The evening of May 2, 2025, was nothing short of electrifying as media practitioners, influencers, and vloggers from Davao City, Cebu City, and Iloilo City gathered at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Manila to witness the spectacular Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo.
Produced by Full House Theater Company—the same powerhouse behind Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical(AHEB) in 2023 and Buruguduystunstugudunstuy in 2024—Delia D delivered an experience that was both emotionally charged and culturally resonant.
I thoroughly enjoyed AHEB and Buruguduy, but Delia D struck a different chord—it was raw, exhilarating, and deeply personal.
From the very first note, the show made its presence felt. Phi Palmos, who portrayed the titular character, opened the performance with a powerful rendition of “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” setting the tone for an evening of passion, ambition, and heartbreak.
At its core, Delia D is the tale of a probinsyano drag performer from Ozamis, struggling to carve out her place in the entertainment industry.
Known for her jaw-dropping lip-syncing and spot-on impersonations, Delia D is an audacious, larger-than-life personality. But beyond the dazzling performances, she harbors a dream—to be recognized not just as a performer, but as a true singer, standing alongside the icons she admires.
Much like classic Filipino stories, where protagonists rise from humble beginnings through singing competitions, Delia D. finds her shot at stardom in the fictitious Idols of the Galaxy contest. This moment becomes her launching pad—a pivotal stepping stone toward achieving her lifelong aspiration.
The musical is a rollercoaster of emotions—intense, hilarious, and deeply relatable to the Filipino experience. Brought to life by the timeless melodies of Jonathan Manalo, the show reimagines classics like “Paano Bang Magmahal” and “Tara Tena” with fresh arrangements, seamlessly intertwining them with original compositions that breathe life into Delia’s journey.
Every line resonated, every song struck a nerve, and the audience was caught in a whirlwind of laughter, tears, and sheer admiration.
Some standout performances added even more brilliance to the show:
Shaira Opsimar, as Kiki, mesmerized with her powerful vocals; Miah Canton, in the role of Tonee, kept the crowd entertained as the witty and endearing contest host; Sweet Lapus, as Mama Eme, delivered punchlines with comedic mastery.
The ensemble of drag queens brought dazzling energy with their flawless performances.
From the music to the set design, from the costumes to the choreography, Delia D was a visual and auditory feast—a spectacle that captured the essence of Filipino artistry and culture.
Beyond its entertainment value, the musical is a profound representation of the Filipino spirit—our love for singing, our devotion to talent competitions, and the vibrant world of drag culture.
In the end, Delia D is more than just a show. It is a tribute to dreamers, including the delulu (delusional ones), reminding us all to follow our hearts instead of chasing validation from others.
Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo runs until June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are available via SM Tickets, TicketWorld, HelixPay, and the Newport World Resorts Box Office.
