Delia D has two remaining shows on June 28, Saturday, at 3 and 8 pm, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Get tickets on Ticketworld.
Just to show how audiences from all walks of life appreciate the ongoing Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), an older friend who happened to be a parish priest in a seaside town in Quezon asked me a few weeks ago if the show was really good, and if there were still available dates. I watched it with my teenaged daughter, who was laughing and clapping for two hours. When I uploaded some photos on my Facebook’s “My Day” feature, my parish priest friend sent me a direct message via FB messenger. “Yes, Father, you shouldn’t miss it,” I replied, to which he reacted with a heart icon.
One weekend, I went to the province and attended Sunday mass, with my friend as the celebrant. In his homily, he was discussing the lessons learned from the struggles, the rise to fame and the fall from grace, the humbling realization in the story of Delia D. The town is a typical countryside community where the common past time of fisherfolks and housewives is watching primetime telenovelas like Batang Quiapo, or talent-search contests like Pilipinas Got Talent and Pinoy Big Brother, so it’s a given they know the songs of Jonathan Manalo. Then again, some parishioners got curious, who is Delia D?
On my way back to Manila, I realized the wonderful thing is that the story of Delia D is now being spread from the pulpit.
So, it’s a good thing that for its fitting encore performances, Delia D will have its final two shows on June 28, Saturday. Unless there are more requests, since some Filipino audiences are known for deciding to watch the final shows in the final weekend at the last minute, there could be a Sunday show. Who knows? If it happens, it could be the appropriate Pride Month’s au revoir.
At this point, the story of Delia, played by the fantabulous Phi Palmos, a drag performer who can’t carry a tune but has a fierce ambition to be a world-class singer or at least reach the level of the Regine Velasquez by joining a talent-search contest on TV, has captivated musical theater-loving audiences and earned the nods of theater critics. The Inquirer’s Gibbs Cadiz aptly described Delia D as “iridescent.” Nikki Francisco of TheaterFans Manila wrote: “It’s so striking that Delia D. doesn’t position queerness as niche or subcultural. It doesn’t tiptoe around its protagonist’s identity—it simply presents Delia’s dreams, heartbreaks, and rise to fame as any other aspirational story. There’s something undeniably powerful in that kind of visibility.”
In all honesty, the first time I read the announcement from Full House Theater Company, the resident production outfit of NPAT, that the next play after Burugudunstuytugudunstuy: The Parokya Ni Edgar Musical will be a musical featuring the compositions of Jonathan Manalo, the first question that popped in my head was, “Who is Jonathan Manalo?”
A gay writer-friend who covers entertainment spoke the once-popular showbiz gag punchline: “Who is Anna Dizon?” followed by “Anna Dizon is Anna Dizon”. So, the next step was to Google “Jonathan Manalo” to see if “Jonathan Manalo is Jonathan Manalo.” I was surprised to discover he is a brilliant composer and music producer of about 200 songs, with eight billion streams, who is behind several pop hits like Gary Valenciano’s Ililigtas Ka Nya, which was used in the-now-defunct longest running ABS-CBN teleserye, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, as well as Piolo Pascual and Sarah Geronimo’s duet Paano Ba Ang Magmahal for the movie Breakup Playlist, Angeline Quinto’s Patuloy Ang Pangarap, and a lot more. (I also learned later on that Manalo is ABS-CBN Music’s AVP and head of content, creatives, and operations, which may explain Delia D.’s insights when it comes to power dynamics in big TV network’s talent-search contests.)
‘I was surprised to discover Jonathan Manalo is a brilliant composer and music producer of about 200 songs, with eight billion streams, who is behind several pop hits like Gary Valenciano’s Ililigtas Ka Nya, used in ABS-CBN teleserye, FPJ’s “Ang Probinsyano”’
My thoughts last year, Burugudunstuy, despite ending its first run with 32 shows, was memorable for its psychedelic storytelling with appropriate “acid-trip” inspired stage, costume, and lighting designs, making it a tough act to follow. Then again, teaser videos for Delia D. on social media had Phi Palmos all over, and I knew it would be something to watch out for. Phi Palmos is Phi Palmos, whose career path I’ve been following since his breakthrough role as Jewel/Joel, the delightful videoke-singing shoe designer, in PETA’s Rak of Aegis, which, on hindsight, is someone like Delia.
After catching a matinee show a few Saturdays ago, I can say “hats off” to Dolly Dulu’s libretto with Rody Vera as dramaturg, Dexter Martinez Santos’ direction, Vince Lim’s musical arrangement, Stephen Viñas’ choreography, Lawyn Cruz’s scenic design, John Batalla’s lighting design, Joyce Garcia’s video design, GA Fallarme’s video design and of course, Mitoy Sta. Ana’s appropriately flamboyant costume design.
There’s no comparison needed with the highly-successful Ang Huling El Bimbo, the musical that was staged in NPAT many times, which featured the discography of the Eraserheads and whose cutting-edge, daring storyline about extra-judicial killings and impunity challenged the political landscape in the past administration. It still holds the highest record at NPAT with 175 shows. No comparison too with last year’s Burugudunstuy, which, despite its big-budget production and much-talented ensemble, had no hint of a rerun. The excitement died down after its 32nd final show.
With the rate Delia D. is going, there’s a possibility of restaging it next year. And Phi Palmos has been the only one playing the titular role.
Not all but most theater actors are known to be more accessible than their showbiz counterparts, and it’s been a blessing that they’ve kept their humility intact. Despite the success of Delia D. and with his string of projects in mainstream cinema, soaps, and theater, Phi Palmos remains the same Jewel/Joel who keeps his feet on the ground while he dreams of better things to come with hard work and perseverance. He indulges The Diarist.ph with a Q&A, and here is an excerpt:
The Diarist: Of course this is the biggest role in your career. Looking back, did you ever dream of playing the one and only main lead of a musical?
Phi Palmos: If I’m being honest? No. I never dreamed na maging bida. Siguro sumasagi sa utak mo ng manaka-naka, but it was really not a dream for me. I want to play characters, bida man yan o hindi. It is always the creative process that I am most excited about.”
In some gatherings, like in the theater community, I’ve observed many are requesting for “selfies” with you. Were there major changes in your life since you did Delia D? Like, are there people calling you “Delia D” when you are walking at the Newport Mall or anywhere?
Well, mas nadagdagan lang ang tumatawag sa akin ng iba-ibang names. Dati kasi, Rosanna (from the musical Mula Sa Buwan), or AJ (from Huling El Bimbo), ngayon Delia na. Sa isang mall, may tumawag sa ‘kin ng Delia. I waved, tapos kinilig sila. It’s a nice feeling kasi I assume, nagustuhan nila yung show. And the message of the show somehow resonated with them.
How much of Phi Palmos is in the character of Delia D.?
There’s actually a lot. Many people told me that after watching the show, they felt that the role was written for me. And it’s not. Dolly, our writer, can attest to that. But now na patapos na at malapit na kaming matapos, I feel and see it. Now I know why they felt that Delia D was made for me. Delia is supported by her family and friends. Ganun din ako. Both of us will do anything for the people that we love. Nagamit na ba ako? Was I ever manipulated? In one way or the other, yes. Did I ever love someone and was made to believe that they love me when it was not really the real score? Yes again. Did I ever doubt my talent, my worth, my capability to do things I was supposed to be good at? Yes. And did I triumph? I would like to think yes, I did. From the moment the role was offered to me, gumalaw na yata ang kamay ng Diyos. The role maybe is perfect for me, and for some it was meant for me. I would like to think that God and the universe prepared me for it. I was prepared for it. That I would like to personally believe.
(Spoiler alert) When Delia D. was at the peak of success, obviously there was some sort of a clash of guilt and doubt because Kiki (Shaira Opsimar) was the actual winner. Now, for example, let us say Delia D. is a real person and he is your friend, how would you advise him?
Lagi ko itong sinasabi sa lahat ng nakakausap ko and also to myself whenever I am at a crossroads of anything: “Kapag sadyang nakalaan, maluwag ang daan.” I always believe that the things that are meant for us will always find its way to us. It will never miss us. So yan ang sasabihin ko kay Delia kung friend niya ako. If you know, deep in your heart, that you’ve done everything to the best that you can do possibly, then you let the powers that be do its work. You just stand. Surrender.
What can you say about Direk Dexter Martinez Santos, who is someone you’ve worked with many times? How much freedom did he give you to explore the character, or did he just let you be? By the way, how many plays or musicals has he directed that you’ve been part of?
This is my third collaboration with him, but four if we’re going to include ONS (One Night Stand, a monthly cabaret), my first official ONS. I love working with Sir Dex kasi I am always pushed to the edge. Sir Dex is very collaborative and his vision is so clear. We try it, we do it. If it’s not working, let’s rethink, redo and adjust. Ganun siya. Sa lahat ng pagsasama naming, from AHEB, The Reconciliation Dinner to Delia D, I always discover something new about the craft, how I deal with and look at it and how to further nurture it. It’s always a pleasure working with a director whose vision is so clear and palpable. Of course, hindi madali. It’s the theater kaya blood, sweat and tears siya, pero that’s the reason we do it. It’s alive and because it’s alive, we are, too.
‘It’s always a pleasure working with a director whose vision is so clear and palpable. Of course, hindi madali. It’s the theater kaya blood, sweat and tears siya, pero that’s the reason we do it’
How about Shaira Opsimar, Floyd Tena (Sir T), and Omar Uddin (Raymond, the love interest)? Kindly describe them briefly as co-actors, and how is it working with them?
This is the first time I am working with Floyd Tena kaya excited kami. Akala ng marami hindi namin first time, pero first time talaga, sadyang maharot lang kami (laughter). It’s my second time working with Omar after Mula Sa Buwan. He has such beautiful eyes. Si Shai naman, ang saya ko kasi nung theater debut niya, magkasama kami. Sa Rak of Aegis. At besties din kami sa show na yun. So dito, parang nag-elevate ng bonggang percent yung friendship naming, and also din in real life. We’ve became close and yung mga hawakan namin ng kamay, kung gaano kahigpit yun, ganun din ang kapit namin sa isat-isa.
How many shows have you finished, and how many more?
As of this writing, we have finished 30 shows. We have two more, on June 28, at 3 pm and 8 pm. So, we are so grateful! Sa lahat ng nag-post at nagkalat na manood ng aming show. Yung mga nagsabing worth paglaanan ng panahon at pera ang aming show at naniwala at naantig sa kwento ni Delia, we are grateful. I am forever grateful.”
Let’s segue to another topic for a bit. I remember in one play at the annual Virgin Labfest at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (for Chuck D. Smith’s Regine: The Fairy Gay Mother in VLF 18: Hitik), at the last minute you were asked to pinch-hit for an impersonator role patterned after Regine Velasquez because the actress, Anton Diva, who was originally playing the character, couldn’t make it and I heard it was the final show. At the time, you were doing another play for a separate production (Floy Quintos’ Laro), which was not being held at the CCP. And you delivered and were praised and applauded big time. Of course, everybody knows Regine is your ultimate idol. So, how did you do it? What really happened?
All theater actors, I think, have the same kind of experience. What happened was, there was a conflict of schedule with Anton Diva. It was Tuesday, my rest day, and the VLF play was scheduled on Friday the same week, di ko agad nasagot phone ko, tapos tumatawag na sakin sina Kat Castillo, Mark Dalacat, and Marco Viaña (VLF co-artistic director). Una akong nag-message kay Marco dahil message nya ang una kong Nakita. Akala ko di ko pa magagawa because I was doing another play that time. Laro by Sir Floy. I told Marco I can’t because Laro is at 8 pm and the VLF play is at 3 pm on the same day. Di ako aabot sa call-time.
But there I was, I got the script Tuesday. I only had one day of actual rehearsal onstage tapos salang na agad ng Friday. Dun ko din unang naka-work si Ate Tex (Ordoñez-De Leon) na kasama ko ngayon sa Delia. Ang saya lang! Pero myghad, akala ko di ako aabot. Nagawa naman. I posted it on my socials. Here is the link…
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Do you think it’s time for a new musical based on the songs popularized by Regine Velasquez or probably the compositions by Ogie Alcasid, sung by her?
Dapat magkaroon! Alam ko ang daming nagbalak na. Alam ko din may mga nakasulat na na istorya. As an icon, dapat talaga meron ng gumawa ng jukebox musical at mga kanta ni Ate. Pero I understand na kung songs ni Ate, mahirap kasi iba-iba ang composers. Madaming pagpapaalamanan. Mas possible ‘yung kay Kuya Ogie kasi hawak niya rights because they’re his. Tapos most of Ate’s biggest hits composed din ni Kuya Ogie so sana, in the near future, magawa na. It would be so wonderful if that happens.
The main lessons in the play are about following your dreams and not forgetting your roots, am I right? Still, there’s the intention of championing the rights of the LGBTQ community. So, in the Philippines in general, do you think the community has gained more acceptance and respect, especially in the countryside, wherein there are still some conservative sectors who view gays and lesbians in a different way?
I think malayo na tayo. Malayo na, pero malayo pa. Until now, hindi pa rin maipasa ang SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Equality) Bill. Quezon City at San Juan pa lang ang may “right-to-care” bill giving rights to LGBTQIA+ partners to make decisions for each other. Ironic in a country where the biggest and most powerful celebrity na si Vice Ganda ay isang bakla. The full acceptance is near, but I’ll definitely believe it if something in the law grants me equal rights like my fellow Filipinos, to live a life with dignity, love, and equal opportunity.
An acclaimed filmmaker, who is highly respected here and abroad, always said, what if Vice Ganda would run for a public office, like the presidency? I mean, first, as senator then vice president, then the presidency. He’d probably win, given his charisma and disposition in life. If that happens, what do you think are the advantages and benefits of having a gay or lesbian President of the Philippines?
Regardless of gender, the trajectory of one’s career in whatever career or industry one chooses will be rooted in his core as an individual. It will be dictated by their biases and the values that they uphold. Eh ano naman kung bakla ang maging presidente? Pag bakla ba, pabor na agad sa mga progresibo at makabuluhang panukala that can help alleviate the lives of normal Filipinos? I would like to believe na pag bakla ka, pag part ka ng community, progresibo at malawak ang pagtanaw, pagtipa at danas mo sa mga bagay. But it’s not always the case. So for me, hindi sa kung babae, lalake, bakla, tomboy, o kahit anumang parte ng community ang mamumuno. Hindi gender. Anong klaseng tao ba ang mamumuno? Yun dapat ang laging tanong at dapat sinusuri. Pagkatao dapat.
‘Regardless of gender, the trajectory of one’s career in whatever career or industry one chooses will be rooted in his core as an individual… Eh ano naman kung bakla ang maging presidente?
Lastly, how do you stay humble and excellent at the same time in what you do? I mean, some people have become unreachable once they taste success and all that.
I have my circle of trust. My friends in my personal life. Yung mga kasama ko na maliit pa lang ako, high school pa lang ako. Trusted colleagues. Minsan, naghahalu-halo na, which is good. Sila ang rason bakit di ako yumayabang. Kung bakit I am always reachable. Humble. I value humility and gratitude the most.
Sila din nagbibigay ng go-signal na ‘Gow! Magyabang ka kasi tama ka naman. Deserved mo yan!’ Sila din naman ang nagsasabi na ‘Tama na! Sumosobra naman, aba!’
And also, the people I admire the most are the kindest and most gracious in the industry. Marlon Rivera, Stella Cañete-Mendoza, Antoinette Jadaone, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Sheila Francisco, Zig Dulay, Sir Ricky Lee, and most especially, my mentor and my mother, Floy Quintos. So sa akin, eto ngang mahuhusay na ito, mabubuti, eh sino ako para mag-inarte at magyabang. That thought keeps me grounded. Always.
Kaya din pag may mga umaaway o kaya may maririnig ka na kung anu-ano ang sinasabi, tapos pag tiningnan kong wala naman sila sa kalingkingan ng mga taong nabanggit ko, eh bakit ako magpapa-apekto? Katulad nga ng laging sinasabi ni Sir Floy, “KA-CHEAPAN!”
Delia D has two remaining shows on June 28, Saturday, at 3 and 8 pm, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Get tickets on Ticketworld.
