Cover ‘Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo’ is set to open on April 25 (Photo: Instagram / @nwr.musicals)
‘Delia D: A Musical Featuring the Songs of Jonathan Manalo’ is set to open on April 25 (Photo: Instagram / @nwr.musicals)
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A new jukebox musical is expected to hit the stage in April
Newport World Resorts starts its 2025 season with a new musical featuring songs from renowned songwriter and record producer Jonathan Manalo. Aptly named ‘Mr Music’ by his adoring fans, Manalo is credited with writing and producing some of the Philippines’ greatest hits. From the anthemic Pinoy Ako in Pinoy Big Brother to Sarah Geronimo’s rendition of Maybe This Time and Till I Met You from She’s Dating The Gangster, he has made many Filipinos sing and cry with his iconic songs. In this article, we look at some of his top tracks that may—or may not—appear in the Delia D.
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Pinoy Ako
Above Audiences can expect the electric song ‘Pinoy Ako’ in ‘Delia D’.
When Pinoy Big Brother opened its doors in 2005 alongside this theme song, it instantly became a symbol of Filipino resiliency—inspiring millions to celebrate our identity. Timeless and catchy, Pinoy Ako still stands as one of the most recognisable OPM songs today. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear this in one of Delia D’s most climactic moments.
Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw
Above Morissette performs ‘Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw’ at the Wish Bus
Originally written for Sheryn Regis’ 2022 comeback album with ABS-CBN Star Music, the emotionally cathartic Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw gained even more traction when Asia’s Phoenix Morissette breathed new life into it with the hit television series The Broken Marriage Vow.
See also: Why 9Works Theatrical’s ‘Liwanag sa Dilim’ is relevant today
Tara Tena
Similar to Pinoy Ako’s anthem-like energy, Tara Tena is all about inspiring the youth. Making an appearance in the Himig Handog sa Makabagong Kabtaan in 2001, the song was composed by Manalo and interpreted by Kyla, Kaya, and V3 and was crowned the grand winner. In 2022, the song was rerecorded by multiple Star Magic talents such as Andrea Brillantes, AC Bonifacio, and Sheena Belarmino, among others, to reintroduce the song to younger generations. Tara Tena is confirmed to be in Delia D through a sneak peek cast rehearsal.
Patuloy ang Pangarap
Above Angeline Quinto’s music video of ‘Patuloy ang Pangarap’
When singer and actress Angeline Quinto began her career, she joined ABS-CBN’s reality singing contest, Star Power, winning the grand prize with a stellar performance of Manalo’s song, Patuloy Ang Pangarap. In the same year, it won the prestigious title of ‘Song of the Year’ at the PMPC Music Awards. It gained even more recognition when it was used as the theme song for the 2011 telenovela Maria la del Barrio and the 2013 series May Isang Pangarap.
Paano ba ang Magmahal
Above Sarah Geronimo and Piolo Pascual’s rendition of ‘Paano ba ang Magmahal’
Cowritten by Yeng Constantino and Manalo and recorded by Liezel Garcia and Erik Santos in 2012, Paano ba ang Magmahal initially flew under the radar. It wasn’t until 2015, when Piolo Pascual and Sarah Geronimo reimagined the song for The Breakup Playlist, that it gained the status of being an OPM classic—contributing to the film’s instant success.
Delia D. will run from April 25 until June 8 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. For more information, visit their social media pages.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
