An official entry to the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, award-winning filmmaker Pepe Diokno’s “Isang Himala” promises to deliver an emotional and visually stunning experience for audiences this Christmas season.
The grand launch of Isang Himala, the latest adaptation of the hit 1982 film, was an unforgettable celebration filled with heartwarming stories, soul-stirring musical performances, and an outpouring of love from its stars and supporters. The event gathered the film’s cast and crew, including Aicelle Santos, who steps into the role of Elsa. The launch also welcomed cast members who included Bituin Escalante, Kakki Teodoro, and David Ezra, among others.
An official entry in the the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), the film is directed by MMFF Best Director Pepe Diokno and written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee. It was Lee who originally wrote the script for 1982’s popular Himala film (directed by Ishmael Bernal and starring none other than multi-awarded actress Nora Aunor), which loosely translates to “Miracle” in English.
This time around, the celebrated writer breathes new life into his masterpiece, which is considered one of the country’s greatest films of all time—so much so that years after its successful release, a 2003 musical adaptation was made. Taking inspiration from both its source material and the musical, Isang Himala weaves a selection of songs by Vincent A. De Jesus with Lee’s story.
The Town Of Miracles
Taking place the small, isolated town of Cupang (Baryo Cupang), the films centers on a young woman named Elsa who, after seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary, begins developing healing powers and using them to perform miracles—what’s ostensibly a blessing becomes the catalyst to a chain of problems as her fellow villagers, and even those outside Cupang, flock to capitalize on her gift.
The trailer premiere of the new adaptation offered a breathtaking glimpse into the world of Baryo Cupang, showcasing its rich visuals, emotionally charged scenes, musical direction, and songs, ending with a moving moment as the voice of Nora Aunor, the original Elsa, echoed through the room, giving everyone goosebumps.
Stars of the movie also gave live performances of its songs. Aicelle Santos delivered one of the event’s most memorable moments when she performed the signature song “Gawin Mo Akong Sining.” Tears streamed down her face as she sang with raw emotion, drawing the audience into Elsa’s world of faith and struggle. The ensemble cast also performed the film’s memorable song, “Ang Himala ay Nasa Puso,” an emotionally compelling moment that left audiences in awe.
An Ever-Relevant Story Of Hope
During the discussion with the press, Lee reflected on the enduring relevance of the story, sharing his inspiration for transposing the material in today’s context and explaining how Isang Himala remains a powerful narrative in today’s world, where people continue to search for hope and faith.
“For me, what we’re doing now is a tribute to the movie that was made back in 1982,” Lee explains [translated from Tagalog]. “The movie became a musical for the stage, and now this current film is based on the musical. I think it will keep having different versions, and we will keep telling stories about miracles too.” [Para sa akin itong ginagawa namin ngayon ay isang tribute sa pelikulang nagawa noong 1982. Mula noong ipalabas ito noon, matapos ay naging musikal sa entablado at ngayon naman ay naging pelikula base sa musical. Sa palagay ko patuloy itong magkakaroon ng iba’t ibang bersyon at magpapatuloy pa ang pagkukwento natin ng tungkol sa himala.]
Lee also emphasized the importance of revisiting the material and presenting it in a way that resonates with modern audiences while maintaining its timeless essence.
Meanwhile Diokno, who won MMFF’s Best Director last year for GomBurZa, expressed how passionate he was about the new adaptation. To him, the heart of the movie lies in its emotional depth, particularly when it came to exploring the raw struggles and conflicts faced by the characters. The film delves into the complexities of faith, human desires, and the darker sides of hope, creating a moving narrative that invites viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and the choices they make.
Presented by CreaZion Studios—producers behind acclaimed works like Iska, Patay na Si Hesus, 1st Ko Si 3rd—in partnership with Unitel, Straightshooter, Kapitol Films, and CMB Production, Isang Himala is a bold and much needed creative undertaking dubbed as a “modern masterpiece that will awaken faith and touch hearts.”
Isang Himala premieres nationwide on December 25 as part of the 50th MMFF.
For updates, follow CreaZion Studios on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or visit www.creazionstudios.com/
