What happens when a gay beautician swallows a mysterious stone from outer space? A queer icon, Zsazsa Zaturnnah, is born.
Born in 2006 in Carlo Vergara's graphic novel “Ang Kagila-gilalas na Pakikipagsapalaran ni Zsazsa Zaturnnah,” Zsazsa's beauty, power, and irrepressible spirit continue to inspire in 2026.
While Vergara wrote the story from a very personal perspective, he discovered that the themes remain relevant today. In an interview in 2020, he stated, “May timeless quality siya. A lot of the concerns sa libro about LGBTs, not just LGBT, but also about women, about love — favorite topic natin ‘yung love — nandiyan pa rin siya. Hindi siya nawawala.”
“Sad to say, habang nandiyan pa rin ‘yung mga problema, hindi talaga mag-e-expire ‘yung relevance ni Zaturnnah,” Vergara explained.
A look back at the original Zsazsa Zaturnnah stage play. Handout
The story of Ada, a gay man who can transform into the stunning superheroine Zsazsa Zaturnnah, adds a fantastical twist to the everyday experiences of Filipino LGBTQIA+ people. Ada's experiences as a gay man are frequently highlighted in Zsazsa's adventures, including the search for love and the fight against homophobia from society and family, even when that family is a zombified version of his father.
According to Alain Tavita of the Witech Blog, “Zsazsa has proven herself as an everlasting symbol to the LGBTQ+ members and their mass fights for representation, equal rights, and survival in the casually cruel Filipino society.”
The fantastical transformation into Zsazsa emphasizes other aspects of the queer experience as well. Zsazsa's design draws inspiration from, and has since inspired, many local drag queens.
Zsazsa's deep roots in the gay community, as well as the wide range of experiences she demonstrates, have endured throughout the character's evolution. Whether it's on Carlos Vergara's meticulously realized pages, on the big screen in live action by namesake Zsa Zsa Padilla, or even on stage in her titular musical, Zsazsa Zaturnnah is an important piece of Philippine pop culture's representation of the local gay experience.
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Eula Valdez and Tuxqs Rutaquio in 2006. Handout
Zaturnnah also emphasizes a distinct Pinoy sense of humor throughout each adaptation. More specifically, it showcases "bakla" humor to both local and international audiences.
“Siguro comedy…that’s how we deal sa mga problema, concerns,” shared Vergara in his 2020 interview. “So in a way, it’s a means for us to process things.”
Zsazsa Zaturnnah's humor, spectacle, and undeniably proud queerness will make a triumphant return to the stage next year. A revival of the hit musical "Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Muzikal" will be held at Shooting Gallery Studios from April to June 2027.
The production, produced by Wishbone Collective, is led by an all-star team of acclaimed creatives, including renowned playwright Chris Martinez, who is in charge of the theatrical adaptation; award-winning lyricist and composer Vincent A. DeJesus, who serves as musical director; and director Chris Millado, former artistic director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and director of many award-winning productions.