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Delia D: The Musical That Touches On Dreams, Acceptance, And Humility

by Alexa Villano
May 21, 2025

Delia D is more than a musical, it reflects every Filipino’s journey toward purpose, belonging, and self-worth

Everyone dreams of making it big, especially those who enter the entertainment industry. But attaining success comes with sacrifices, to the point that your core values are challenged, and makes you ask, ‘Is it all worth it?’

In Delia D., a musical featuring the songs of Jonathan Manalo, theater audiences enter the world of how aspiring singers are groomed to be successful, sometimes making questionable decisions that can make or break a career. Although it may look like a musical highlighting the drag scene, the story is more than that. It’s about hopes, dreams, and the importance of humility.

Here are five reasons parents and their older children should catch the musical, which runs until June at Newport World Resorts.

Delia D. reflects those who are from a different city

We are introduced to Delia (Phi Palmos), a queer singing aspirant who works in a comedy bar and lip-syncs as a drag artist. Originally from Ozamiz City, Delia performs with her drag sisters and Mama Eme (John Lapus) in the bar where they lip-synch to songs from female artists.

Like Delia, who is from the province, many come to the city to build a better life for their families. Some are taken in by kind people who become their family away from home.

Delia also mirrors those who are breadwinners in the family. She would send part of her salary to her mommy, Anet, and brother, Jose, who would call to check in on how she was doing as a performer.

Delia D. mirrors every Filipino who aspires to be in the entertainment scene

Delia has one dream – to be a singer and follow in the footsteps of her favorite diva Mamon. She auditions to be part of the contest Idols of the Galaxy, only to be rejected for looking like a “clown.” But one of the judges, Sir T sees something in her and thanks to the audience vote, Delia makes it as a finalist in the contest.

Joining a singing contest is one of the many ways showbiz aspirants go through. Despite the many rejections, many still audition in the hope of making it big and helping their families.

Delia D is more than a musical, it reflects every Filipino’s journey toward purpose, belonging, and self-worth

The musical shows friendship and how rivalry can destroy it

The musical explores how ambition can test even the strongest friendships. Delia forms a friendship with Kiki, whose powerful voice can command a room. Shy at the start, it’s through Delia’s encouragement that Kiki learns to gain the confidence she always wanted to have to be a singer.

But things started to change between the besties after Delia won the contest. A rivalry is formed between the two thanks to Mamon, who backed Kiki, believing she was the real winner, while Sir T continued to help propel Delia to success despite starting to question his decisions about the trajectory of her career.

In showbiz, grit is only the beginning; what truly matters is resilience in the face of personal sacrifice.

The importance of acceptance and love

Delia aspires to become a singer and follow Mamon, whom she looks up to. But Mamon scoffs at her, saying she has no talent. Delia wins the contest but continues to prove that she deserves the title, as people question if the competition was rigged. When she discovers the scheme Sir T made for her to win, she realizes everything she worked hard for was a fraud.

Delia is also devastated that the attention and “love” she’s gotten from Raymond, a fellow contestant, was all part of the plan. Initially agreeing to the plan because of Sir T., Raymond realized he had fallen in love with Delia because of her good heart.

These scenarios are examples of what everyone goes through, whether a parent or a child. The heartbreak of a dream destroyed and a love questioned. But for every down, there’s no way but up, just like Delia did when she declared that she had had enough of pretending.

Humility, kindness, and gratitude matter

What happens when fame gets into one’s head? Delia had to deal with this when she started neglecting the people who helped before she became famous. Her attitude caused conflicts with her Mama Eme, brother Jose, and her drag sisters.

Delia starts to wonder if the fame she attained is worth what’s happening to her life. Is success worth it when core values are questioned? These are just some dilemmas Delia grapples with.

How does a parent ensure his/her child remains grounded? By telling them the important values that matter. In Delia’s case, it’s her mom Anet’s constant reminder that all the good things in life will not matter if the core values she instilled in her child disappear. She reminds Delia to be grateful and humble because fame can change a person’s outlook on life if not guided.

Delia D Is a Musical That Mirrors The Filipino’s Story of Aspiration

Delia D’s story is relatable to every Filipino who dreams of a better life for their family. It’s a dream of every singing aspirant who wants to make it and be a performer. But more than the story, the songs composed and written by Jonathan Manalo have become anthems, giving different meanings.

Take the song “Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw,” one of Manalo’s most famous songs, sung by different artists. It’s more than just giving up on love for a person, it’s the struggle to live despite exhaustion.

Then there’s ‘Sisikat Ako,’ an anthem about perseverance and the long road to recognition.

So yes, Delia D is a musical, but it’s a musical with a heart. It’s a musical that reminds us to keep dreaming, improving ourselves, staying grounded, and, most of all, being humble. The people who saw your rise will also be the people who will see you fall.

This show is for parents whose kids are in showbiz, serving as a reminder for them that fame is a double-edged sword, and the a constant need for guidance.