The cast and creative team of 'Delia D.' Handout

MANILA -- “Delia D,” the 11th major theatrical production from Newport World Resorts production outfit, Full House Theater Company (FHTC), was originally titled “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw.”

The latter is a hit from songwriter-producer Jonathan Manalo from whose songs “Delia D” was culled. Sheryn Regis originally recorded “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” which Morisette later revived.

However, at one point, before officially announcing the project, the title was changed to “Delia D,” with Phi Palmos as the titular character in a totally relatable story to every Filipino. 

The role was offered to Palmos, who didn't have to audition. He plays a drag queen with a dream for herself, but the path to reach her dream is never easy. She has to go through a lot of things, different people she needs to know, people who need to get hurt to get to where she is. 

“As an actor, artist and gay, I can relate to that,” admitted Palmos. “We have to go through a lot of things. The story is that God only gives us what we deserve, good or bad. The things that we deserve are given to us because the things that are meant for us will never miss us and will always find its way to us.”

Playing Delia D is a big deal for Palmos. "Gusto ko, ka-level niya ang 'Evita,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'Annie' -- titular role and I play Delia D. It's such a big opportunity for me to represent the LGBT community," he said.

"Gusto ko, 'pag may nakapanood na maliit na batang bakla, hindi na niya sasabihin na I want to be Kim in 'Miss Saigon.' Hindi niya na kailangan mag pretend na maging babae or maging girlfriend ng GI. Ang gugustuhin niyang dream role, Delia D. There are not many queer roles, but there are few queer, deep roles. Delia D is such a big opportunity."

Grand spectacle

The 41-member cast of “Delia D” recently gave a sneak peek into the showstopping vocals and high energy choreography on a state-of-the-art moving stage that elevated the experience to a full-blown spectacle.

The glitz, glamor and drama await theater-goers at Newport World Resorts where “Delia D” is set to run from April 25 to June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

The show will feature the original music of Jonathan Manalo, who was recently recognized as one of the most-streamed songwriter-producers in the world, with eight billion streams.

Manalo, who gave his creative freedom to everyone working in the production, will be backed by FHTC, the creative team that also gave the public Filipino jukebox musicals like “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.”

Six new, original songs were especially written by for “Delia D.”n“Those are six beautiful songs that audiences should see and hear when they go watch Delia D,” Manalo said. 

“I’d like to thank everyone behind NWR musicals Full House Theater Company. I never imagined that the production of ‘Delia D’ would be this grand. 

“When I learned that NWR would take care of my music, I told myself I need to be complacent, because my music is in good hands. Habang tinitignan ko pa lang kung saan pumupunta from conceptualization to all those that they did in production, sobra akong excited and super proud of the outcome.

“Although I have yet to see the production in full since they are still rehearsing. But I’ve seen bits and pieces of greatness. Sobra akong excited that we will get to watch the full-length ‘Delia D: The Musical.’ Ang ganda ng kinalabasan niya.”

New context 

When Manalo gave his nod to NWR to stage his musical, he was immediately aware he has done a lot of songs in his songwriting career that spans 24 years. 

“I’ve written my songs for the singer, the teleserye or the movie, based on my own inspiration while creating those songs,” he explained. “Now that the songs are woven into the story of Delia D, suddenly, the meaning of some of the songs changed.”

He was immediately daunted after he gave his nod to the musical. “Nag-hesitate ako for a few minutes when I was first asked after I staged a concert here at Newport (2022) to celebrate my 20th year at that time,” Manalo shared. 

“Nag-yes ako agad pero kinabahan ako, but I know walang mangyayari kung hindi mo lalakasan ang loob mo. Sabi ko, ‘Let’s do it.’ As I am seeing the musical develop into this big spectacle in musical theater, I got really proud. So I just stay faithful to the craft given to me.

“I didn’t regret saying yes to NWR musicals to create ‘Delia D’ using the songs that I’ve written. The main ingredient in my songs, I tell true stories of people. My story, story of my friend, something that people can easily identify with and relate with.

“When you tell real, unique stories coming from a true phase, the people who will hear the songs from their respective context, will immediately connect. That’s one step in creating that future hit.”

Hybrid musical

The musical was written by Dolly Dulu, who brings together the songs, with the vision of director Dexter Santos to mount this musical. Overall, there’s Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, FHTC co-artistic director and Vince Lim, who did the musical arrangement and weaves it with the story. 

“The bold, vibrant and powerful musical is truly different because it is not a typical jukebox musical,” remarked Lauchengco-Yulo. “This is what we call hybrid, so we will be featuring Jonathan’s iconic hits and he even made six, new songs that will be introduced.

“Audiences can expect a blend of camp, comedy and drama. The show is all about perseverance, family bond, the pursuit of one’s passion.

“Anyone who has ever pursued a dream will see themselves in Delia, with a heart full of dreams and determination to make it big despite of the unique challenges she faces,” she added.

Delia D. is a fierce, larger than life drag performer who stands with jaw-dropping lip-synch and spot-on impersonations. Yet, she dreams of more – to become a world-famous singer like the icons she worships.

That doesn’t stop her from landing a call back for the “Idols of the Galaxy,” the biggest televised singing competition.

With unstoppable ambition, Delia dives into the cutthroat contest facing ruthless rivals, unexpected friendships and a smooth and worthy competitor whose undeniable chemistry sparks romance and rivalry.

Some of Manalo’s songs to be featured in “Delia D” are “May Kasama Ka,” “Paano Bang Magmahal,” “What You Want,” “Pwede Ba,” and “Pagbigyang Muli.” 

"Ang ganda na talaga ng mga songs that we put into the show because it helps tell the narrative of the story that we’re trying to tell,” said Lim.

“I relate to what Sir Dexter said. Nagugulat ang tao upon hearing the songs. They were not aware it was Sir Jonathan who wrote that song. I went through that phase as I was reading the first page of the script. 

“It was somewhat easy for me to try and fit the music of Sir Jonathan into the story that was very relatable. Everybody has dreams. Everybody wants to be someone. Everybody wants to do something in their life, whether it’s for this reason or that reason.”