RuPaul’s Drag Race star and co-host of the Philippine edition Jiggly Caliente, also known as Bianca Castro-Arabejo, passed away at age 44, on April 27, according to a statement posted by her family on her Instagram page.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente,” the statement read. Caliente passed away at 4:45 a.m. “surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”
On April 24, Caliente experienced “a serious health setback” that resulted in the amputation of her right leg, her family confirmed. “Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg.” They later confirmed that Caliente would not continue to be a resident judge on Drag Race Philippines.
Born in San Pedro, Laguna in 1980, Caliente is best known for competing in the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2011, where she placed 8th overall. She also competed in the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2021, placing 12th. Since 2022, she has been a main judge of Drag Race Philippines alongside actor and comedian Paolo Ballesteros and television personality KaladKaren.
Caliente also played a recurring role in Seasons 1 and 2 of the television show Pose on FX, about the New York ballroom scene, playing the character of Veronica Ferocity. In 2016, Caliente became the fifth Drag Race contestant to come out as transgender after Kylie Sonique Love, Carmen Carrera, Kenya Michaels and Monica Beverly Hillz, and the second Filipino to compete in the RuPaul’s Drag Race U.S. franchise after Manila Luzon.
“A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,” her family’s statement read.
