Iya Lorainne Baring

5 Reasons Why Every Dreamer Must-See Delia D.

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<p>Two things set this musical apart, according to <strong>Phi Palmos: </strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong></strong>&quot;A queer story that is happening in one of the biggest venues in the Philippines. And the central character is someone who is queer and part of the community.” </p><p>Phil plays the titular role of Delia in <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/culture/2025/3/2/first-look-the-cast-of-delia-d-a-musical-featuring-the-songs-of-jonathan-manalo-1936?fbclid=IwY2xjawK1KYVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFPNmsweWlsNUczdnlLdHdtAR6un7AWmKFccgTxLtkeaYmTQ9nrUFiRt5nCZz_eelT1rBE7ceYWm0jgfgSxnA_aem_YDMEpS4lpdopuKHFMy_cww" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo</strong></a><strong>. </strong>The musical features the iconic hits and new songs by the celebrated songwriter and music producer <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/music/2025/4/30/jonathan-manalo-shares-how-delia-d-came-to-be-push-tv-0120"><strong>Jonathan Manalo</strong></a>. As the 11th major theatrical offering from <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/search?q=Newport%20World%20Resort#gsc.tab=0&amp;gsc.q=Newport%20World%20Resort&amp;gsc.page=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Newport World Resort&#x27;s</strong></a> production outfit Full House Theater Company, the show is described as one that “blends camp, comedy, and drama, while highlighting the values of perseverance, family bonds, and the pursuit of one’s passions.&quot;</p><div><strong></strong></div><p><strong></strong>&quot;Anyone who has pursued a dream will see themselves in Delia, a magnetic drag performer with a heart full of dreams and the determination to make it big, despite the unique challenges she faces.”</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393172367Top 4 contestants of singing competition Idols of the Galaxy played by Omar Uddin as Raymond, Phi Palmos as Delia, Shaira Opsimar as Kiki, and Chaye Mogg as Phoebe.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Featuring stunning and bold performances of notable artists such as <strong>Phi Palmos</strong>, <strong>Shaira Opsimar, </strong><strong>John Lapus, </strong><strong>Floyd Tena</strong>, and <strong>Tex Ordoñez-de Leon, </strong>Delia D. has an all-star cast with <strong></strong>supporting actors <strong></strong><strong>Omar Uddin</strong>, <strong>Chaye Mogg</strong>, <strong>Alfritz Blanche</strong>, and <strong>Natasha Cabrera Cruz</strong>, and the Drag Queens played by <strong>Bomba Ding</strong>, <strong>Chesko Rodriguez</strong>,<strong> Almond Bolante</strong>, <strong>Franco Ramos</strong>, <strong>Sebastian Katigbak</strong>, and <strong>Aira Jay Igarta.</strong> </p><p>As the show nears the end of its run, let&#x27;s revisit the reasons why you must not miss this show:</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393327568 Idols of the Galaxy contestants played by Alfritz Blanche and Natasha Cabrera Cruz as Billy and Sheryn, Mogg, Palmos, Opsimar, and Uddin.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Iconic Scenes and Hit Songs </strong></div><p>From screen to stage, the hits of <strong>Jonathan Manalo</strong> came to live theater in Delia. D. What we loved: The powerful renditions of Morissette&#x27;s “<em>Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw</em>,” Angeline Quinto&#x27;s &quot;<em>Patuloy Ang Pangarap</em>,&quot; Cornerstone Artists’ “<em>Tara Tena,</em>&quot; and Catriona Gray’s “<em>Raise Your Flag</em>” entirely reimagined with intense drama, powerful vocals, and spectacular production sequences. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Inspiring Stories of Dreamers </strong></div><p>In a Metro.Style exclusive interview with the main cast, Phi Palmos describes his character in one word: “<em></em>A dreamer<em></em>,” he says. <em>“Lahat tayo nangangarap… Walang </em>gender<em> o estado na pinipili yung pangarap… Pwedeng mabago yung mga pangarap pero dapat hindi tayo titigil na mangarap. </em>Dreams are always good. And when we dream, we strive to be better people,<em>” </em>he explains.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393850813Phi Palmos as Delia D.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Phi Palmos as Delia possesses a charisma and emotional depth that effortlessly captivates the audience.</span></span></span></div><p>Supported by exceptional actors Shaira Opsimar in the role of Kiki and Floyd Tena as Sir T., the cast infuses each scene with passion, authenticity, emotion, and unique style.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393439969 Shaira Opsimar as Kiki, Delia’s best friend and singing competition rival.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Shaira Opsimar in the role of Kiki <br/><br/></span></span></span><em></em>&quot;Go after your dreams. Do it scared. <em>Mas maganda yung sinubukan mo kahit takot ka and marami kang </em>doubts and all <em>kaysa mag </em>live<em> ka with the </em>regrets<em>,&quot;</em> says Shaira on what message she wants to leave the audience.</div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393606852Floyd Tena as Sir T, the producer of Idols of the Galaxy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Floyd Tena as Sir T</span></span></span></div><p><em></em>&quot;Not just tolerating but accepting <em>lahat ng </em>LGBTQIA+ community, especially in our time, also in the community,&quot;<em></em> Floyd says.</p><p>Featuring John “Sweet” Lapus’s memorable performance as the tough yet compassionate and motherly Mama Eme. All of them shared similar preparations for the 3-hour show, which included a good build-up of stamina.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:958px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393657592John Lapus as Mama Eme (right).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">John &quot;Sweet&quot; Lapus as Mama Eme</span></span></span></div><p><em>&quot;Pinaghandaan ko talaga. Yung </em>acting<em> alam ko na yan. Yung </em>singing<em> naman pinag-aralan ko yung mga part na kasama ako. Pero yung </em>dancing<em> nag-</em>focus<em> ako. Yun talaga yung ineffort&#x27;an ko talaga. Yun talaga yung </em>preparation<em> na ginawa ko, hanggang sa bahay pinapanood ko yung </em>video<em>, nagsasayaw ako mag-isa sa bahay,&quot;</em><strong></strong> John says of his preparation for the show. </p><p><em>&quot;Mga kaibigan ko nanuod nagulat sila, &quot;Mama naloka kami sayo nag hi-</em>hip-hop dance <em>ka naman, at naka </em>gown<em> at </em>high heels<em> ha!,&quot;</em> he added.</p><p>Tex Ordoñez-de Leon’s role as Mamon, a veteran singer from her generation who is often misunderstood and misjudged, left a meaningful message to the younger generations. </p><p><em>“Yung mga matatanda dapat iniintindi din. Yung mga </em>generations<em> ngayon, kapag pinagalitan kayo ng medyo mas matanda sa inyo, </em>it’s for your own good,<em>”</em> she notes.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393732153Family and friends of Delia.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Family, Friendship, and Love</strong></div><p><strong>Delia D. Musical</strong> revolves around pursuing dreams, maintaining friendships, and discovering love in surprising instances. Combining elements of camp, comedy, and drama, this show is for anyone who has dreams for themselves, their family, or their future. Delia’s journey is personal, powerful, and deeply relatable.</p><p><em></em>“This could happen to you. What happened to Delia D could happen to any of us <em>hindi lang ng </em>LGBTQIA+ community, actually,<em>”</em> says John Lapus.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393774273Phi Palmos and Omar Uddin.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393910314Drag &amp; Tell Bar .jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><strong>Putting The Spotlight on Drag</strong></div><p>Drag is prominently featured in Delia D., with a drag queen spearheading the main character. </p><p>Likewise, John &quot;Sweet&quot; Lapus takes on the role of Mama Eme, and accompanying her is a stunning group of performers, the D’ Divalettes portrayed by Bomba Ding, Chesko Rodriguez, Almond Bolante, Franco Ramos, and Sebastian Katigbak, along with Aira Jay Igarta. The musical is an emotional a homage to the strength, creativity, and selected kinship discovered within the drag community. This also speaks volumes to the LGBTQIA+ community in time for Pride Month. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>A Visual Feast </strong></div><p>Delia D. is a visual delight, filled with vibrant hues, stunning lights, energetic performances, and astonishing segments of choreography. It is a nonstop visual experience that keeps the energy high and the eyes entertained.  </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1749393945073 Idols of the Galaxy.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p><em>“Ang </em>level<em> niya, </em>Evita<em>. Ang </em>level<em> niya, </em>Sweeney Todd. <em>Ang </em>level<em> niya, </em>Annie<em>. Ganun ang </em>level<em> niya </em>and when’s the last time it happened? The title of the show is the name of the role. And that role is a queer,”<em> </em>Phi Palmos sums it up. </p><div><br/></div><div><em>Get your tickets now for the extended show of <strong>Delia D.: A Musical Featuring The Songs of Jonathan Manalo</strong> live at <strong>Newport Performing Arts Theater </strong>until <strong>June 15 </strong>and special encore shows on <strong>June 28 </strong>only at TicketWorld or Newport World Resorts’ </em><a href="https://www.newportworldresorts.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>website</em></a><em>.  </em></div><div><br/></div><p><em></em>Interview by <strong>Tom Cruz</strong></p><p><em></em>Photos from <strong>Newport World Resorts </strong></p>

<p>From screen to stage, the hits of Jonathan Manalo were transitioned to live theater in Delia D. </p>

From screen to stage, the hits of Jonathan Manalo were transitioned to live theater in Delia D.

5 Reasons Why Every Dreamer Must-See Delia D.

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5 Reasons Why Every Dreamer Must-See Delia D.

Iya Baring

Published June 10, 2025 11:43 PM PHT

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Updated June 11, 2025 02:55 AM PHT

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Delia D.

Musical

Jonathan Manalo

Phi Palmos

John Lapus

Newport World Resorts

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