegbue is associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers entertainment and lifestyle stories centered on boundary-breaking personalities and diverse cultural expressions. With writing credits in Harper’s Bazaar and Black Film, and a journalism background from New York University, Annabel brings a fresh perspective to every feature.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/a38593428/bombalicious-eklaver-cosmo-queens/
- https://www.washingtonblade.com/2021/10/21/20th-annual-best-of-lgbtq-d-c/
- https://www.washingtonblade.com/2017/11/08/queery-ed-figueroabombalicious-eklaver/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZx7x7oDazc
- https://boldjourney.com/meet-bombalicious-eklaver/
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