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Filipino theater just turned up the volume—and the sparkle.
"Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo" stormed onto the Newport Performing Arts Theater stage with an electrifying mix of music, drag, drama, and heart. Bold, brash, and bursting with emotion, it’s a celebration of self-expression and the universal journey of chasing your dreams.
This isn’t just another jukebox musical—it’s a fierce, fabulous spectacle that blends Jonathan Manalo’s biggest hits with the vibrant energy of drag culture and the emotional punch of a coming-of-age story. And from the looks of it, "Delia D." is here to stay in the spotlight.
A star is born (in heels!)
Meet Delia, a drag queen with sky-high dreams and the courage to chase them. Played with striking vulnerability and power by Phi Palmos, Delia commands the stage from the very first scene. Whether she’s performing in the Drag & Tell Bar or stepping into the blinding lights of a televised talent show, Delia is equal parts grit and glitter.
Her journey unfolds with the help of unforgettable characters—Kiki, her best friend and rival (played by the dynamic Shaira Opsimar); Sir T, the tough-love producer of "Idols of the Galaxy" (Floyd Tena); and Mama Eme, the larger-than-life drag mother brought to life by John “Sweet” Lapus in a performance that’s both hilarious and heartfelt.
Phi Palmos as Delia. COURTESY: NEWPORT WORLD RESORTS
The soundtrack of a generation, reimagined
If you’ve ever belted out “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” swooned to “Patuloy Ang Pangarap,” or danced to “Boom Panes,” you’re in for a thrill. This musical reimagines Manalo’s greatest hits with fresh arrangements, powerful vocals, and full-blown production numbers.
Expect standout moments like BINI’s “Blooming” turned into a drag anthem and a Morissette Amon ballad transformed into a soul-baring showstopper.
Each song advances the story while celebrating the legacy of Manalo’s music—a soundtrack that has shaped countless Filipino lives both on and off-screen.
Drag as art, heart, and resistance
At the soul of "Delia D." is drag—not just as performance, but as identity, family, and defiance. The D’ Divalettes, played by Bomba Ding, Chesko Rodriguez, Almond Bolante, Franco Ramos, Sebastian Katigbak, and Aira Jay Igarta light up the stage with glitter, wit, and fearless energy.
Scenes at the Drag & Tell Bar are a visual and emotional highlight, with Mama Eme guiding her queens through love, loss, and self-discovery. These moments pay homage to the drag community as a space of safety, celebration, and chosen family.
A show within a show
Balancing the emotional arc of Delia’s journey is the glitzy spectacle of "Idols of the Galaxy," a parody of the singing competitions we all know and love. LED screens, vote counters, and dramatic backstories create a meta-stage where dreams are made—or crushed.
It’s theatrical, funny, and just meta enough to keep audiences grinning as the drama unfolds.
More than glitter and glam
Beyond the high-octane performances and dazzling visuals lies a tender, resonant story. "Delia D." is ultimately about belonging—finding your voice, fighting for your truth, and embracing the family you choose along the way. It’s a love letter to underdogs, misfits, and anyone who’s been told they’re too much.
Whether you laugh, cry, or do both at once, you’ll leave the theater feeling seen—and maybe even a little braver.
"Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo" runs until June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are available at TicketWorld, HelixPay, and the Newport World Resorts Box Office, with prices ranging from PHP 1,000 (Bronze) to PHP 3,500 (SVIP).
If you’re ready for a show that breaks barriers, makes you feel deeply, and dazzles from start to finish, "Delia D." is your next must-see. It’s a story of self-discovery and survival, powered by music that defined a generation and characters who demand to be remembered.
"Delia D." is not just theater—it’s a movement. And it’s calling your name.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
