What’s next for Phi after ‘Delia D.’?
With everything Phi Palmos brought into the titular role in “Delia D.,” the recently-concluded musical featuring the songs of Jonathan Manalo, the 39-year-old only reaffirmed his place as one of the well-loved figures in the theater community.
In the production, which ran for two months at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Phi embodied Delia, a drag artist who left her provincial hometown to chase her big showbiz dreams in the capital. Challenging the stereotype that drag is all about lip-sync spectacle, Delia entered — and won — a TV singing competition. But success and fame had its pitfalls. Delia found herself losing her way and her why as the spotlight became too bright it overshadowed what brought her there in the first place.
In many ways, Delia’s journey paralleled the lead actor’s own experience in the entertainment industry. For Phi, who built a solid stage reputation for his performances in “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “The Adventures of Zsazsa Zaturnnah,” “Rak of Aegis” and “Mula Sa Buwan,” stepping into Delia’s shoes became an avenue for reflection on where he is now and where he’s headed as an artist.
“Most of the things that I got from my ‘Delia D.’ experience are things I will forever look at with a smile and pride,” he told The STAR in an exclusive e-mail interview. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, the people I’ve worked with, and the joy of being part of creating an original Filipino musical.”
And if Delia D had a parting message for the audiences, according to the actor-singer, it would be: “That dreams are valid, dreams are always good. Whatever and whichever way you want to achieve it is entirely up to you. But never ever forget the people that are with you when you have not even reached the first step in achieving your dreams. Dream big, dream fierce but always be kind.”
What’s next for Phi after “Delia D.”? The STAR learned from his manager, Noel Ferrer, that his next project would be a “major collab” with National Artist Ricky Lee. Something to watch out for!
Below are more excerpts from the interview.
On which part of Delia’s story stayed with him:
“To not lose oneself in the process. With show business kasi it’s so easy to lose yourself, especially with the spotlight. The public and online adulation. It’s so easy to forget your core. Your purpose. The deeper meaning of why you are doing it in the first place.
“As seen in the musical, hindi naman nagbago ang sipag, pagpupursigi at kagustuhan ni Delia na matupad ang pangarap niya. Ang nalimutan niya ay ang sarili niya sa pag-abot ng mga ito. And when we lose ourselves, we lose everything.”
On how playing Delia led to unexpected realizations about himself:
“That Delia and I have a lot of things and experiences that are soooo parallel. So, doing this role is both a therapy and reflection of what I am doing and where am I going and what do I really want to do in the future. It’s scary but I find myself lucky to be given a role that sort of prepares me for things that may or may not happen to me. Delia and I are still finding our own voices. Literally and figuratively.”
On the performance nights that stood out the most in his memory:
“There were two. The first one is the first night that we had an audience. It was the first time we were hearing audience reactions. The laughs, the gasps, the sniffles because of crying and the thunderous applause. The second night was when we received our first standing ovation. It was wonderful. Truly truly memorable. On both accounts, I broke down because wow. We did it. WE DID IT AND OUR AUDIENCES LIKED IT!”
On how “Delia D.” became a milestone for queer representation:
“I’d like to believe that it is a landmark moment for queer representation not just in Philippine theater but in Philippine media. The lead role is an openly queer drag queen whose personal story, struggles and triumphs are central — not comic relief or as sidekick. We don’t get to see something like this happen. A story like this to be staged in one of Manila’s biggest theaters, drawing crowds. There’s dignity and most of all, respect. That’s why it is a milestone.
“That’s why I am so grateful for Newport World Resorts and Full House Theater Company for taking a chance on this musical. For Sir Dexter (Santos) for casting me, Tita Menchu (Lauchengco-Yulo) for guiding me, Tita Maribel (Garcia) and Tita Maro for taking care of us, and for the glorious music of Sir Jonathan Manalo.”
On the audience feedback that left the most impression:
“That I was able to inspire them. That they have seen themselves onstage and that they’ve felt proud. Grabe pala na living your truth, being brave in your authenticity, without even knowing it, you have ignited a spark, an inspiration and courage to a person. Enough to awaken a dream they have once forgotten, or set aside. To be unapologetically you is the one thing that you can do for yourself and others.”
On the possibility of “Delia D.” getting a second life — on stage again or onscreen:
“Of course, I want a restaging! Our show is good but it’s far from perfect. A restaging would give us the opportunity to further improve the show to achieve its best form. If there’s anything that I would like to happen, it is a cast recording. Parang masayang habang nagma-manifest for a rerun, nakikinig sa cast recording. Mas powerful ata yun. Hehe!”
On future projects and taking things one step at a time after “Delia D.”:
“Right now, nothing is set in stone. I might do a play, or a movie or a serye. Or maybe teach. Or direct. Nothing is final yet. The possibilities are endless. I would like to properly process everything first. I hope the right project comes along. In a few weeks, I’d like to start working. To create and collaborate. But right now, I am just a ball of gratitude. I am just grateful.”
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