Derrick Monasterio dares to be different in 'Ibarra...Ngayon'

Kapuso actor Derrick Monasterio makes his theatrical comeback as he steps into the iconic role of Ibarra in the highly anticipated musical, "Ibarra...Ngayon."

"When I was first offered the role, I felt undeserving because there are many talented theater actors who are more experienced," Derrick shared during a recent media conference in Quezon City, reflecting on his initial reaction.

He added, "Of course, you have to audition for the role—that's always the process. Now that I have it, I feel tense and pressured, but I'm excited because this play is truly iconic. Mr. Piolo Pascual previously played Ibarra, and Tommy Abuel was the original. That adds even more pressure."

Derrick promised to bring a fresh interpretation to the role, aiming to set his performance apart from previous portrayals.

Derrick Monasterio rehearses for the upcoming musical 'Ibarra...Ngayon'

"Personally, I want to infuse the role with a new flavor. I'll make Ibarra more youthful—that's the real challenge for me, but I'm excited," he said.

Asked if he had seen Piolo's performance, Derrick admitted, "Not yet—that's one of my assignments. For now, I've read the biography and watched synopses and trailers."

He was told the production would involve plenty of singing alongside spoken lines.

The 30-year-old actor recounted how the opportunity arose: a production team member spotted him watching a play and mentioned an upcoming project where he could portray Ibarra.

"That’s when everything started. They saw me watching a play, and soon enough, I was cast in one myself. It feels like it was meant to be," he said.

Derrick confessed he had not read "Noli Me Tángere" or "El Filibusterismo," the novels that inspired Ibarra. "I never got to read them in school because I stopped studying, but I’ve read the synopsis, so I have an idea," he explained.

"Ibarra" marks Derrick’s second venture into theater, following his appearance in the 2019 musical "Rock of Aegis."

The "Apoy Sa Dugo" star admitted he hesitated before accepting the project.

"We’re not yet in the preparation phase—just the introduction. Compared to 'Rock of Aegis,' the process is quite similar: plenty of rehearsals, discipline, going to bed early, waking up early, and morning stretches.

"My hesitation stemmed from possible schedule conflicts with my ongoing soap project. I prefer to focus on one project at a time since juggling two is really challenging. But the role in this play is too good to turn down—it’s incredibly iconic, and I’m grateful for the trust from the director and management," he said.

Derrick also discussed how he would feel if his portrayal of Ibarra were compared to Piolo’s.

"If I’m compared to Piolo, that’s great! As I’ve said, I’ll do my best to give the role a unique flavor so people remember my version of Ibarra—not just another actor’s portrayal," he said.

"Ibarra...Ngayon" is produced by Tanghalang Una Obra, with direction by Frannie Zamora, libretto by Jomar Fleras, and music, direction, and arrangement by Joed Balsamo.

The play will run at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City from June 11 to 21.

Main photo credit: Derrick Monstaerio (GMA Network)