After Piolo Pascual took on the lead role in Ibarra: The Musical in 2023, a new chapter begins as Kapuso leading man Derrick Monasterio steps into the spotlight in the latest staging, Ibarra… Ngayon.
For Derrick Monasterio, the project is more than just another acting opportunity—it marks a meaningful return to his musical roots.
“Since this is a musical na super almost 80% singing, I feel like… bumabalik ako sa aking roots—sa aking first love,” he shared during an intimate press conference on April 14 in Quezon City.
He had his first foray into musical theater when he was cast as Tolits in the seventh season of the hit musical ‘Rak of Aegis’ by The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
“And kasi, I only get the chance to sing sa ‘All-Out Sundays’ e. And sometimes it’s not even full song or the songs that I like to sing or the songs na bagay sa akin. So ngayon, parang nakikita ko na maganda ‘to for myself para rin ma-train ako lalo,” he continued.
Taking over a role previously portrayed by Piolo Pascual naturally comes with pressure, especially given the veteran’s strong reputation as both an actor and singer. Still, Monasterio embraces the challenge with determination.
“Grabe yung trust nila sa akin to be able to pull this off. Of course, may pressure din, kasi siyempre, ang galing din ni Piolo kumanta, and Piolo is Piolo, ‘di ba?” he said.
“So, [may] pressure, and I think more on I handle it as a challenge din kasi ita-try kong lagyan ng sariling flavor yung role, lalagyan ng konting youthful energy.”
With this new role, he aims not only to prove himself but also to grow further as a performer in a demanding, song-driven production.
Ibarra… Ngayon will run from June 11 to 14 and June 18 to 21 at GSIS Theater. The production is directed by Frannie Zamora, with musical direction by Joed Balsamo, under Tanghalang Una Obra. Abangan!
TATAK MNL 
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