Ready to Make Miracles Happen: ISANG HIMALA Hits Theaters on December 25th for MMFF 2024

This film was on my list since I've heard of it. Surely, if you're a fan of the original film starring the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor in the 80's called HIMALA, this musical film called "ISANG HIMALA" would give you the same feels, but even more chills. This is the handy work of famed writer National Artist Ricky Lee and music by Vincent De Jesus. This is directed by Pepe Diokno and is officially an entry to the Metro Manila Film Fest 2024 who's also celebrating their 50th Anniversary. 

I've known Aicelle Santos for a few years now. It would be an understatement to call her A VERY TALENTED SINGER because I feel she's more than that. Her character Elsa who hails from a town called Cupang saw an apparition and began doing miracles with people. There's bound to be trouble with that because everyone would need to get healed and make things happen with that. Instead of getting better religious belief, they began fan service for the healer and Elsa wasn't going to take it. So in a nutshell it'll be the same story, but what will make this totally different is how they would tell it through music. For those who don't know, this has already been made into a musical (on stage), but there will be more things to offer now that they're doing the musical on the silver screen. Aicelle's voice will surely give you chills, but hold up, there's more to expect in this film!

Though there's Aicelle, she also has Bituin Escalante, Floyd Tena, David Ezra, Neomi Gonzales, Kakki Teodoro, Vic Robinson, Joann Co and an ensemble cast (hello Ivan Panganiban!) eager to tell this story. It's definitely not a one woman show, and with these powerful FILIPINO voices spun together, it's going to be a masterpiece waiting to happen.

Much of these folks may have not been seen on movies or TV, but they've got years of experience in theater which they'll be bringing to the table. They'll prove once again that pinoy singers reign supreme when it comes to singing, and this isn't even the karaoke type people fear in contests around the world. 

 

 

Ricky Lee says "I feel this is a tribute to the 1982 version we did in the past, when I met Vincent, I was glad it was being interpreted in different mediums. She (Nora Aunor) also will have participation in this film but you would need to watch it."

Pepe Diokno says "I fell in love when I watched the film, and the musical was the most powerful material on theater and I thought about it long after watching it. 42 years after watching it, I think it needs to be revisited, the difference is it's more emotional because of the songs."

Bituin Escalante adds "I never imagined I could be a mother, it's a family affair for me when my sister was cast in 2018, this is himaLOVE."

Aicelle adds "Back in 2018, Nora Aunor watched us on stage and I remember she told us how it was something that made her remember the shoot in 1982. She almost cried, and I've got proof of it. It was during the RAK of Aegis party when Sir Vincent approached me and told me I could do Elsa. I was taken aback because I saw the concert and how big the role is. I've had personal miracles, my brother myocardium issues, I prayed for him, and he opened his eyes. My Mom stopped crying, I really believe in miracles, this film just shows how we all have miracles of our own. There will be one on December 25. I think we have something to offer, it has historical and social content. We hope people get to watch it, especially since it is the only musical in the entries this year. I am more excited because it is hard to think of pressure, we enjoyed doing it so whatever it becomes, we welcome it."

Vince says "In 2003, Soxy Topacio asked me to work on a project with Ricky Lee, I wasn't crazy to say no. Things just come, the whole production is just a miracle for us including the MMFF 2024 nomination. The new music is originally piano but we made it into an orchestra, but it's now a little rock opera ish. The set actually fits the music, it is gritty and fierce."

Buckle up and go wear your Sunday outfits because "ISANG HIMALA" will hit theaters on December 25. Don't be afraid to sing a long with your friends and family, bring them along to the miracle that is "ISANG HIMALA", the official entry of Kapitol Films and UXS Inc. for the 50th Anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

PETA Plus and STAR MAGIC Stage TABING ILOG The Musical This November

Well loved ABSCBN series "Tabing Ilog" will once again reprise the musical version of their show at the PETA theater in Quezon City. This is different from the 2020 version of Teatro Kapamilya, so do expect an entire re-telling of the story by director Phil Noble. This is written by Eljay Deldoc and will have a different take on both the storyline and music that talks about relationships, love, friendship.

Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Director Beng Santos-Cabangon says "It hasn't been a year when we worked with Star Magic doing Walang Aray, and now we are coming together to make sure artists are equipped with the best set of skills doing live at the PETA theater. It has been a continuing tradition, as it is a different time, but it's so nice to bring in a show in a coming of age series. I hope this brings forward how art and culture develops, this is a happy collaboration. Thanks for being here today!"

Direk Lauren Dyogi says "Maraming salamat to Direk Phil and Vincent to everyone who made this possible. This will be watched by more people, to hopefully talk about the issues of the new generation. We are excited to see Tabing Ilog the Musical on October!"

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The run will begin on November 10, 2023 up until December 17.If you want to buy shows, call or email them via 09176373655 or tabingilogthemusical@gmail.com. You can also get tickets via KTX.PH (your ultimate key to various experiences online!) as it's all there!

ALEXA ILACAD, KD ESTRADA, Ensemble Cast Tells Story of HOPE, LOVE in Funny Musical "Walang Aray"

When word got out that Star Magic artists Alexa Ilacad and KD Estrada was venturing into theater, I was so happy to see them spreading their wings to try something different. Even with years of experience on workshops, TV and Movies, this was no ordinary feat as it is unfamiliar territory. The stage certainly asks for a different skill set especially for a new material like "WALANG ARAY!". 

 I watched with gusto last February 14th. It was a special screening on Valentine's day. PETA has certainly done a lot of hit shows in this joint but the pandemic has really made the facility go through hardships since they couldn't do a show. It was a proper comeback, an all original musical which tells the lives and love story of Tenyong and Julia. Alexa already had a solo number in the first few minutes which required powerful vocals from the Kapamilya actress, by any standards, she really did good. Theater requires a bit of strength, over acting, exaggeration so the people in the back experience the same show as with the people in the front. They exhausted establishing who she was, and their relationship. If I may, KD Estrada felt a little like a diesel engine that started to warm up. There are serious talk, but all of it was executed it with good comedic timing.

 The play was based off "Walang Sugat" a Severino Reyes sarsuela told in a modern and funny way so it does strap itself to tell the revolutionary story and see to it that current, modern day comedy in a Filipino setting take the spotlight. Entertaining is an understatement, because you'll be surprised about the small quirks they inserted in each scene. The play takes a little over 2 hours to do but they made sure it wouldn't get boring in each scene. Much of the ensemble cast had their own time to shine, from their parents, the Friars, the other man, the house help, the fan girls, they got to play along with the audience without veering off the romantic angle they all needed to tell. Alexa took this by the neck and made the show hers. I've never felt so proud to see how she's become. She completely changed imho, and having this as part of her repertoire just screams she can do more. KD on the other hand used his charm much of his time in the musical, so try not to fall in love with him while he's in separate acts.

 

 For the KDLex fans there (much like me) that I've spent hours updating on Twitter, there's certainly more content I've left out on the platform so you could have your moment to enjoy in the show starting today. There's a reason why there's a sold out crowd here.

 

 If you haven't bought a ticket yet, you may get them via ticketworld.com.ph and see how it's funny, love story would make you agree it's fine to fall in love. Make sure you take the trip to Quezon City and watch PETA's Walang Aray on it's last few dates. This is directed by Ian Segarra and music is by Vince Lim, The fun choreography is also done by Gio Gahol, which he made really fun and interactive. KDLex will be appearing on 8PM shows on Feb.17-18, 24-25, Mar. 4, April 14-16, 21-23 and April 28. They have alternates Gio Gahol and Marynor Madamesila doing the other dates, both seasoned theater actors that can do justice to Tenyong and Julia's role.

 

 

This would be a dream for any KDLex fan, go watch it for them, and the love story they will tell.