From April 25 to June 8, the Newport Performing Arts Theater will stage Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo. The production comes from Newport World Resorts’ Full House Theater Company, the same team behind the hit Filipino jukebox musicals Ang Huling El Bimbo and Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.
At a press conference on March 13 held at the Grand Bar and Lounge in Newport World Resorts, the cast brought Jonathan Manalo’s greatest hits to life through showstopping vocals and high-energy choreography, enhanced by a state-of-the-art moving stage that transformed the preview into a full-scale spectacle.
The launch featured live performances of seven songs from the musical, including “May Kasama Ka,” “Clap Clap Clap Awra,” “Paano Bang Magmahal,” “What U Want,” “Pwede Ba,” “Pagbigyang Muli” and “Tara Tena.” The exclusive preview gave audiences a glimpse of the glitz, glamour and drama in store when the show opens next month.
“This is not another jukebox musical,” said Full House Theater Company co-artistic director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. “We’ve crafted a hybrid musical that celebrates Jonathan Manalo’s biggest OPM hits while introducing brand-new original songs that audiences will hear for the first time.”
“It’s campy, comedic and dramatic, but more than anything, Delia D. is about resilience, family and the relentless pursuit of dreams,” said co-artistic director Michael Williams. “Audiences will see themselves in Delia, a drag performer who refuses to let obstacles dim her shine.”
Delia is a fierce, larger-than-life drag performer known for jaw-dropping lip-syncs and spot-on impersonations. She dreams of becoming a world-famous singer like the icons she idolizes. Although she can’t sing, she lands a callback for Idols of the Galaxy, the biggest televised singing competition. Fueled by ambition, she dives into the contest, facing ruthless rivals, unexpected friendships and a swoon-worthy competitor whose golden voice, and undeniable chemistry, ignite both romance and rivalry.
Under the direction of Dexter Santos, the production remains grounded in authenticity while delivering spectacle. It blends glamour, vulnerability and fierce determination into a world where dreams, identity and music collide. Delia’s journey of self-discovery unfolds through soaring pop anthems, heartbreaks and hard-won triumphs. The show features music by Jonathan Manalo, known for “Gusto Ko Na Bumitaw,” with arrangements by Vince Lim.
Phi Palmos stars as Delia, with Shaira Opsimar and Floyd Tena in supporting roles as Kiki and Sir T. The cast also includes Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Mamon, Omar Uddin as Raymond, Sweet Lapus as Eme, Joann Yap Co as Anet, Joshua Cabiladas as Jose and Mimi Marquez as GVB. Rounding out the ensemble are Rapah Manalo as Jonathan B, Miah Canton as Tonee, Alfritz Blanche as Billy, Natasha Cabrera as Sheryn and Chaye Mogg as Phoebe.
