What happens when a hitmaker says 'yes' to theater?

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In 2001, a young composer named Jonathan Manalo burst onto the OPM scene when his uplifting anthem Tara Tena won the top prize at the biggest multimedia Filipino songwriting competition, Himig Handog sa Makabagong Kabataan. "Parang kahapon lang when I won the grand prize winning song Tara Tena at the Himig Handog sa Makabagong Kabataan back in 2001. 'Yung Tara Tena hearing it today is still feels so fresh, youthful, and vibrant. I'm just so grateful na hindi nawala yung energy niya when I first wrote it more than 20 years ago," Manalo shares.

Jonathan Manalo delivers a heartfelt speech of gratitude to the audience during the gala night of Delia D. musical

What started as a moment of recognition quickly evolved into a prolific, award-studded career. Over the next two decades, Manalo produced and composed a wealth of beloved hits that helped define the modern OPM sound. His name is behind Dyosa by Yumi Lacsamana, every high school kid's favorite in the 2000s; the go-to heartbreak anthem Di Ko Kayang Limutin sung by Kyla; and Patuloy Ang Pangarap, made popular by Angeline Quinto and later covered by Gigi de Lana.

Phi Palmos as Delia D.

Now, his musical journey culminates in the groundbreaking theatrical production of Newport World Resorts: Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo. It is a fitting tribute to a body of work that has moved hearts, soundtracks, and stages across the nation.

Dolly Dulu, writer and Jonathan Manalo

While Manalo's track record includes hit after hit for some of the industry's biggest names such as Regine Velasquez, Vice Ganda, and BINI—he remains as active and inspired as ever. His catalog recently hit a staggering 8 billion streams, earning him the distinction of being the most-streamed Filipino songwriter-producer and placing him among the top 150 global music producers.

Still, the concept of turning his discography into a musical was not something he had envisioned—nor accepted—right away. "Sobrang kinabahan. That's my first reaction. And nag-hesitate ako for a few minutes when it was first asked."

Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Mamon, Delia’s singing idol and Shaira Opsimar as Kiki, Delia’s rival-turned-best friend in the singing competition, Idols of the Galaxy

The roots of Delia D. go back to his 20th anniversary celebration at Newport Performing Arts Theater, where the idea was first pitched. "Nagkaroon ako ng anniversary concert dito sa Newport Performing Arts Theater. Nilapitan ako ng mga people from Newport World Resorts and sabi nila gawin nating musical 'yan," Manalo shares.

Fast forward four years, and Delia D. is now the 11th full-length production by Full House Theater Company. The show stitches together more than 40 iconic tracks and introduces six fresh compositions, all arranged by Vince Lim. Told through the story of a drag queen with a big ambition, the musical gives Manalo's music new life and context within the realm of theater.

Manalo played a hands-on role in the development of the show, closely collaborating with director and writer Dolly Dulu. "Yes. I'm very involved because handpicked ko 'yung sumulat ng story and nagtahi ng songs ko na si Direk Dolly Dulu. Sobrang alam niya 'yung discography ko and alam niya 'yung mga songs ko. Nagkaroon ng ibang meaning 'yung song with a different context na base sa storya ni Delia D."

Far from being just a celebration of his past work, Delia D. also breaks new ground with original compositions designed to stand on their own. "There are new compositions specifically made for this musical. Pwede siya maging standalone hits," Manalo hinted.

Now staged at the very venue where the idea was first born, the musical takes Manalo's artistry to new heights, an intersection of nostalgia and discovery. "Now, seeing it develop into this big spectacle, sobrang proud ako. Hindi ako nagsisi na nagsabi ako ng 'yes' sa NWR Musicals to create this Delia D. Musical," Manalo reveals.

'Delia D.: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo runs until June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Tickets are now available at SM Tickets, 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 [email protected]. 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.