Through its music and rich story that mirrors the Filipino culture, "Delia D: The Musical" became a favorite among theater fans.
When “Delia D: The Musical” was first announced, few could have predicted the storm it would stir. Built around the beloved yet confined to the mainstream pop discography of Jonathan Manalo, ABS-CBN Music’s creative, content, and operations head and one of OPM’s prolific hitmakers, it was met with polite curiosity, perhaps even skepticism. But what has unfolded since its debut has stunned critics, industry veterans, and audiences alike: an outpouring of emotion, admiration, and a newfound cultural moment that’s shaking up Philippine theater.
“It is honestly in my Top 3 of Pinoy jukebox musicals I have seen,” said veteran songwriter Trina Belamide.
While it features many of Jonathan’s greatest hits, it also boasts brand-new original compositions written specifically for the production. These new songs act as emotional glue, tying together scenes and characters, deepening the storytelling, and elevating the show beyond nostalgia into bold, fresh theatrical territory.
A MIRROR TO THE FILIPINO SOUL
At its core, “Delia D.” is more than the origin story of an underdog singer, it’s a love letter to the Filipino dreamer, the biritera, and the communities that cheer her on from barangay contests to nationwide TV competitions.
“Delia D. is an entertaining stage musical that feels very familiar for Filipinos because it pays homage to the birit and singing contest culture of the country!” said acclaimed film director Jason Paul Laxamana.
Crafted with emotional depth by playwright Dolly Dulu and helmed with electrifying vision by director Dexter Santos, the production finds its soul in the everyday resilience of Filipinos. With a powerful cast led by the magnetic Phi Palmos in the title role, backed by a powerhouse ensemble of theater veterans and rising stars, “Delia D.” brings to the stage performances that are as vocally thrilling as they are emotionally grounded.
Worth mentioning is the theater comeback of Star Magic artist John Lapus, whose return to the stage is not just a nostalgic delight but a career-defining moment. His performance is a return to form; sharp, soulful, and bursting with comedic and dramatic nuance.
The show is staged at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, one of the country’s premier venues, where its Broadway-level production design, immersive set pieces, and rousing musical numbers have found a perfect home.
THE SOUND OF A GENERATION, REIMAGINED
Jonathan’s body of work is the show’s beating heart. For more than two decades, he has quietly scored the nation’s emotional highs and lows, from weddings to breakups, family reunions to farewells. His songs have always had emotional pull, but in “Delia D.,” they gain a whole new kind of power.
The show’s genius lies in how it recontextualizes these familiar hits. Placed in character-driven moments and reinterpreted through the lens of live theater, the songs take on deeper narrative meaning. And when paired with the newly written original pieces, the result is a sonic experience that is cinematic, cathartic, and profoundly moving.
SONGS THAT CARRIED THE STORY
The songs in “Delia D.” don’t just support the story, they are the story. “Tara Tena” and “Kabataang Pinoy” pulse with defiance and hope, rallying the characters to rise above their circumstances. “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw” becomes a raw emotional breakdown, while “Patuloy Ang Pangarap” offers quiet, resilient strength. “Hawak Mo” is a tender tribute to unseen mentors, and “Blooming” bursts with color and self-acceptance. “Sino Ka Ba” asks the show’s most powerful question: Who are we when the spotlight fades? Together, these songs reframe Jonathan’s music as both deeply personal and profoundly theatrical.
PINOY THEATER AT ITS FINEST
Award-winning actress Dolly de Leon didn’t hold back in her praise. She said, “Napakahusaaay. It’s PH theater at its finest! Full of heart, umaapaw sa talento.”
It isn’t just a show, it’s a showcase. It’s no surprise that the show has played to standing ovations, sold-out performances, and glowing word-of-mouth. What is surprising is how quickly it has established itself as a landmark production, a show that blends commercial appeal, cultural insight, and artistic innovation.
Among the many notable names spotted in the audience are ABS-CBN COO Cory Vidanes and TV Production and Star Magic head Lauren Dyogi, Vice Ganda, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Karylle, Zia Quizon, Yael Yuzon, Nikki Valdez, Audie Gemora, Jungee Marcelo, The CompanY, Elijah Canlas, AC Bonifacio, Gab Pangilinan, Morissette, Moira, Miguel Guico of Ben&Ben, Erik Santos, Gladys Reyes, MayMay Entrata, Brett Jackson of Billboard Philippines, Paolo Valenciano, and National Artist Ricky Lee. Their presence isn’t just star power, it’s a signal that “Delia D.” has struck a deep chord within the very core of Filipino entertainment.
A NEW STANDARD. A NEW LEGACY
“Delia D.” has carved out something rare: a musical that honors the past, reflects the present, and dares to shape the future. It tells a story that feels local but speaks globally. It celebrates Filipino values—resilience, family, grit, and aspiration, without turning them into tropes.
It’s a production that reclaims the brilliance of a songwriter long associated with radio-friendly hits and reveals the depth, scope, and soul of Jonathan’s music in a brand-new light.