By: Jia Erikah Fajardo
Photo by: Anne Rebagay /The LANCE
The critically acclaimed film Himala was released in 1982 and has since become a cornerstone of Filipino cinema. It explores the complexities of faith, religion, and the vulnerability of humanity, particularly within the Philippine context.
It is set in the fictional provincial town of Cupang and follows Elsa, a young woman powerfully portrayed by Nora Aunor, who rises to prominence as a miracle worker after claiming to have seen the Blessed Virgin Mary. Widely considered as the magnum opus of Ishmael Bernal, the enduring relevance and impact of the film perseveres over four decades later.
Testament to this is the upcoming movie-musical Isang Himala from the minds of National Artist Mr. Ricardo “Ricky” Lee and celebrated composer Vincent de Jesus, directed by the award winning Jose Lorenzo “Pepe” Diokno. The film is also inspired by Himala: Isang Musikal from 2019 and features the same talented cast of theater actors, Aicelle Santos notably reprising the role of Elsa.
Isang Himala is set to premiere at the 50th Manila Film Festival on December 25. In anticipation, CreaZion Studios spearheaded the Himig ng Isang Himala Campus Tour, offering the younger generation a glimpse into the making of the movie-musical through an exclusive viewing of their behind-the-scenes documentary, as well as the opportunity to meet their lineup of exceptional guests: Sir Ricky Lee, Director Pepe Diokno, Production Designer Ericson Navarro, Producer Madonna Tarrayo, and Actor Vic Robinson.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, the tour and team made a stop at Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila in collaboration with its Institute of Communication (ICOMM). Students gathered in shared enthusiasm and excitement at the Mabini Hall.
Host Lhara Morales moderated the special event, beginning with a prayer and the singing of the National Anthem. This was followed by the energetic dance performance of No Excuses, and the heartfelt cover of Rivermaya’s Himala by John Rhei Regala. Opening remarks were then delivered by ICOMM Chairperson, Assoc. Prof. Manuel O. Dasig, Jr. PhD., CST, reiterating the sentiments of the infamous quote from the 1982 film, “Miracles come from us. Ang himala ay nanggagaling sa atin.”
The behind-the-scenes documentary ran for almost an hour, telling the story of those involved in the making of the film, revealing their successes, hardships, and experiences. Forthcoming and candid, the cast and crew especially emphasized their efforts to honor the very first Himala while striving for originality.
The documentary served as both an introduction and an invitation, imploring the audience, consisting mostly of young people, to support the project.
This targeted and strategic effort is aimed at reviving Filipino Cinema in the aftermath of the 2020 global health crisis which rendered the industry at the edge of obsolescence. Due to the limitations imposed on film production, distribution, and viewership at the time, stagnation has become a considerable possibility then and now. The Campus Tour and its itinerary were developed to address this issue. Specifically, it hopes to harness the interest and potential of the younger generations to be drivers of change.
After the viewing, lights were turned back on and the panel of esteemed guests were welcomed on stage. Sir Ricky Lee and Director Pepe took their seats at the left side of the platform while Ma’am Madonna, Sir Ericson, and Sir Vic sat on the right. The center was left vacant for the projection of their vibrant yet solemn promotional artwork.
The host, Lhara, opened the floor for questions and invited audience members to voice any queries they might have. Likewise, Director Pepe encouraged the students, adding that it is a rare occurrence to be with a national artist. The attendees agreed, applauding in response. Multiple hands were then raised, most of which had the chance to hold the microphone.
One of the many inquiries forwarded was from a Broadcasting student. She acknowledged the huge role music plays in films and wondered whether the songs and melodies in Isang Himala deepen its message.
Sir Vic, who brings to life “Pilo” in the film, opted to expound on the matter first, explaining that, “Napakalaking role ang ginagampanan ng music dito sa musical na ‘to. I speak on behalf of Sir Vince de Jesus na talagang trinabaho at pinaghirapan ang musika ng film na ito since the stage play pa naman… Sa pamamagitan ng musika… nae-elevate yung emotions nila... ‘Yun ‘yung mga aabangan natin sa Isang Himala…”
Director Pepe also shared his thoughts: “Very expressionist ang isang musical, and that’s what we wanted to do for this project… Containing the set also allowed us to record the songs live… I think it adds sa authenticity ‘pag pinanood mo ‘yung isang musical…”
Letranites only became more curious as the event progressed. Throughout the program, their eagerness to listen and learn from the industry veterans remained palpable. Their appreciation was consistently conveyed, as well. In one instance, Sir Ericson thanked an audience member for recognizing the meticulous work that went into the film set he made possible. Moreover, he spoke of the initial fear he felt upon taking on the project, inspiring the students to be courageous in all their endeavors.
A Communication student kept the dialogue going by probing into the director’s decision to retain the same cast from the 2019 stage play for his movie-musical adaptation of the classic Filipino tale. Additionally, she sought to gain a deeper understanding of how the cast was oriented or prepared for the transition from performing live shows to filming on set.
“For me, important ‘yon kasi first, ang tagal na nilang ino-occupy ang Cupang— they are Cupang…” he proclaimed. This reflected the importance he placed on preserving the essence of Himala, further demonstrating not only his respect for the deep connection the cast had with their roles and the community they represented, but his faith in their abilities to fill the shoes of their beloved characters no matter the medium.
Supplemental to this, drawing from realizations he had in the span of his impressive tenure in theater and film so far, Sir Vic remarked, “When you come from a place of truth and you know the outcome of your performance, that’s where you can truly apply your skills as an actor…”
The guest speakers addressed numerous inquiries about filmmaking, acting, and the industry, providing expert insights. When it was time for the last question, the audience audibly expressed their sadness, murmuring a collective “awww,” proving how engaged and captivated they were by the conversation, hoping it could go further.
Bright smiles returned to their faces during the photo opportunity segment, allowing Letranites to join Sir Ricky, Director Pepe, Ma’am Madonna, Sir Ericson, and Sir Vic on stage for picture-taking and autographs.
For Earl Cruz and Shyne Tomines, both 3rd year Communication students and aspiring media practitioners, the Campus Tour was successful in bringing to light the processes of filmmaking. Earl further elaborated on its impact by acknowledging how it made him more aware that there is still so much more to learn about the craft, and wished that some of his instructors shared the same understanding, particularly regarding the challenges of assigning large-scale productions with only a month or two to complete. As a Letranite, Earl believes that such an adjustment would better align students with those from competitive institutions, helping them thrive in the field.
At the holding area, The LANCE was also able to have brief exclusive interviews with some of the guest speakers and organizers when the event reached its conclusion.
When asked about the importance of the Campus Tour and why Isang Himala is being brought to young people, Ma’am Madonna responded by stating that, “You are the decision-makers and game-changers,” echoing previous sentiments about how crucial the involvement of the youth is in reestablishing and reinvigorating Filipino Cinema.
“Tanggapin niyong may kahon, magpasalamat kayo na may constraints and obstacles, banggain niyo ‘yung kahon, find your voice, and tell your story.” These were Sir Ricky Lee’s parting words, urging everyone to confront problems with resilience and determination. Instead of running from difficulties, he encourages every student to embrace the challenges they encounter, recognizing that struggles are an inevitable part of every journey— that it is through these obstacles that one can become better, and it is in confronting them head-on that one can discover their own identity and narrative.
Sir Ricky Lee’s message was clear: true progress does not come from avoiding adversity, but from overcoming it.
Assoc. Prof. Dasig credited the success of the Himig ng Isang Himala Campus Tour in Letran to the collective effort of everyone who participated and contributed. According to him, events such as this reflect the Colegio’s commitment to Outcomes-Based Education (OBE), assuring that there would be more initiatives such as this in the future.