Why ‘Isang Himala’ is more than a miraculous cinematic rebirth

Three names made Himala one of the greatest Filipino film of all time—Nora Aunor, its lead actress; screenwriter Ricky Lee; and film master Ishmael Bernal. In 1982, the film produced by the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines, headed then by Imee Marcos-Manotoc, bagged the Best Picture and Actress, among other awards.

The prominence and legend of the original motion picture, and its lead character, Elsa, and the miracles that happened in Barrio Cupang, continue to this day. Presented by CreaZion Studios, in partnership with Unitel, Straightshooter, Kapitol Films and CMB Production, Isang Himala is the newest and miraculous cinematic incarnation of film classic, and a musical at that, one of the major films in competition in the golden anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

Relevant cinema

Two of the legends that are part of the original film, Lee and Aunor, both National Artists for cinema and broadcast arts, are part of Pepe Diokno’s MMFF musical version.

Lee said: “It cannot be denied that the enduring relevance of the story of Elsa, and what happened in Barrio Cupang, remains relevant because people continue to search for hope and faith, to believe on something, someone, who may save him or her, from physical, emotional and whatever for ailments, and that miracles are God’s way of telling us that He loves us still.”

“Para sa akin itong ginagawa namin ngayon ay isang tribute sa pelikulang nagawa noong 1982,” the National Artist carried on. “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 said: “Kung buhay pa si Ishma (Ishmael Bernal), I am sure he will be intrigued by this musical version. Sasabihin n’un, sige nga, tignan natin kung maganda ‘yan. And that is not even condescending ha. Ishma will definitely love the fact that his original motion picture is now being presented in such a way that the modern audiences will get and enjoy it, and that its timeless essence is maintained because Pepe was truly faithful to the movie version.”

Aunor will surely surprise all Noranians, because she has a special appearance in the musical film, and Diokno was blown away by the experience of having directed her and hearing how she delivered the lines given to her by Lee. If you have seen its trailer, Aunor’s voice bring the goosebumps and gravitas.

Diokno, who won Best Director for GomBurZa, said: “I had seen the film as a film student, and it really left an indelible mark on me. 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.”

He added: “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. I want them to feel, to be there where the action is, to ponder, relate and ultimately, hope that, ang himala talaga ay nasa puso ng tao.”

Crème de la crème

Diokno said: “The cast, composed of original theater actors, delivers performances so raw and powerful, they will leave you breathless. Just as the original film featured mostly unknown but exceptional actors at the time, this version stays true to that tradition while showcasing unparalleled talent.”

Leading this crème de la crème of Philippine theater is Aicelle Santos who plays Elsa, the iconic character given life by the superstar.

Santos said: “Stepping into such an iconic role challenged me as an artist and it inspired me to give my all to her, to honor what Miss Nora gave to Elsa. However, I did my best to make her my own. I captured the emotional depth and complexity of Elsa’s journey. It was not a walk in the park, to be this larger than life character. But by the grace of God and the guidance of Direk Pepe, masaya sa katotohanang ibinigay ko sa aking pagiging si Elsa.”

Floyd Tena portrayed the priest, the character given life by Joel Lamangan. He said: “The film’s central theme is faith — faith that inspires, challenges, and questions blind devotion. It explores what is true and what is not, offering audiences a deeper understanding of hope and the complexities of belief.”

David Ezra, who is Orly, the outsider looking in the miracles on Barrio Cupang, said: “The musical element adds a fresh layer of emotion, offering a deeper, more complex portrayal of Elsa and the people of Baryo Cupang. Ang galing ng mga musical composition ni Vince de Jesus. Mas lalong naging emotional ang movie. Mas naging surreal na experience. It will grip your heart, the songs and music in the movie and stay with you long after you leave the cinemas.”

Isang Himala is a timeless classic reimagined by National Artist Ricky Lee and MMFF Best Director Pepe Diokno, a film that will touch the heart and stir the soul.