Drag Name: Poncharella

FDM: Christopher De Ande/Patti Macias

MAKE-UP: Steven Retchless

Diva Sponsor:

Poncho is about to step into the spotlight as the dazzling Poncharella! A man of many talents—from orchestrating project plans to piloting hot air balloons—Poncho brings a unique blend of skill and flair wherever he goes. Born in Mexico City and raised in Guadalajara and Torreon, he’s now proud to call Puerto Vallarta home, weaving his uniquely creative magic at Interior Design Alchemy.

This year, he’s swapping his futbol cleats for sky-high heels (a bit cautiously, he admits) to compete in the eleventh annual What A Drag! Following in the footsteps of contestants from past years, Poncho is here for more than the stage lights: he’s stepping up to support Puerto Vallarta’s Casa Esperanza, a refuge for women and children affected by domestic violence. And while he’s eager to bring laughter to the crowd, he’s also a tad wary of what he calls “the possibility of breaking an ankle!”

With his partner Kristen cheering him on, Poncharella is set to dazzle with humor, heart, and a splash of daring. We can’t wait to see just how high Poncho—and Poncharella—will soar.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, What A Drag is a fundraiser with purpose. Every peso raised directly supports Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter, a lifeline for our community. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable evening of courage, talent, and generosity—all for a noble cause.

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Drag Name: Tina Drag

FDM: Kimberly LaRue

MAKE-UP: Rox Ibáñez 

Diva Sponsor: Casa Karma Private Villa & 

Costa Rica’s Artistic Dynamo

Say hello to Dabit Azofeifa Marín, one of the no-holds-barred contestants stepping into the spotlight for this year’s circus-themed What A Drag! Bringing his creativity and charisma all the way from San José, Costa Rica, Dabit is a stage artist who’s ready to dazzle the crowd under the big top. Now living in Puerto Vallarta, he’s thrilled to be part of this extraordinary event that blends artistry, fun, and a powerful cause.

Thank you so much to Casa Karma for sponsoring Dabit!

When he’s not preparing for his drag debut, Dabit spends his time jamming out to music, snuggling his two spoiled feline queens, or diving into documentaries. A natural performer with an organic and playful approach to life, he was invited to join What A Drag by former contestant Victor Do Espirito, who knew Dabit’s talent and spirit were perfect for the stage.

For Dabit, this is more than a competition—it’s a journey of self-expression and breaking down stereotypes. “Participating in What A Drag lets me explore a new creative language while challenging traditional ideas of masculinity,” he says. “It’s an incredible honor to be part of something that inspires growth and connection, both for me and for the community.”

As he prepares to take the stage, Dabit is ready to embrace every colorful, daring moment of this circus-themed extravaganza. With his dynamic energy and artistic flair, he’s determined to surprise himself—and the audience—with an unforgettable performance.

Drag Name: Anita Cocktail 

FDM: Carlos de Niz (aka Karla Fifi)

MAKE-UP:

Diva Sponsor: CABALLO DEL MAR Raicilla

Get ready to raise a glass to the unforgettable Anita Cocktail! Hailing from Clarksville, Maryland, Stephen is an adventurer at heart. A lifelong music lover (with French horn and cello skills to boot), he’s a biking enthusiast who’s pedaled his way across trails around the globe since the age of 8. Whether scaling Machu Picchu or tackling the wild slopes of Bella Coola, BC, by helicopter ski, Stephen knows a thing or two about living life to the fullest.
A very special thanks to the CABALLO DEL MAR Raicilla for sponsoring Stephen!
Back in the early 2000s, Stephen was serving up great vibes at his Boulder restaurant and brewery, Redfish. Now, he divides his time between Colorado and Puerto Vallarta, bringing his fearless spirit—and his motto, “get busy living or get busy dying”—to our beloved Vallarta community.
But this year, he’s taking on a new challenge (with some shoe trepidation): What A Drag! With his partner, Chef Gina Rae Hendrix, as his biggest cheerleader, Stephen’s ready to step out as Anita Cocktail, serving up a potent blend of humor, heart, and high heels. For him, it’s all about supporting Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter, making new friends, and entertaining the crowd.
So, grab your tickets and get ready to see what Anita Cocktail will be shaking up on stage!

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Drag Name: Brandy Licious

FDM: Spencer Daily

MAKE-UP: Marcus Monson

Diva Sponsor: Nacho Daddy

Hold on to your hats (and wigs)—Brandy Licious is rolling into this year’s What A Drag circus-themed extravaganza with a bootful of Texas charm, a whole lot of heart, and a performance you won’t forget! Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina (Fort Bragg), Randy grew up deep in the heart of Texas, where he mastered the fine art of being a true redneck. After retiring this summer from his career as an oil field inspector and project manager in West Texas, he traded boots for sandals and set out to live his best life in Puerto Vallarta.

Randy’s drag journey is also a family affair, with drag royalty running through his bloodline! He’s the brother of long-time WAD supporters Sean Carey and Jim Lee and the stepson of former WAD contestant Karl Griffin (a.k.a. the fabulous Precious), who was the 2nd Runner-Up in the very first WAD back in 2015. With this kind of legacy, it was only a matter of time before Randy decided to step into some heels and see what all the fuss was about.

When he’s not dazzling Puerto Vallarta women with his Texas-sized personality, Randy spends his time hiking, playing the guitar and harmonica, and doting on his two children. He knew right away that WAD was something he wanted to be part of. “It’s a great cause,” he says. “Giving back to the community I now call home and raising money for Casa Esperanza makes it all worth it.”

Of course, it’s not all sequins and smiles—Randy’s a little apprehensive about the high heels and shaving his legs and chest. “It’s gonna itch!” he laughs. But Randy’s no stranger to overcoming challenges. Having beaten his own life struggles, he understands the importance of helping others find safety, support, and hope.

One thing’s for sure—with Spencer Daily as his Fairy Drag Mother, Marcus Monson working his makeup magic, and Nacho Daddy sponsoring him, Brandy Licious is set to be a three-ring circus all on her own!

Drag Name: Carmen Gettit

FDM: Disco Vinnie

MAKE-UP: Christine Deaver

Diva Sponsor: Ryan Donner & Ass.

Meet Carmen GettIt (a.k.a. Timothy Healy)

Look out, Puerto Vallarta—Carmen Get It is stepping into What A Drag 2025 with a wink, a strut, and an open invitation to catch her if you can! She’s ready to steal hearts, turn heads, and leave the crowd begging for more. With a name like that, you know she’s serving charm, confidence, and just the right amount of trouble—all on a silver platter.

Originally from Tehran, Iran, and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Tim retired after a successful career at Cloud Technologies. Now, he’s living his best life in Puerto Vallarta, trading data backups for backup dancers and diving heels-first into a glitter-filled new adventure.

Of course, every queen needs a killer crew, and Carmen’s is ready to deliver. With Disco Vinnie as her Fairy Drag Mother, Ale Perales working her makeup magic, and Ryan Donner & Associates sponsoring her fabulous transformation, Carmen Get It has everything she needs to leave the audience screaming yaaas, queen!

Tim just had his second grandbaby, Lucia Grace Reyes, born on December 16. When he’s not plotting his drag strategies, Tim spends his time traveling, gaming, watching sports, and strumming the guitar. But this time, he’s tuning up for something a little flashier—and a lot more fabulous. Encouraged by his friend Tammy (who clearly knows a star when she sees one), Tim jumped at the chance to support Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter while stepping out of his comfort zone and into something far more sparkly.

What’s he not looking forward to? The teasing from his friends—though we’re betting they’ll be the first ones begging for selfies once Carmen struts onstage. After all, Carmen Get It knows how to work a crowd—and she’s got just the right mix of glam, sass, and mischief to keep us wanting more.

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Drag Name: Alejandra Voce 

FDM: Rafael dos Santos

MAKE-UP: Rafael Dos Santos 

Diva Sponsor: Elengorn Realty

Meet Alejandra Voce (a.k.a. Gibrán Alejandro López Salazar)

Get ready, Puerto Vallarta—Gibrán is stepping into the What A Drag 2025 spotlight with showstopping vocals, undeniable talent, and a smile that will surely win your vote. With twenty years of experience as a professional singer, Gibrán is no stranger to the stage, but this time, he’s adding a little extra glitter and glam—all for a great cause.

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and raised in Zapopan, Gibrán now calls Puerto Vallarta home. When he’s not captivating audiences throughout town, he stays active with running, gym workouts, and CrossFit—so don’t be surprised if Alejandra Voce flexes both her muscles and star power on stage.

Gibrán joined What A Drag to use his voice—literally and figuratively—to support Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter. “I want to give back with my talent and make this day shine with an incredible and unexpected show,” he shares. He’s ready to push some boundaries, capture the spotlight, and make every moment count. 

Gibrán performs every Thursday 9:30 La Catrina Cantina.

Offstage, Gibrán’s passion extends to animal rescue, where he’s saved over 200 dogs and worked to reduce animal abuse and abandonment. And with a wedding planned for 2026, he’s balancing rehearsals, wedding prep, and a heart full of compassion—all while bringing his A-game to the What A Drag stage.

Get ready, Vallarta. Gibrán is set to deliver a performance as bold and dynamic as his voice.

Drag Name: Mayalan

FDM: Fernando González 

MAKE-UP: Poly Munoz

Diva Sponsor: Cabello Del Mar

Meet Mayalan (a.k.a. Alan Eduardo Manzo Cuéllar)

Mayalan is ready to shake things up at What A Drag 2025, serving up a jigger of charm, plenty of laughs, and just the right splash of drama! Originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, and raised in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Alan now calls Puerto Vallarta home, where he keeps the drinks flowing and the good times rolling as a bartender.

Alan’s love for his job—meeting new people and making them laugh—is spilling over into his drag debut. When a friend suggested he join What A Drag, Alan saw it as the perfect chance to step out of his comfort zone, try something new, and have a little fun while supporting a great cause.

He’s excited about sharing the spotlight with the other contestants—but admits he’s a little nervous about freezing up under the lights. Don’t worry, though—Mayalan doesn’t seem like the type to let nerves stand in her way. With a big personality and even bigger heels, she’s ready to own the stage and leave the audience wanting more.

Offstage, Alan is a proud dad to a 7-year-old son and knows what it means to take chances and start fresh. Arriving in Puerto Vallarta with no resources and no guarantees, he built a new life with determination, resilience, and the support of the right people—qualities that make him especially proud to support Casa Esperanza Women’s Shelter through this unforgettable event.

With a big heart and a flair for making people smile, Mayalan is here to prove that sometimes the most fabulous moments happen when you dare to take the stage.