Derrick Monasterio is bringing one of Philippine literature’s most iconic characters to life for a new generation through the musical ‘Ibarra… Ngayon.’
The Kapuso actor headlines the contemporary adaptation of Dr. Jose Rizal’s ‘Noli Me Tangere,’ portraying Crisostomo Ibarra, a character whose ideals about education, reform, and social awareness remain relevant today.
Under the direction of Frannie Zamora, the production reimagines Rizal’s classic novel while retaining its core themes and emotional impact.
For Derrick, the role presents one of the most demanding challenges of his career.
Aside from delivering lengthy dialogue and navigating complex musical arrangements, he must also embody a character deeply embedded in Philippine history and culture.
The actor’s performance has been widely praised for its sincerity, emotional depth, and vocal excellence.
His leading lady, Andrea Manuel-Stevenson, plays Maria Clara, while the rest of the cast helps bring the timeless story into a modern theatrical setting.
Adding to the excitement surrounding the production was the presence of Derrick’s girlfriend, Elle Villanueva, who attended the preview performance and publicly expressed how proud she was of his accomplishment.
The actor previously met Piolo Pascual, who portrayed Ibarra in an earlier staging of the musical, creating a symbolic passing of the torch between two generations of actors who have taken on the iconic role.
As ‘Ibarra… Ngayon’ continues its run at the GSIS Theater, Derrick’s portrayal demonstrates how timeless stories can still resonate with contemporary audiences when performed with passion, skill, and heart.
