Senator Imee Marcos, known for her love and support of Philippine cinema, is prouder than ever to learn that the musical version of the film "Himala" is an official entry to the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.
During a pandesal forum at Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Dec. 18, Imee mentioned her enduring love for musicals.
"I love musicals. Nakakatuwa naman dahil walang kamatayan ang kwento ng himala. It was presented in theater, books, plays, and now musicals for the big screen. I’m looking forward to seeing it," Senator Imee said.
(I love musicals. They are heartwarming because the story of 'Himala' continues to thrive. It has been represented in theater, books, plays, and now as a musical for the big screen. I look forward to seeing it.)
Imee said she was one of the producers of the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines that produced "Himala," an award-winning film starring Nora Aunor released in 1983.
According to Imee, creating the film was challenging because few were interested in a story about a cult.
"Walang may gusto ng kwento except me. Who will watch a film about a cult that would frustrate everyone in the end and say, ‘Walang himala.’ Hindi happy ending," Imee added.
(No one enjoys stories except for me. Who would watch a film about a cult that frustrates everyone in the end, only to conclude with, 'There is no miracle'? It’s definitely not a happy ending.)
She also mentioned that she appreciates the script's depiction of a genuine Filipino story about faith and life.
"Tuwang tuwa ako sa pagkasulat because for me, talagang Pilipino ang dating. Nangarap ang mga tao na magbabagong buhay ang lahat. It gave us hope so Pinoy na Pinoy talaga kahit kahibangan na," the senator added.
I am very happy with the script because it highlights the Filipino story. People dreamed that everything would change their lives, giving us hope. It's so Pinoy even when it's crazy.)
Despite the great reviews of the original film, Senator Imee mentioned that working with the legendary superstar Nora Aunor was quite challenging.
She was tied to a different studio that was unwilling to grant her the freedom to make another film. Ultimately, Ate Guy stopped appearing in her shoots, which really worried me.
“We were working on a government budget and I needed to answer everything. Armida Siguion-Reyna suggested that we move the shoot to another place far from Manila. She suggested Ilocos, so Nora would no longer leave," Senator Imee added.
Just when the senator thought everything was going well, there was a hiccup when Nora had an accident on her way home to Manila after filming in Ilocos.
"One time, she went home to Manila and had an accident on the road. But she was a real trooper and still agreed to continue shooting," she added.
Despite the mishaps, Senator Imee and her team produced a powerful film.
"Isang Himala" is inspired by the original movie "Himala," one of 10 official entries for this year's MMFF.