Who would have thought that after 42 years, the multi awarded film Himala has come full circle with the latest obra, Isang Himala, a revival of the 2018 hit musical Himala: Isang Musikal.
The film musical recently held it’s grand red carpet predominantly attended by notable theater personalities is a celebration of the timeless legacy of the material written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Mr. Ricky Lee in 1976 and later filmed and directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal in 1982. No less than National Artist Nora Aunor, as Elsa, won her Best Actress Award at the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
And speaking of the MMFF which celebrates its golden edition this year, team Isang Himala considers their inclusion to #MMFF2024 a “miracle” in itself!
We are grateful to have seen Isang Himala in advance and our heart is beaming with gratitude and pride to all our theater friends involved with the grand production. You guys slayed it! I personally admired how director Pepe Diokno weaved magic and came up with a deserving homage into one of Sir Ricky’s classic, iconic masterpiece of more than four decades ago blended with the haunting original compositions of Vincent de Jesus.
The film tackles into the complexities of faith, human desires, and the darker sides of hope, creating an emotionally moving narrative that invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and the choices they make.
Isang Himala is led by Aicelle Santos as Elsa, Kakki Teodoro as Nimia, Neomi Gonzales as Chayong, David Ezra as Orly, Vic Robinson as Pilo, Floyd Tena as the priest, and Bituin Escalante as Aling Saling with Sweet Plantado-Tiongson as Mrs. Alba.
We came up with at least eight considerable reasons why movie goers MUST WATCH this cinematic gem helmed by award winning Direk Pepe Diokno:
1) Hollywood-like Production Design – blame award-winning production designer Ericson Navarro and his hardworking team for the almost perfect rendition and presentation of the ill-fated Barrio Cupang where the story takes place. We were told by some cast that the shanties are actually livable! That’s how realistic it is! Watch out for the controversial hill scenes where Elsa was believed to have seen the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The lighting, cinematography and coloring bring these stunning images and set ups to realistic levels! Who would have thought the poignant scenes of Himala have transcended to two connecting indoor studios which is more expensive to construct from the ground up! Bravo! Bravoooooo!!!
2) Amazing and world class Ensemble – Philippine theater actors have been considered to be world class and it really is a known fact. More and more theater peeps have crossed over to independent or indie to mainstream films over the years. What’s nice about Isang Himala is that about 90% of the casting are remarkable and amazing theater blessings! During our chikkahan with Sir Ricky, he lauds the entire theater community as a coming together gesture in the making of Isang Himala. There are no small roles. Every actor contributes to major and minor scenes. Much respect!
3) Haunting Original Music – award winning composer Vincent de Jesus who’s an in-demand composer for TV, film and theater worked closely with librettist Sir Ricky when he came up with all these twenty plus original songs for Himala: Isang Musikal which were also sung to perfection by the leads and ensemble. Mind you, some songs are really hard hitting but the actors were all professionals in the midst of repetitive si and numerous takes for various angles as the scene demands. Songs like ‘Paano Kung Magkamali Tayo,’ ‘Walang Himala,’ and ‘Ang Himala ay Nasa Puso’ are some of the titles to watch out for. Props also to another genius, musical arranger, Joed Balsamo! I really did not mind that the entire film was 145 minutes long!
4) Give Aicelle Santos and rest of the Cast a Chance – She may not be of a big name in the film industry, but did you know that Aicelle started out as a potential pianist before she discovered she’d rather become a famous singer inspired by a Walt Disney song? Her long list of musical accomplishments and awards are her solid proof that she can take any musical challenges. We first met Aicelle during her successful run as Aileen in the popular RAK of Aegis musical by PETA in 2014. Her memorable stint was as Gigi in UK/Ireland tour of Miss Saigon in 2018. Aicelle’s film debut was courtesy of another award-winning musical, Ang Larawan, which won numerous awards at the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival. She reprises her Elsa role for Isang Himala, the role that she portrayed at the 2018 Himala: Isang Musikal production. Aicelle is soooo Elsa legit!
5) Timeless and Iconic Film Gem by NA Ricky Lee – Hands down, if it’s a Ricky Lee script or work, expect it to be brilliant, prophetic, timeless and exemptional for his plots and conflicts are based on personal observations, experiences, society and political issues among many others. One thing we appreciate with Sir Ricky’s body of work is it’s timeless message that spans generations. The timeline and settings may vary but the very essence of the message is still the same. He co-wrote Isang Himala with director Pepe Diokno for the big screen. Your eternal fan and supporter here, Sir Ricky! Alam nyo po yan!
6) Pepe Diokno The Director of 2023 MMFF GOMBURZA – Direk Pepe Diokno may not have as much commercially produced films, but he is well known and sought after for short films and commercials for the Advertising Industry. His shining moment happened last year when historical drama GomBurZa won major and technical awards during 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival including Best Picture and Best Director. With that said, we personally told Direk Pepe after the premiere of Isang Himala that he raised the bar high for himself and potentially levelled up his genius work of art and tribute to Himala with the latest musical. I boldly predict that Direk Pepe might win as back-to-back Best Director during the Gabi ng Parangal. Magdilang anghel!
7) National Artist Ms. Nora Aunor’s Special Participation – National Artist Ms. Nora Aunor will forever be remembered for her brilliant portrayal as the original Elsa for 1982’s Himala by fellow NA Ishmael Bernal. We were delighted to learn from Sir Rickly himself, that the one and only Superstar has a special participation in Isang Himala the 2024 reimagined version. We got teary-eyed when she did her part in the film. Stay alert for her role! Salamat po ng marami, Ate Guy!
8) Give ISANG HIMALA a chance to Shine at #MMFF2024 with More Cinemas – the film is technically competing for box office attention with nine other MMFF entries and as of press time, Isang Himala is challenged with a low number of cinemas showing their film starting December 25 thus the hashtag #MoreCinemasIsangHimala campaign push began to take notice. If you’re a theater fan or casual movie-goer, thank you in advance for coming to the cinemas to watch and support this brilliant work with your family and friends!
Considered a dark horse for now but with faith and courage, Team Isang Himala remains positive and longs for a genuine “miracle” and a favorable turn out in this year’s 50th edition of the MMFF.
We may also be looking at a potential win for Best Picture as well among several possible accolades during the Gabi ng Parangal. Anything is possible at the very last minute!
Everybody say, “Amen!”
As award-winning Production Designer, Sir Ericson Navarro puts it,
“We are bringing you a radically distorted Cupang.”
Here is the official trailer of ISANG HIMALA, an official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival:
