5 reasons Delia D. is a must-watch Filipino musical
There is a new original Filipino musical making noise in the theater scene, and it is loud, proud, and shimmering with sequins. Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo is currently running at Newport World Resorts, and it has everything from showstopping vocals to full-on drag realness. Here’s a quick list of why this fresh production is grabbing attention and holding onto it.
Jonathan Manalo’s greatest hits
Many have heard the songs of teleserye hitmaker Jonathan Manalo on television, radio, and karaoke. Now, the Delia D. Musical brings these greatest hits to the stage. Songs like Morisette’s “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” Angeline Quinto’s “Patuloy Ang Pangarap,” BINI’s “Blooming”, and Vice Ganda’s “Boom Panes” are getting the full musical treatment—glitz, drama, and all.
Fierce and fabulous production
There is never a dull moment on stage in Delia D. Musical. From glittering drag numbers at the Drag & Tell Bar to the full-blown TV singing competition setup of Idols of the Galaxy, every scene is lit, styled, and staged to impress. Giant video screens, sharp lighting cues, and rotating sets turn each number into a mini-production of colorful and loud visuals that match the show’s big emotions and even bigger dreams.
Powerhouse cast
Delia D. Musical is powered by a cast that knows how to tell a story with heart. Phi Palmos delivers a magnetic performance in the lead, while Shaira Opsimar and Floyd Tena add impressive vocal flair. The supporting cast, which includes Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Omar Uddin, Sweet Lapus, among others, brings warmth, wit, and raw emotion to this celebration of dreams and self-discovery.
Camp, comedy, and drama in one musical
Delia D. delivers a dazzling mix of camp, comedy, and heartfelt drama, while grounding its spectacle in values familiar to many: family, ambition, and resilience. At the center of this journey is Delia, a magnetic drag performer who dreams of becoming a famous singer.
Drag extravaganza
A full-on queer theater experience, Delia D. Musical proudly showcases a lead drag queen alongside her fierce sisters, the D’ Divalettes played by Bomba Ding, Chesko Rodriguez, Almond Bolante, Franco Ramos, Sebastian Katigbak, and Aira Jay Igarta. Together, they light up the Drag & Tell Bar with energy, humor, and heart, all under the sharp-tongued but loving guidance of their drag mother, Mama Eme.
Colorful, emotional, and unafraid, Delia D. brings together stellar music, unforgettable characters, and a deeply resonant message about staying true to oneself. This original Filipino work deserves its spotlight and its audience. Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo runs until June 28 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
For more information on Newport World Resorts, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
