Two Powerful Mothers Take Center Stage in Delia D. — A Post-Mother’s Day Musical Worth Watching

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Now running until June 8 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Pasay

Mother’s Day may have passed last May 11, but it’s never too late to honor the women who raised, inspired, and loved us—whether they’re our biological nanays, our chosen momshies, or the fierce drag mothers who taught us to survive and slay.

That spirit of unconditional love, tough mentoring, and quiet resilience takes center stage in Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo—now playing at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay until June 8, 2025. With powerhouse performances, original Filipino pop hits, and deeply emotional storytelling, this original musical gives us two unforgettable mothers who helped shape the journey of one unforgettable queen.

Anet and Mama Eme: Two Sides of Motherhood, One Message of Love

John “Sweet” Lapus as Mama Eme and Joann Yap Co as Anet

At the center of Delia D. is Delia, a drag performer with dreams of making it big as a legitimate singer. But behind her glitter and grit are two mothers: one quiet and nurturing, the other fierce and unflinching—each shaping who she becomes.

Joann Yap Co delivers a graceful, grounded performance as Anet, Delia’s biological mom. Though Anet often watches from the sidelines, her presence is never out of reach. She may not fully grasp the wild, chaotic world of drag bars, vocal auditions, and diva meltdowns—but her support never wavers. She is the kind of nanay many Filipinos will recognize: loving in silence, firm in faith, and present even when unsure.

On the other hand, John “Sweet” Lapus plays Mama Eme, Delia’s drag mother—a dazzling, commanding matriarch of the D’Divalettes. Mama Eme’s brand of love isn’t warm hugs and soft words. It’s tough, loud, and deeply protective. She teaches her queens how to fight, thrive, and never apologize for who they are. Lapus, long celebrated in local entertainment for his sharp wit and big heart, brings both bite and brilliance to the role.

Together, these two maternal figures represent the dual forces many of us need to become our truest selves: the love that nurtures, and the love that pushes.

Delia’s Dream: From Drag Stage to Stardom

Phi Palmos as Delia (center left) with Lapus (center right)

Played by the magnetic Phi Palmos, Delia is a lip-syncing, sequin-wearing, spotlight-chasing drag queen with one dream: to become a real singer. When the intergalactic talent competition Idols of the Galaxy opens its doors, Delia throws herself into the race—facing off with scheming rivals, unexpected allies, and a maybe-love-interest who just might derail everything.

Set to the emotionally charged songs of Jonathan Manalo (Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw, Kabataang Pinoy, Tara Tena), arranged masterfully by Vince Lim, the musical becomes a pop-fueled journey of ambition, identity, heartbreak, and healing. The show’s magic lies in how it blends spectacle with soul—glamorous and vulnerable, fierce yet deeply Filipino.

🎭 An All-Star Ensemble and Creative Powerhouse

Helmed by acclaimed director Dexter M. Santos (Ang Huling El Bimbo), with a book by filmmaker-playwright Dolly Dulu (The Boy Foretold by the Stars), Delia D. is powered by an award-winning creative and technical team.

Core Cast:

  • Phi Palmos as Delia

  • Shaira Opsimar and Floyd Tena in second leads

  • Tex Ordoñez-De Leon, Omar Uddin, Mimi Marquez, Rapah Manalo, Miah Canton, Alfritz Blanche, Natasha Cabrera, and Chaye Mogg in supporting roles

  • Joshua Cabiladas as Jose, Delia’s brother

Creative Team Highlights:

  • Musical Director / Arranger: Vince Lim

  • Dramaturg: Rody Vera

  • Choreography: Stephen Viñas

  • Scenic Design: Lawyn Cruz

  • Costume Design: Mitoy Sta. Ana

  • Lighting Design: John Batalla

  • Sound Design: Justin Stasiw

  • Video Projections: GA Fallarme & Joyce Garcia

  • Hair & Makeup: Johann dela Fuente and MamaRhaye dela Cruz

📍 Venue and Ticket Details

Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo
📍 Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City
📆 Running until June 8, 2025

🎟️ Ticket Prices:

  • SVIP – PHP 3,500

  • VIP – PHP 3,000

  • Gold – PHP 2,500

  • Silver – PHP 1,800

  • Bronze – PHP 1,000

🎫 Available via:

  • SM Tickets

  • TicketWorld

  • HelixPay

  • Newport World Resorts Box Office

📞 Inquiries: 7908-8888 / 0917-872-8237
📧 Email: info@fhtcentertainment.com

💐 Missed surprising your mom on Mother’s Day? A Delia D. ticket, souvenir program, and flowers at the theater still make for a deeply meaningful belated gift.

🍷 More Than Just a Show: The Newport World Resorts Experience

Make it a full night out. Located just across NAIA Terminal 3, Newport World Resorts is home to five global hotel brands (Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, Okura, Holiday Inn Express), over 70 restaurants, luxury retail at Newport Mall, and live entertainment at Bar 360, The Grand Bar, and El Calle Food and Music Hall.

🎁 Sign up for the Epic Rewards Membership for perks and points on tickets, dining, and accommodations.
📲 Download the Epic Rewards app on the App Store or Google Play.
🔗 Join the Newport World Resorts Viber Community: https://newportwr.com/nwrvibercommunity

✨ FINAL THOUGHTS

So whether you’re celebrating your nanay late, taking your drag mom on a night out, or simply honoring the woman (or women!) who made you who you are—Delia D. is the kind of musical that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and maybe even message your mom after curtain call.

💖 Two mothers. One drag queen. A thousand reasons to watch.

#DeliaD #MothersDayMusical #SweetLapus #JoannYapCo #NewportWorldResorts #PhiPalmos #FilipinoMusical #JonathanManalo #LiveMusicalPH #PasayEvents #SupportLocalPH #OPMMusical #UnsaulicitedRecommends

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