The Manila Diaries: Celebrating 15 years of drag and LGBTQ+ empowerment
Manila Von Teez
Image: Supplied
“If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?” said US Drag entertainer RuPaul and for the past 15 years, Manila Von Teez has embodied this philosophy, building a career rooted in self-expression, performance, and evolution within the LGBTQ+ community.
Manila will take to the stage, hosting her show The Manila Diaries at The Duchess Lounge, a special celebration of her 15+ years journey in drag, marking a milestone that reflects both her artistry and her impact within the Rainbow community.
What began in fashion soon developed into a defining drag journey that, by her own account, was never something she actively searched for.
“I started out in fashion, and I think it was more of Drag finding me and not me finding Drag. I got to see a couple of performers and pageants and was hooked. Inspiration in my early years was definitely Pop Icons like Lady Gaga and Beyonce, and with the release of Ru Pauls Drag Race, as well as the popularity of YouTube growing, inspiration was drawn from many places.”
The Manila Diaries is set to take place on Friday
Image: Supplied
Over the years, she said her drag identity has remained fluid and ever-changing, shaped by creativity and reinvention, while staying grounded in performance excellence.
“My Drag, to me, is always changing, because of my ability to adapt, create my own garments, hair and doing my own make up. I have stayed true to always ensuring I deliver 100% on stage and in pushing for the audience to be taken to “that space” that entertainment should take them.”
Reflecting on the broader LGBTQ+ landscape over the past decade and a half, she acknowledged both progress and ongoing challenges, particularly in the digital age.
“Definitely a much more accepting community, though there are still challenges. The access to social media has also changed the community a lot, with lots of people being able to voice opinions and theories, whether true or not.”
As she prepares to celebrate her 15-year milestone, audiences can expect a curated journey through her career highlights, music, and performance moments.
“I am going to run through some of my favourite songs, moments, and celebrations of the last 15 years. We have some great tech support coming in, so it will transform The Duchess a little for the celebration and evening of note. Not saying much, as we want the audience to be Gagged.”
Her career, she reflects, has included a wide range of defining achievements across television, music, stage, and film.
“There are a few actually, memories we have etched in to our existence, SA’s Got Talent (Runner Up), You Say you Love Me Music Video (SAMA nominated) India Tour, SA Rugby 7’s, 2 Showmax Shows – Beaulah Queens van die Kaap (SAFTA Nominated), Die Tollie en Manila Show, Netflix Film – Runs in the Family (SAFTA Winner) Release of own Song – Come for Me, Presenting awards at SAFTA, to name a few. I have a lot to be grateful for and a lot I am hoping to still be grateful for.”
Looking ahead, Manila Von Teez says her journey is far from slowing down, with plans to expand further into fashion, film, music, and solo productions.
“A LOT! Venturing more in to my fashion, solo shows, styling and film, as well as music. The possibilities, as cliched as it sounds, are endless. We got to keep striving to better ourselves, always.”