“Lip Sync Assassin’: Precious Paula Nicole Shares Pride and Aspirations for the Film

Filipina drag superstar and Drag Race Philippines Season 1 winner Precious Paula Nicole is filled with pride as her latest short film, Lip Sync Assassin, breaks through borders and shines on the global stage. Directed and written by Jon Galvez, the film had its world premiere at the CinePride Film Festival in Los Angeles, California last September 11–14, proudly representing the Philippines in a powerful lineup of international queer cinema.

CinePride is a four-day celebration of global LGBTQIA+ voices, offering a platform for stories that challenge, inspire, and uplift. Lip Sync Assassin premiered alongside groundbreaking films such as Queer Bait, executive produced by Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett, and Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, an animated musical fantasy starring drag icons Jinkx Monsoon, BenDeLaCrème, and Monét X Change. Amid this stunning lineup, Lip Sync Assassin stood out as the sole Filipino entry—making it a moment of historic pride for the country’s queer film community.

In the film, Precious Paula Nicole plays Sampaguita, a fabulous drag queen who secretly works as a contract killer to earn extra money for her daughter and ailing mother. Her journey is complicated further when she crosses paths with Rudy, a mysterious man played by rising star Argel Saycon, whose presence could upend her already fragile world. The film also features an ensemble of celebrated Filipino drag performers including Angel Galang, Hana Beshie, and Mrs. Tan, alongside accomplished actors Peewee O’Hara, Audrey Alquiroz, Erin Espiritu, Jel Tarun, and Raffy Tejada.

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On the eve of the CinePride screening, Precious sent a heartfelt voice message from California, expressing gratitude for the film’s unexpected international reach. “I’m very proud that this film made it into multiple festivals—not just Cine Pride. It’s also part of the 29 Queer Palms and Gay Queer Film Festival next weekend, and in the Philippines too,” she said. “I even heard another one just accepted it. I didn’t expect the film to reach this far and be appreciated by so many. I’m proud that we’re the only film representing the Philippines. I raise the Philippine flag with pride.”

Though only 20 minutes long, Lip Sync Assassin delivers an emotionally layered story of survival and sacrifice. For Precious, it’s a story that deserves to grow. “I’m manifesting that it becomes a full-length movie because 20 minutes wasn’t enough to show the vibrant life of Sampaguita,” she shared. “This story deserves more—not just to show her struggles, but to explore why she had to become an assassin. It should also show why being a drag artist alone wasn’t enough for her to survive.”

For director Jon Galvez, the film is deeply personal and timely.

“Lip Sync Assassin is dedicated to all the breadwinners who are willing to fight for their loved ones and do the hardest things to keep their love alive. We made this short film because we believe that Filipino drag excellence deserves to be seen more in mainstream media platforms such as international cinema, aside from bars or drag shows. We are truly grateful and thrilled that people will see Sampaguita’s story and hopefully people can relate to her undying love for her family,” Galvez says.

“Lip Sync Assassin, produced by 901 Studios and Astral88, is making a major splash in the queer film world. Following in the footsteps of their previous success, Agapito, which earned a spot at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and a Best International Short Honourable Mention at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, Lip Sync Assassin is already racking up major accolades. The film recently won Best Director and Best Lead Performance at Cine Pride 2025

Lip Sync Assassin is a celebration of Filipino strength, artistry, and queer identity told through bold storytelling and dazzling drag. As Precious closes her message, she leaves a hopeful reminder of what this project could mean for others:

“I hope this film opens more doors—not just for me but for drag artists who also want to try acting and be part of the film world. I hope this is the beginning of more people taking interest and supporting the talent we have in the Philippines. Thank you!”

Lip Sync Assassin will be part of Sinag Manila 2025 which runs from September 24-30 at Gateway, Robinsons Manilaa, Robinsons Antipolo, SM Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, Trinoma, and Market Market.

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