Theater and television actor Phi Palmos couldn’t help but become emotional during the media conference for the highly-anticipated original musical, Delia D.: A Musical featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo. He plays the titular role of Delia D.–– one of the few queer lead roles in theater.

Delia D.: A Musical featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo is about chasing one’s dreams and finding their voice. Delia D. is a fierce, larger-than-life drag performer who stuns the audience with jaw-dropping lip syncs and spot-on impersonations.

When asked by the press how he felt about getting the role, Phi admitted the pressure and doubts he had. He revealed that he wasn’t asked to audition for the role; rather it was something that was given to him.

“There’s so many doubts, actually, but it’s really trusting the process and talking to friends who really believe in you. ‘Yung initial thought ko din ay ‘bakit ako nakafocus sa sarili kong pressure?‘ Wherein it’s such a big opportunity first for me, but most especially it’s such a big opportunity to represent my community,” he shared.

Phi, who’s a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, added that this was something he never expected. He highlighted the importance of having “nuanced, sensitive, and truthful representation in media” as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community –– something he didn’t have much of growing up.

“When I was growing up, there was really no representation of myself,” he added.

With the persona of Delia D, Phi is hopeful for the next generation.

“It’s really big because gusto ko na kapag may nakapanood na maliit na batang bakla ‘pag nagshow na kami, hindi na niya aasamin na ‘I want to be Kim in Miss Saigon’ kasi hindi niya na kailangan magpretend na maging babae o maging girlfriend ng GI. Ang gugustuhin niya na ‘ay ang dream role ko ay Delia D.’ kasi ayun oh from the start, nadoon siya, front and center,” he said.

For the theater actor, this is his way of giving back and pushing for the advocacies he had in mind. He hopes that through this original musical, many will draw inspiration and accept everyone for who they are.

“It’s such a big thing–– ganito po ang epekto for a queer person given this big opportunity to represent because paulit-ulit po ako sa representation. Mababago lang po ang pagtingin natin sa mga kapwa natin LGBTQIA+ community kapag mas marami tayong makikitang facets ng kanilang buhay,” he said.

He aims to represent members of the LGBTQIA+ community in a holistic way, showing who they are as people who play multiple roles and have their own personal stories.

Phi went on: “Hindi lang sila parlorista, hindi lang sila drag queen. Anak sila, kaibigan sila. They are citizens of the world. Hindi sila nakakahon sa kung ano lang ang nakikita natin at ang stereotype na sanay tayo.”

“I hope Delia D. would still further humanize those stereotypes because we don’t just break the stereotypes; we humanize the stereotypes because that’s the only way we can understand them fully,” he ended.

Delia D.: A Musical featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo will run from April 25 until June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. This musical was made possible by the Newport World Resorts’ production outfit, Full House Theater Company.