Invest Daily Pro
  • Economy
  • Investing
No Result
View All Result
  • Economy
  • Investing
No Result
View All Result
Invest Daily Pro
No Result
View All Result
Home Top News

Musical film puts a new twist on the classic Himala

by
December 9, 2024
in Top News
0
Musical film puts a new twist on the classic Himala
0
SHARES
3
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

THIS YEAR, Isang Himala, an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), aims to breathe new life into the beloved Filipino story about miracles — in the form of a musical. While based on the 1982 film Himala directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal and penned by National Artist Ricky Lee, but is actually a direct adaptation of the 2003 musical of the same name.

Musicals are able to convey characters’ inner emotions, which makes this version of Himala a special one since it “combines that musical aspect with the visual medium,” said director Pepe Diokno at a press conference in Quezon City.

Mr. Diokno, who won Best Director at the MMFF last year for the historical film Gomburza, added that he “tries not to pay attention” to the pressure of being expected to repeat that feat. “My goal is not to get any awards, but to give the audiences a new experience,” he said.

Isang Himala follows the young orphan Elsa, who gains the power to heal the sick in her small village of Bario Cupang. In the midst of a drought and famine, people flock to the newly minted symbol of hope to witness her miracles, revealing a society consumed by faith, greed, and deceit.

“I had seen the film as a film student and it really left an indelible mark on me,” Mr. Diokno told the press, “But when I watched the staging [of the musical] in 2018, it was the most powerful experience I’ve ever had in a theater. It made me laugh; it made me cry; it gave me goosebumps.”

The staging he saw was by 9 Works Theatrical and The Sandbox Collective, and many of its cast members are reprising their roles in the upcoming film.

“I was thinking about the play long after I had seen it. That’s the same experience that I’d like to share with the audience with this film,” he said.

UNDERDOG FILMAs the writer of the original film, Ricky Lee told BusinessWorld that it was also “an underdog” when it was released in 1982.

“Masaya akong makakita ng kwento na nanganganak sa iba’t-ibang medium dahil nagiging mas rich ito (I’m happy to see a story that is reborn in different mediums because it becomes much richer),” he said. “It shows that Himala is an experience worth re-experiencing.”

He added that people can look forward to the musical film being more “expressionistic,” compared to the original film’s “minimalistic” approach.

Actress Aicelle Santos, who is stepping into the iconic role of miracle worker Elsa, said that she hopes Filipinos will come and watch. “We have something new to offer, being the only musical among the 10 [MMFF] entries,” she said.

Like the film’s director, she expressed an aversion to pressure, especially if audience members come into the movie theater with National Artist Nora Aunor’s portrayal of Elsa in the 1982 film in their minds. “I like to think of it as excitement instead of pressure,” Ms. Santos told BusinessWorld.

She also remembered how Ms. Aunor praised and embraced her after seeing the 2018 musical staging. “That was a memorable moment for me,” she said.

Other members of the cast are Bituin Escalante as Elsa’s mother Aling Saling, Kakki Teodoro as Nimia, Neomi Gonzales as Chayong, and David Ezra as Orly. The musical direction and songs are by Vincent A. De Jesus.

Ms. Escalante said at the press conference that Filipinos are “an intelligent audience” that can be receptive to the musical’s layers of family, community, and faith. “We should never underestimate the audiences. Box office is not our basis for happiness or joy; it’s a part of it, of course, but this is about having an audience to reach with this story,” she said.

“We do have an intelligent audience, so let’s keep making great art.” — Brontë H. Lacsamana

ShareTweetPin

Related Posts

Have a taste of the perfect day in paradise with SULÀ Spirits
Top News

Have a taste of the perfect day in paradise with SULÀ Spirits

January 8, 2025
First months of 2025 likely rainy amid La Niña conditions, says PAGASA
Top News

First months of 2025 likely rainy amid La Niña conditions, says PAGASA

January 8, 2025
December inflation rises to 2.9%
Top News

December inflation rises to 2.9%

January 7, 2025
Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T
Top News

Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T

January 7, 2025
Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T
Top News

Outstanding debt hits fresh high of P16.09T

January 7, 2025
PHL end-December dollar reserves drop to $106.8B
Top News

PHL end-December dollar reserves drop to $106.8B

January 7, 2025
Next Post
Philippine banks fail to meet lending quota for small businesses

Philippine banks fail to meet lending quota for small businesses

Recommended

“Uncover the Charm of Sofia and Plovdiv: Fibank and Share A Scoot Invite You to Explore!”

“Uncover the Charm of Sofia and Plovdiv: Fibank and Share A Scoot Invite You to Explore!”

October 15, 2024
Dispensing — and enabling — dreams

Dispensing — and enabling — dreams

November 24, 2024
Southeastern trains subsidy rises to £415m, more than tripling since pre-covid era despite fare increases

Southeastern trains subsidy rises to £415m, more than tripling since pre-covid era despite fare increases

October 7, 2024
IMI trims losses on rightsizing, lower expenses

IMI trims losses on rightsizing, lower expenses

November 4, 2024
Pioneer Insurance salutes Filipino athletes’ Paris Olympic triumph

Pioneer Insurance salutes Filipino athletes’ Paris Olympic triumph

August 29, 2024
Meralco proceeding with 1,000-MW bid

Meralco proceeding with 1,000-MW bid

August 20, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 InvestDailyPro. All Rights Reserved.

    Disclaimer: InvestDailyPro.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively InvestDailyPro ) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice.
    The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    No Result
    View All Result
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Suspicious engagement
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Thank you

    Copyright © 2024 investdailypro.com | All Rights Reserved