Las Divas Locas, the brainchild of Filipino Lesbian and Gay Community (FLAGCOM) Chairman, Chi de Jesus was a show which was a success at many levels. Not only did the show gave a lovely way to end the year for FLAGCOM members and friends, it raised funds to support various initiatives aimed at helping its LBTQi members. It also showcased the talents of four devoted FLAGCOM artists; provided great enjoyment for a good cause to the avid followers and the new ‘converts’; and lastly brought the community together.
The show was held over two nights, on Friday, December 12 and on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Kowboy Grill in Blacktown. I had the opportunity to attend the second staging. The event was superbly emceed by Chi de Jesus and FLAGCOM Co-Founder and Financial Director Charles Chan in his alter ego as Christine.
Charles Chan and Chi de Jesus
There was an electric atmosphere and wild cheers as the artists – Coco, Karina, Cherry and Taliah sizzled on stage with their performances. They surely looked the part of being divas with their dazzling attire and dramatic make up.
A bit of info about the Divas.
Coco
Coco has been a steadfast and passionate supporter of the Mardi Gras Pageant over the years. She effortlessly transported the audience into another world singing varied numbers from varied genres. She mesmerised the audience with her personal and soulful interpretations of the songs.
Karina
FLAGCOM’s Mardi Gras Rainbow and Pink Triangle Princess, Karina is an assistant in nursing by profession and a rising star on stage. This show was her very first public performance, yet she displayed a level of confidence and professionalism usually seen in seasoned performers. This impressive debut certainly would be followed by more engagements.
Cherry
A double-crown title holder, Cherry claimed both Ms Mardi Gras Queen of the Night and the Charity Queen titles on 2015 coronation night. She has been an outstanding ambassador for FLAGCOM, consistently promoting harmony, inclusivity, and cultural unity. Cherry proudly bridges communities by bringing her Thai community together on the Filipino float during the Mardi Gras Parade.
Taliah
FLAGCOM’s first-ever title holder under the name Mardi Gras International Queen in 2016, Drawing from her rich Lebanese heritage, she brought the art of belly dancing to life on stage. With infectious energy and undeniable charisma, Taliah invited everyone to move their hands, hips, bellies and even boobs to dance along with her.
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Pluses
Wait, there’s more! Chairman Chi also performed a surprise number which was both entertaining and had a meaningful message. Flanked by the four divas, he started the performance with his back at the audience, and the four divas prepared him for the number – a cape and a short wig put on him, while make up and lipstick were applied on him. When he turned to face the audience, the audience was startled to see a sad face with the lipstick drawn outside the lips area. He then sang a poignant song “I am, what I am”. In one part of the song, he got emotional and Marcus Rivera (NARRA President and professional singer) who was watching with Michelle Baltazar (The Australian Filipina magazine publisher and Immediate Past President of Kababaihang Rizalista Inc. Sydney) from the back of the room, was handed a microphone to join in the singing. The performance drew much clapping and cheering from the audience.
Aside from the two community leaders mentioned above, spotted having good time in the audience were: FLAGCOM Co-Founder and Managing Director Albie Prias; Ronna Guzman, President of Philippine Australian Multicultural Associaton Inc (PAMAI); Brian Laul of Rainbow Crossings and Good Morning Macarthur; Supermak Rivera and Mary Parenas of Filipino Sport and Recreation Club and friends; Violi Calvert from Radyo Bayanihan; and several others.
It was truly a wonderful event to cap 2025 and a percussor of what FLAGCOM will be undertaking in 2026.
This was reflected in Chi’s message:
“We are very happy for the support that the community leaders and friends in our first efforts in promoting the amazing talents of our past queens. We hope that 2026, with the support of our FLAGCOM members and allies, allows us to launch more projects to reach out to our community to learn more about their legal rights, financial planning and the continued promotion of sexual health and inclusivity. From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank our supporters who have always been there since the beginning when our founders Albie Prias and Charles Chan created FLAGCOM and Friends. I’m praying that I could continue their good work in keeping FLAGCOM a safe space for our LGBTQI community to express themselves and showcase their amazing talents.”
(Photos Supplied and by Brian Laul of Rainbow Crossings)
