Celeste Legaspi proud of her second production venture

The idea to make the story about the Loboc Children's Choir is credited to the producers—Celeste Legaspi and Girlie Rodis—of Culturtain Musicat Productions.

- By LEAH C. SALTERIO

Their first film was "Ang Larawan," the award-winning entry shown in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

"We wanted to do a second film that would be worth it, like 'Ang Larawan,'" producer Celeste said. "We thought that 'Ang Larawan' was about inspiring people and excellence in the craft. That was what we found in the story of 'Ma'am Alma Taldo and the Loboc Children's Choir. They are completely dedicated to excellence and committed to being the very best the Filipino can be."

"Their story came from a small town. All they had was talent, hard work and commitment. We thought that was a great story to put in film that will inspire the Filipinos when they watch the film," she added.

Hence, "Song of the Fireflies" came about. Sarge Lacuesta wrote the screenplay, King Palisoc worked at the helm.

"Our main responsibility was to portray Ma'am Alma (Taldo) as honestly as we could," said Celeste.

Celeste is the film's executive producer.

"She's a very special person. Morissette embraced that challenge. She's used to performing in concerts and on television, but she had to find that part of her that's just about honesty. She hardly wore makeup. The clothes were very plain and simple. I will not wear those clothes. But Morissette embraced everything."

"We really sat her down and told her the challenge that she would portray Alma as honestly as she can. She knew after meeting Ma'am Alma and learning from her," continued she. "Morissette was really an asset for the film from the very beginning. Aside from the fact that she is Bisaya. She knew that. And we had to shoot in Bohol, also in Manila."

The film boasts "great music," as Celeste beamed. Morissette's singing and rendition were so heartfelt.