A long-awaited screen partnership is finally happening as Aga Muhlach and Jodi Sta. Maria team up for “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” Viva Films’ official entry to the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival.

At the film’s cast presentation, Aga revealed that Jodi was not simply another name considered for the project. When the movie was being put together, the award-winning actor personally expressed his desire to have her play Angela, his leading lady.

For Aga, the project offered the perfect opportunity to finally share the screen with an actress he had admired professionally for years.

“Matagal ko na siyang gusto makasama talaga and then hindi lang nagkataon until this movie was presented. Sinabi ko na, ‘I wanted her for the role,’” Aga shared.

His wish eventually became a reality when Jodi accepted the project.

“Maraming salamat sa Panginoong Diyos na pumayag and maraming salamat, Jodi, for saying yes to me,” he added.

Aga hinted that his decision to personally choose Jodi will make even more sense once audiences experience the story and see what she brings to Angela.

“Siguro kapag nag-umpisa at napanood niyo na ang pelikula talaga, doon niyo makikita kung bakit siya,” he said.

Interestingly, Jodi had been preparing to temporarily step away from the cameras when the offer arrived. After completing several projects, she and her management had already discussed giving her the remainder of the year to rest before returning to work in 2027.

“Napag-usapan na namin ng management ko na, ‘I think this year quota na ako sa mga proyekto na nagawa ko so rest na lang muna and pwede na ulit mag-start next year.’ And then this project came along,” Jodi recalled.

But what was supposed to be a break quickly changed after she learned more about the movie. Reading the screenplay and hearing the creative team’s vision convinced her that Angela was a role worth postponing her planned rest for.

“How do you say no to this?” she said.

“Binasa ko ang script and then nag-pitch pa sila and then, ‘Yeah, I wanna do this,’” Jodi added.

She also expressed appreciation for the confidence Aga and director Nuel C. Naval placed in her as she takes on the new character.

“Gusto kong magpasalamat sa tiwala na binigay nila direk ni Aga para gampanan ang role ni Angela,” she said.

The project marks the first major screen collaboration between Aga and Jodi, bringing together two acclaimed performers whose careers have been defined by memorable dramatic roles.

Written by Mel Mendoza-Del Rosario and directed by Nuel C. Naval, “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” will arrive in cinemas during the Christmas season as one of the official entries in the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival.

For Aga, however, the movie already fulfills something personal even before audiences see it: the chance to finally work opposite the leading lady he had wanted all along.