A final drag show at Inay’s

Drag queen Atasha Manila sent off Inay’s Asian Pacific Cuisine Friday night with a standing-room-only performance, as the Filipino restaurant closed for the last time.

Manila started out as a server at Inay’s. Manila, also known as Louie Alfajora, credited owner Ernie Rios with encouragement. Rios said he bought Alfajora’s first dress after he started coming to the restaurant with hair and makeup done.

Manila’s performances — and the restaurant — blew up in popularity a few years ago after a write-up in The Stranger, Rios said.

Atasha Manila’s drag mother, Aleksa Manila, gave Rios credit.

“Those of us who came out as gay, queer, bakla, whatever, Uncle Ernie gave us a home,” Aleksa Manila said.

Atasha Manila told Friday’s crowd that her performances will continue in Seattle at Baja Bistro on Beacon Hill, Neighbours and R Place.

Read the main article: Seattle Filipino mainstay Inay’s restaurant closes

Jovelle Tamayo

Jovelle Tamayo was born in the Philippines, raised in New Jersey, and is currently working as an independent visual journalist in Seattle, Washington. When she’s not behind the camera, she’s probably climbing rocks or planning road trips.