Drag Icon Jiggly Caliente Remembered With Love – Memorial Service Updates

Drag artist Jiggly Caliente, born Bianca Castro-Arabejo, has passed away following a serious health setback. Her family shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram on April 27, 2025, and tributes have been pouring in for the icon ever since.

Jiggly, a Filipino-American performer, was just 44 years old at the time of her passing. Just days before her death, her family confirmed in a statement that she suffered a severe infection, which ultimately led to the amputation of her right leg.

Jiggly rose to fame as a contestant in “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 4 and “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 6. She later became a resident judge on the show’s Philippines franchise since its first season. Jiggly also had a recurring role as Veronica Ferocity in Ryan Murphy’s LGBT+ drama, “Pose.”

Tributes Pour in for the Beloved Drag Star

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Shortly after the announcement of Jiggly’s passing, fans and fellow drag artists paid tribute to the late icon. Many were heartbroken by the tragic news, with some expressing disbelief over her sudden loss.

“Drag Race” judge Michelle Visage wrote, “My heart, my soul, my jiggles. I will always love you.” Fellow “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Cynthia Lee Fontaine also commented, “Well, I guess I need to figure it out how to send you a TV there because we were supposed to watch #AllStars10. But sister, you are not in pain anymore! Fly my angel. Please tell Sahara, Cherry Valentine, Bandit, The Vivienne, and Chi Chi to welcome you to the team Angels! I already miss you.”

“Drag Race Philippines” judge Kalad Karen also paid tribute to Jiggly, noting that the show will never be the same without her. Fellow drag queen and “Drag Race Philippines” contestant John Fedellaga honored Jiggly’s memory with the heartfelt message, “Mahal na mahal kita,” which means “I love you very much.”

Jiggly’s Memorial Service in the Works

Meanwhile, a memorial service for Jiggly is currently in the works, according to her family and friends. In another Instagram post, it was revealed that they have already picked a place for her funeral, which will take place in the next two weeks.

We’ve chosen the funeral home in New York City, and while we’re still finalizing the exact dates, the services will take place within the next couple of weeks. There will be a moment set aside for fans to visit and pay their respects — we’ll share those details as soon as we can. We’re also working to include a livestream, so that Jiggly can be honored by those near and far who held her dear.

A GoFundMe campaign was also launched for Jiggly to help cover her “funeral, memorial services, medical bills, related expenses, and everything needed to give Jiggly the beautiful, heartfelt goodbye she deserves.”

According to the organizers, any excess funds will be donated to causes that were close to Jiggly’s heart. As of this writing, the fundraiser has already raised over $61,000 toward its $100,000 goal.