BITUIN ESCALANTE HOPES FOR A POST-MMFF LIFE FOR 'ISANG HIMALA'

BITUIN ESCALANTE, ONE OF THE STARS OF THE 50th Metro Manila Film Festival entry, "Isang Himala," is realistic yet hopeful about the movie musical's potential to reach a wider audience even after the festival.

- By Nathalie M. Tomada

Directed by Pepe Diokno, cowritten by National Artist Ricky Lee and topbilled by Aicelle Santos, “Isang Himala” is the film adaptation of the 2018 musical play, which was based itself on the 1982 classic film “Himala” starring National Artist Nora Aunor.

In an exclusive chat with The STAR for her 25th-anniversary concert in May at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati, Bituin shared her thoughts on the challenges the film has faced since becoming one of the 10 official entries of the annual filmfest and even after winning awards during the Gabi ng Parangal.

At the awards night last Dec. 27, it was named fourth Best Picture apart from earning the Special Jury Prize, Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for Kakki Teodoro, Best Original Theme Song for Juan Karlos (Ang Himala ay Nasa Puso) and Best Musical Score for Vincent de Jesus.

When asked whether she felt disappointed about the film’s boxoffice performance and limited screenings, Bituin, who played the character Aling Saling in the film, admitted she approaches such matters pragmatically.

“Ako, realistic akong tao eh. So, the mere fact na naging pelikula siya, big deal na sa akin ‘yun. The mere fact na mas malaki yung audience na na-reach niya, big deal na sa akin ‘yun,” she said.

However, she acknowledged the missed opportunities due to limited distribution.