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.
Phi Palmos
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.
