The all-star cast leading Delia D. musical

If they say a musical is only as strong as its cast, then Delia D. A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo is in powerful hands. Newport World Resorts’ newest production is helmed by three critically acclaimed performers—Phi Palmos, Shaira Opsimar, and Floyd Tena—each bringing their own artistry and experience to the stage. 

Award-winning actor, singer, and advocate Phi Palmos has made it his mission to use his craft as a vehicle for representation, breathing life into characters that challenge perspectives and redefine narratives. Whether on stage, television, or film, Palmos has built a body of work that is as fearless as it is impactful. His standout performances include Rak of Aegis Musical, Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical, and Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah Musical. He has mastered the art of transformation, bringing complexity and nuance to every role.

Now, taking on the titular role in Delia D., Palmos pushes himself to new artistic depths. "This is the most mature role I’ve ever done—both in terms of emotions and scale," he shares. "Ibang ibang Phi Palmos ang mapapanood ninyo (Audiences will see a completely different Phi Palmos in this musical).”

Shaira Opsimar

Shaira Opsimar knows what it means to take the stage—and own it. A The Voice of the Philippines Season 2 alum, Gawad Buhay awardee, member of acclaimed acappella group Acapellago, and LEAF Awards nominee, she has built a career defined by vocal power, emotional depth, and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries. Her breakout in Rak of Aegis Seasons 6 and 7 was a turning point. "It opened a lot of doors for me—not just in theater, but even beyond it," she says, reflecting on the impact of the beloved musical on her career.

In Delia D. musical, Opsimar faces an entirely new challenge—one that demands a different kind of strength. "The character requires a different version of palaban from me. I’m excited to explore the character more.”

Floyd Tena

Floyd Tena has never been one to shy away from a challenge. A seasoned multimedia artist with an extensive body of work in theater, television, and film, he has built a career on powerful, nuanced performances. Tena has brought depth and authenticity to every role he has taken on, from Going Home to Christmas to the smash hit One More Chance The Musical, Ibarra The Musical, Hukay, and Himala: Isang Musikal. His next role presents something new—even for the multi-hyphenated performer. "I think it’s my first time to play a full gay character," Tena shares. Despite being openly gay, he admits that portraying queerness on stage requires a level of introspection he had not expected. "I always tell my director, ‘Tyang, please guide me, because I know I’m gay, but I don’t know how to play a gay character’—which is weird, right?"

Fresh from a year of critical acclaim—including a Gawad Buhay nomination for Sandosenang Sapatos and a celebrated performance in the 2024 film Gomburza, which was recognized Scene of the Year by the Film Critics Society of the Philippines—Tena is stepping into this role with open arms, ready to learn, unlearn, and discover new facets of his artistry.

Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo runs from April 25 to June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. It is a production that blends camp, comedy, and drama, while highlighting the values of perseverance, family bonds, and the pursuit of one’s passions. Anyone who has pursued a dream will see themselves in Delia, a magnetic drag performer with a heart full of dreams and the determination to make it big, despite the unique challenges she faces.

Tickets are now available for Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo at TicketWorld, HelixPay, and Newport World Resorts Box Office: PHP 3,500 (SVIP), PHP 3,000 (VIP), PHP 2,500 (GOLD), PHP 1,800 (SILVER), and PHP 1,000 (BRONZE). For inquiries, contact Customer Care at 7908-8888 or 0917-872-8237 or email info@fhtcentertainment.com. For bulk purchases and show buyers, reach out to the Newport World Resorts National Sales Team via James Rodriguez at 0917 829 2173 or Jan Paulo San Jose at 0917 810 5031.

For more information on ‘Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo’, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts and @nwr.musicals on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Join Newport World Resorts Viber Community at https://newportwr.com/nwrvibercommunity for exclusive updates. Every visit is made more rewarding with an Epic Rewards membership, download the Epic Rewards Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

First established as the pioneer integrated resort in the Philippines in 2009, Newport World Resorts encompasses a newer and bigger world of extraordinary thrills within the bustling Newport City community. It is a one-stop, non-stop casino, hotels, and entertainment complex comprising two main wings, Newport Grand Wing and Newport Garden Wing that feature a wide array of gaming thrills and an innovative EPIC REWARDS program for members.

Centrally located within a prime tourism spot, right across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, Newport World Resorts boasts of the highest hotel room key count in a single property with five international hotel brands, MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, SHERATON Manila Hotel, HOTEL OKURA Manila, HILTON Hotel Manila, and HOLIDAY INN Express Manila-Newport City. The sprawling property also features a wide range of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) venues, including a three-story convention center that houses the country’s largest hotel ballroom, the Marriott Grand Ballroom.

At Newport World Resorts, entertainment and lifestyle options abound. The award-winning Newport Performing Arts Theater seats over 1,700 audiences for live entertainment from plays and musicals to concerts and amazing performances. Likewise, the Newport Grand Wing’s The Grand Bar and Lounge and the Newport Garden Wing’s Bar 360 and El Calle Food and Music Hall provide nightly live entertainment for guests and patrons. The Newport Mall features international luxury brands and the state-of-the-art Newport Cinemas. Also within Newport City, are over 70 restaurants and dining outlets offering a diverse selection of local and international cuisine, prepared by top Filipino and international chefs. 

The Cast of Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo

Lead role

• Phi Palmos

Second leads

• Shaira Opsimar
• Floyd Tena

Supporting roles

• Tex Ordoñez-De Leon
• Omar Uddin
• Sweet Lapus
• Joann Yap Co
• Joshua Cabiladas
• Mimi Marquez
• Rapah Manalo
• Miah Canton
• Alfritz Blanche
• Natasha Cabrera
• Chaye Mogg

Female ensemble

• Mikaela Regis
• Liway Perez
• Cara Barredo
• Cheska Quimno
• Jannah Baniasia
• Meg Ruiz
• Cydel Gabutero
• Julia Santiago
• Abi Sulit

With cover role

• Mica Fajardo

Male ensemble

• Francis Gatmaytan
• Ralph Oliva
• Rofe Villarino
• Denzel Zara
• Ian Hermogenes
• Sebastian Katigbak
• Franco Ramos
• Chesko Rodriguez
• Aira Igarta
• Almond Bolante
• Stephen Viñas

With cover role

• Khalil Tambio
• Jules Dela Paz 
  
  Swings
• Female Swing - Alyanna Mikaela Wijangco
• Male Swing - John Paul Basco

Covers

• Female Cover - Ring Antonio
• Male Cover - Shaun Ocrisma

Creative and Production Team

Director - Dexter Santos

Associate Director - Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo

Artistic Director - Michael Williams

Musical Director/Arranger/Vocal Arrangement - Vince Lim

Playwright - Dolly Dulu

Dramaturg - Rody Vera

Choreographer - Stephen Viñas

Scenic Designer - Lawyn Cruz

Costume Designer - Mitoy Sta. Ana

Video Projections Designer - GA Fallarme

Associate Video Projections Designer - Joyce Garcia

Lights Designer - John Batalla

Sound Designer - Justin Stasiw

Sound Effects Designer - Arvy Dimaculangan

Hair & Make Up Designers - Johann dela Fuente and MamaRhaye dela Cruz

Musical Director & Founder of Manila Philharmonic Orchestra - Maestro Rodel Colmenar

Conductor - Michael Jacinto

Technical Director - Toff Legaspi

Company Manager - Maribel Garcia

Stage Managers - Loraine Macatangay, Happy Constantino, and Benedict Manaois

Production Manager - Peggy Sangco