Morissette shines in ‘Song of the Fireflies’

Morissette Amon makes a luminous film debut as Alma Taldo in Song of the Fireflies, a moving cinematic tribute to the legacy of the Loboc Children’s Choir. And with it, she’s proven that her talent extends far beyond song.

A STORY CLOSE TO HOME

Song of the Fireflies tells the origin story of the internationally acclaimed Loboc Children’s Choir, founded by Alma Taldo—a soft-spoken, humble woman who saw extraordinary potential in ordinary children from the province of Bohol. For Morissette, who hails from nearby Cebu, the film was more than just a role. It was a homecoming.

“I’m very, very proud to be part of this film,” she shares. “As a Bisaya, the story of the Loboc Children’s Choir is something I’ve known for a long time. This film gave me the opportunity to celebrate that heritage and bring it to the world.”

Originally slated for production in 2020, the film faced pandemic delays but resumed in 2022. Despite the setbacks, Morissette remained attached to the project. “Everything just aligned,” she recalls. “I wanted to be part of something that celebrated Visayan talent and spirit.”

MUSIC, MEMORY, AND MISSION

Produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions—the same team behind the acclaimed Ang Larawan—Song of the Fireflies blends drama and music in a way that mirrors Morissette’s dual strengths. With original music by icons like Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, Raymond Marasigan, and Jazz Nicolas, the film isn’t a musical, but music pulses through its soul.

“I was instantly drawn to that,” says Morissette. “It’s not just a film; it’s a film with music. And not just any music—legendary music.”

Under the direction of award-winning filmmaker King Palisoc, the production became a deeply personal journey for Morissette. As a first-time film actress, she admitted to nerves. But thanks to Palisoc’s gentle guidance and the supportive cast and crew—including legends like Celeste Legaspi and Rachel Alejandro—she found her rhythm on set.

“He really anchored us to a great experience,” Morissette says of her director. “Especially for someone like me, stepping into film for the first time, it made all the difference.”

RECOGNITION AND REWARD

The film had its global premiere at the second Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in Los Angeles in March 2025. Song of the Fireflies not only received glowing reviews but also bagged major honors: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Rachel Alejandro), Best Supporting Actor (Noel Comia Jr.), and most notably, Best Actress for Morissette—a first for the celebrated singer.

In her acceptance speech, she humbly reflected, “It feels very different to be up here receiving an award that’s not for my voice.” She dedicated the win to her parents, who raised her in a musical household, and to mentors like Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, and Regine Velasquez who shaped her artistry.

Morissette also paid tribute to the real Alma Taldo, whom she met during production. “She’s like my grandmother—very gentle, very kind,” she shared. “Sitting beside her during a screening in Bohol, knowing I portrayed her… that was a different kind of pressure. But also, an immense honor.”

THE CONDUCTOR’S LESSON

Portraying a choir conductor gave Morissette a newfound respect for leadership in music. “It’s a different skill altogether—one that requires command, presence, and deep care for your team,” she reflected. “It made me appreciate not just what Alma did, but what all conductors do to bring harmony to life.”

She also saw the deeper message of Alma’s journey: “In the film, Alma doubts herself because she doesn’t have formal training. She’s just a widow who loves music and children. But she believed—and that belief became a movement. It reminded me that sometimes, the only thing stopping us from doing something great is ourselves.”

A BISAYA HEART ON SCREEN

Beyond the awards and recognition, Morissette treasures the opportunity to represent her roots. “We spoke in straight Bisaya on set. Many of the kids and crew were from the region. That was grounding for me. It reminded me who I am and where I came from.”

And it’s exactly that grounding that makes Song of the Fireflies such a radiant triumph. In telling the story of a woman who saw light in children and turned it into music, Morissette has done the same with her art—shining a spotlight on her heritage, her heart, and a history worth celebrating.

LOOKING AHEAD

Will she return to the screen? “With the right material, absolutely,” Morissette answers. “My first love is music, and I will always go back to it. But acting is another form of storytelling. And when it connects with who I am, like this film did, I’m all in.”

For now, she’s just grateful: to the team behind the film, to the Visayan community, and to every viewer who might leave the theater humming a song—and holding a deeper appreciation for the dreams that come from the simplest of places.

Because like fireflies, some lights shine brightest in the dark.

And with Song of the Fireflies, Morissette has never shone brighter.