Felix Petate, known professionally as Sassa Gurl from Quezon City,[1] is a Filipino comedian, vlogger, and singer who gained popularity on TikTok since 2020.[2][3]
Early life
In her first year of college as a communications major, Sassa dropped out to pursue styling as a way to peek into the world of entertainment. After facing struggles, she returned to school and graduated. She then took a call center job so she could afford to buy a secondhand cellphone and start her career as a social media personality.[1][4]
Raised by traditional conservative Filipino parents, Sassa faced the same challenges as many other children grappling with their gender identity in a country that has yet to enact an anti-discrimination law. Sassa Gurl is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and defines herself as a trans woman, using the pronoun "she/her".[1]
Career
Social media
Sassa Gurl is a content creator and social media personality, known for her comedic skits and lip-sync videos across platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. She gained additional recognition as the "Drag Runner" on the show, Drag Den.[5]
Brand ambassador
In 2022, Sassa Gurl became the calendar model for White Castle Whisky, becoming the first LGBTQIA+ individual to be featured in the liquor brand's calendar campaign.[6][7]
Acting
In 2021, Sassa Gurl made her acting debut in the television series Wish Ko Lang.[8] She subsequently appeared in the film Balota and had roles in The Entitled and Takeshi's Castle Philippines.[9][10]
Music
Sassa Gurl has been involved in several music projects, including the single "Panaginip" with Toni Fowler.[11] She has also contributed to "Aries Rising" by Aries Night and "Pom Pom (Take Me High)" by Manila Luzon.[12][13] In 2022, she released the single "Lagot!" and in 2023, "Maria Hiwaga", which she co-wrote with Kumareng Harvey and Silas, with Ken Ponce as producer.[14]
