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Actor Derrick Monasterio is embracing a new challenge in his career as he returns to theater and takes on the lead role of Crisostomo Ibarra in the stage musical Ibarra...Ngayon.

In an interview with Nelson Canlas on 24 Oras Weekend, Derrick reflected on the lessons he learned from portraying one of Philippine literature's most iconic characters.

“I guess as a better person. Kasi tinuruan ako nito ng disiplina. Tinuruan akong mahalin ang aking bayan. Kasi like sa mga past interviews ko sinasabi ko na parang I feel hopeless dito sa nangyayari sa Pilipinas. Pero as Ibarra hindi dapat ganu'n. Dapat hopeful ka pa din,” he said.

Showing her support during the musical's opening night was Derrick's girlfriend Elle Villanueva.

Elle expressed admiration for the dedication required in theater, saying she was inspired by Derrick's commitment to the production.

“Yes, I am inspired. Alam mo, iniisip ko pa nga lang, kaya ko ba 'yung ginagawa niya? Kasi live 'yun. Ang dami niyang ime-memorize na script. Bawal siya magkamali. Kailangan makaisip ka kaagad ng paraan kung nagkamali ka,” she said.

Also present at the opening night was veteran actress Pinky Amador, who portrayed Derrick's mother in Apoy sa Dugo and is a respected figure in Philippine theater.

Pinky had nothing but praise for Derrick's performance.

“Super, super proud. Congratulations, anak Derrick. You nailed it,” she said.

Several of Derrick's friends from Sparkle also attended the event to show their support for his latest career milestone, including Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega.

Miguel said he did not want to miss such an important moment in Derrick's career.

“Hindi ko puwedeng palampasin itong part ng career ni Derrick na 'to. Kasi kailangan suportahan ng mga kaibigan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ysabel highlighted Derrick's long-standing passion for theater.

“Derrick has a soft spot for theater, for plays. Kaya alam namin na iba talaga 'yung puso na nilagay niya rito. We know how much this means to him,” she said.

Despite the excitement surrounding Ibarra...Ngayon, Derrick admitted that balancing the production with his work on Apoy sa Dugo was far from easy.

The actor recalled juggling emotionally demanding scenes for the drama series while attending rehearsals for the musical.

“Grabe rin 'yung journey na pinagdaanan namin sa Apoy sa Dugo, 'yung rollercoaster of emotions namin. And it's heavy drama kaya medyo nakakapagod din. And dumating 'yung time na sumasabay pa siya sa rehearsals ng Ibarra. So, wala na lang talagang tulog,” he shared.

Now back in his theater era, Derrick is earning praise from colleagues, friends, and loved ones as he brings the beloved character of Crisostomo Ibarra to life on stage.

Video courtesy of GMA News (YT)

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