National Artist Nora Aunor has ‘special participation’ in MMFF film ‘Isang Himala’

Quoting National Artist Ricky Lee, ‘Isang Himala’ director Pepe Diokno says the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry ‘Isang Himala’ is both faithful and unfaithful to the 1982 classic film directed by Ishmael BernalMANILA, Philippines — The lead actress of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) official entry “Isang Himala,” Aicelle Santos, had the pleasure of meeting National Artist Nora Aunor long before filming the movie musical. She was ecstatic when she was first introduced to the “Himala” star during the run of the 2018 stage musical adaptation.

In both the current film and the previous theater production, Aicelle portrays the iconic role of Elsa, originally played by Nora in the 1982 classic “Himala,” directed by Ishmael Bernal.

The singer-thespian recalled to The STAR how the Superstar reacted after watching the show. “I remembered after the show, she hugged us and naalala ko nangingilid yung luha niya. And then magkahawak kami ng kamay in photos. So that’s my receipt.

Aicelle with the original Elsa, National Artist Nora Aunor, who has a special role in the MMFF film entry.
Photo from Aicelle’s Instagram page

“And then she said, ‘Nanumbalik sa akin ang panahon na ginagawa ko yung ‘Himala.’ I took that as a sign that she liked the staging back then. She was all smiles. We were nervous at that time, especially me. When I learned that Ms. Nora Aunor would watch our staging, I didn’t feel like going on stage, but I think we delivered.”

The musical film tells the story of a young woman named Elsa who claims to have witnessed a miracle and have been given healing powers in a village (Baryo Cupang) consumed by drought and suffering.

It is helmed by “GomBurZa” director Pepe Diokno and written by “Himala” screenwriter and National Artist Ricky Lee. Vincent A. de Jesus served as the musical director.

Direk Pepe told this paper that Nora will have a special participation in the 50th MMFF entry. “To meet and hear her perform, iba,” he commented.

The “Isang Himala” remains a powerful narrative in today’s context as people still continue to search for hope and love, stated Ricky Lee.

Director Pepe Diokno.

“For me, this is a tribute to the film that we made in 1982. Since it was released then became a musical and now a film, sa palagay ko patuloy itong magkakaroon ng iba’t ibang bersyon at magpapatuloy pa ang pagkukwento natin ng tungkol sa himala.”

The veteran screenwriter emphasized the “importance of revisiting the material and presenting it in a way that resonates with modern audiences while maintaining its timeless essence.”

Direk Pepe, on the other hand, said that the movie tackles issues related to faith and blind faith, adding, “There’s also the issue of truth or lies or non-truths, and then yung effect ng I would say parang corruption also in our society.”

Quoting Ricky, direk Pepe noted that the film is both faithful and unfaithful to the original version.

National Artist Ricky Lee.

“And I’ll take that in the sense na lahat kami actually, even Sir Ricky said, kung uulitin lang natin yung nagawa ng 1982, ba’t pa gagawin? And actually ang musical po kasi ang pinanggagalingan nun is si Sir Ricky in 2003 with Vince de Jesus. Yung idea daw is in the 1982 film kasi, andaming mga silences,” he explained.

“There were things Elsa wouldn’t say, so they thought, ‘What if we give a song to Elsa’s true feelings and thoughts? What would she say?’”

He continued describing the MMFF film as “more emotional with a more expressive story, very powerful and has a different aspect of Elsa that wasn’t shown in the original film.”

They also creatively played with the visuals and sounds, setting it apart from the original one.

“Isang Himala” is presented by CreaZion Studios in partnership with Unitel, Straightshooters, Kapitol Films and CMB Production.