Manila Luzon Biography: Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Height, Parents, Awards, Boyfriend, TV Shows

Manila Luzon, born Karl Philip Michael Westerberg on August 10, 1981, in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, is an American drag queen, singer, and TV host.

She gained fame as the runner-up on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 and later returned for All Stars Seasons 1 and 4.

Profile

• Full Name: Karl Philip Michael Westerberg
• Stage Name: Manila Luzon
• Born: August 10, 1981
• Age: 43 years old
• Birthplace: Cottage Grove, Minnesota, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Drag queen, singer, TV host, entrepreneur
• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
• Parent: Mr. Westerberg (father), Mrs. Westerberg (mother)
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Michael Alvarez
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2.5 million

Early Life And Education

Manila Luzon was born Karl Philip Michael Westerberg on August 10, 1981, in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, and is 43 years old. She was raised in a Christian household by her father, who is of German-American descent, and her mother, who is Filipino. Manila is a city of mixed ethnicity, comprising both Asian (Filipino) and White American populations.

She attended the University of Minnesota, where she studied graphic design and art. Manila’s multicultural background, artistic skills, and bold fashion choices would later become staples in her drag persona. Her stage name pays homage to the capital of the Philippines (Manila) and the island of Luzon, embracing her Filipino heritage.

Career

Manila Luzon rose to international fame as a finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 in 2011, where she captured audiences with her campy humour, strong fashion sense, and emotional authenticity.

She later returned for RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Season 1 and again for All Stars Season 4, becoming one of the most beloved and recognisable queens in the franchise.

Outside of Drag Race, Manila has built a successful career as a singer, releasing songs such as “Hot Couture,” “Best XXXcessory,” and “Go Fish.” Her music is known for blending humour, dance beats, and visual storytelling. She’s also hosted drag events, appeared in fashion campaigns, and toured worldwide.

In 2022, she created and hosted “Drag Den Philippines,” a drag competition show that showcased Filipino queens, further cementing her legacy as a global drag ambassador. Manila is praised for her creativity, activism, and commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility across cultures.

Awards and Nominations

• Runner-up, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3
• Contestant, All Stars Season 1 and Season 4
• Creator and host of Drag Den Philippines
• Honoured at various LGBTQ+ awards and fashion events
• Featured in Billboard’s Pride music spotlight

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @manilaluzon
• Facebook handle: Manila Luzon
• Twitter handle: @manilaluzon

Personal Life

Manila Luzon is openly gay and married to Michael Alvarez, also known as Mic J Rez, since 2017. Their relationship has been a public and supportive one, often shared on social media and in interviews.

Manila does not have children. She stands 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm) and is admired for her theatrical style, wit, and advocacy for Asian and queer representation in the global entertainment industry.

TV Appearance

• RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 – Runner-up
• RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Seasons 1 & 4 – Contestant
• Drag Den Philippines – Creator and host

Net Worth

Manila Luzon has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. Her income streams include drag performances, music releases, brand endorsements, touring, TV hosting, and digital content creation. As a trailblazer who combines culture, comedy, and couture, she continues to inspire drag enthusiasts worldwide.