Following the success of the musical movie "Ang Himala," OPM icon Bituin Escalante described the last two months of 2024 as overwhelming due to a flurry of corporate events and the Metro Manila Film Festival. The critically acclaimed film was one of the 10 official entries for the holiday festival.

Bituin mentioned that it was the first time she had celebrated the holidays, almost away from her family. Fortunately, they bonded on Christmas Day and watched "Ang Himala" on opening day.

"When you're a singer, you get to be invited to corporate events. And then, we have to promote 'Ang Himala' for the MMFF. So ngayon pa lang ako nakaka-catch up. Pero nakatulog na ako," Bitun said.

Bituin recalled being proud when "Ang Himala" was included in the annual film festival. "I was already proud when the musical came out on stage a few years ago. With the movie, you reached a broader audience. I was so happy when I watched it on Christmas Day. The soul of the movie is there."

"Iba pa rin ang discipline sa movies. We need to do the scenes many times just to get all the angles right. It was difficult. Even if we have done it to do something so taxing, it was challenging. But no matter how challenging it was, if you have confidence in the material, it's okay," the singer said.

Bituin took the opportunity to express her views regarding the critics of the movie, highlighting the fact that many of them have formed their opinions without actually watching it. She emphasized the importance of experiencing the film before passing judgment, suggesting that a more informed perspective could lead to a deeper understanding of its themes and message.

"I appreciate constructive criticisms and enjoy reading them. But when someone hasn't seen a film, it doesn't make sense. Like in the filmfest. The success of one is everyone's success.

"I don't want people bashing the frontrunners. 'And The Breadwinner Is ...' starring Vice Ganda, without his movie, we wouldn't have a festival. We need those juggernauts to keep the festival going.

"But I also understand the heartbreak of producers whose movies have a limited number of theaters. I think it's unfair. Give them more because they need a bigger audience. 

"I agree with the plea of producers to have more theaters, but honestly, I didn't know how to address the problem. A theater musical has almost zero chance of getting made like 'Isang Himala.'

"Since we were accepted in MMFF, we have theaters. Some complained about the limited number of theaters, but at least we have theaters. We still got made. Now our movie is 'immortal,' " she added.

Bituin noted that it took years for the original "Himala," starring Nora Aunor and released in 1982, to gain recognition.

"When the original 'Himala' came out, it wasn't a blockbuster. Slowly, it gained recognition, but it took decades," she said.

Reflecting on "Ang Himala," which continues to be shown in cinemas, Bituin expressed her happiness that it was finally made.

"I am happy that 'Ang Himala' was made and reached an audience. I won't complain anymore," Bituin said. "We had full audiences, and we got standing ovations."

Asked if the Filipino audience is ready for musical movies, Bituin said: "I won't wait if they are ready or not. Just like in the movie 'Field of Dreams,' if you make it, it will come. So far, they have come. We have good audiences."

Bituin expressed that her favorite moments in the movie were "the quiet conversations that reveal the true relationships of the characters."

On improving her craft, Bituin answered: "I always arrive on the set thinking I'm the dumbest person. I think you need to be open to suggestions from your directors. There's no attempt to improve yourself. You can only give your best. I don't attempt to be the greatest. So, I take it one step at a time."

Bituin described theater actors who jumped to the mainstream as fabulous, saying they have proven naysayers wrong.

"Being in showbiz is not easy. It takes so much effort. Ang dami na nila (who went mainstream). This is not a new thing. Just respect your craft. People who came from the theaters have respect for the craft," she said.

Bituin also shared her unsolicited advice with the younger actors.

"You need to sleep and take care of your body. Invest in your instrument. In the past, I used to drink and smoke every night. I partied until early morning. You think it will never catch up, but it does eventually.

"So this early, I am telling the young people to sleep, drink lots of water, and don't abuse your body. Don't be a rockstar," she said.

Bituin added: "Just respect the work. Respect everyone on the set. Everyone is your equal. What one person does is just a lot of work you're doing."

Having been in the entertainment industry for many years, Bituin said she never considered giving up. "My basis is that I'm working, and I love the work that I'm doing. Every time I compare myself to the person last year or in the previous years, there is growth; I still love what I'm doing, I can support my family, and we are in a good place; that should be enough. Do things need to be redefined for every artist?" 

Bituin idolizes female OPM singers Mitch Valdez, Ella Mae Saison, Vernie Varga, and Regine Velasquez.

On male artists she admires, Bituin said: "I love Rico J. Puno, Basil Valdez, Baron Barbers. I love songs being sung by male artists."

If there were two Filipino singers suited for musical theaters, it would be Martin Nievera and Jed Madela. "Their voices are built for musical theaters. These two singers are on my wish list."

What's next for Bituin?

Considered one of the best Filipino singers, Bituin has exciting plans, asserting that her schedule for 2025 will be significantly busier than the previous year, 2024.

As she approaches a significant milestone in her career, Bituin is set to celebrate her 25th year in the entertainment industry with a grand concert later this year. 

"We will announce it soon. It will be a monumental celebration highlighting the beautiful intersection of music found in movies and theatrical performances,” Bituin revealed, expressing her enthusiasm for the event.

In addition to her concert, fans can also look forward to seeing Bituin in a new musical towards the end of 2025. 

While details remain under wraps for now, sources indicate that the project is well underway in development.

Producers are expected to make a formal announcement soon, unveiling more about the musical and Bituin's anticipated role in it. 

With this array of projects, it's clear that Bituin’s commitment to her craft will continue to shine brightly in the coming years.

Now a mother of two teens, Bituin rose to fame when she interpreted the song "Paano Na" for the 2000 Metropop Festival. Written by Arnold Reyes, the song won second prize.

In 2002, Bituin truly established her presence in the music industry by interpreting the iconic Filipino song "Kung Ako Na Lang Sana" at the Himig Handog Music Love Song Festival. The song which won grand prize was composed by Soc Villanueva.

Bituin also won Best Interpreter in the same competition. Twenty-three years have passed since its release, yet the song still resonates deeply with today's youth, evoking a range of emotions and memories. 

Its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to inspire and connect with new generations, passing on its legacy and relevance across the years.

Bituin was confident the song would eventually be a hit due to its beauty. "It's a breakup song, but it was beautiful. Some people would approach me and they would tell me how the song touched them."

Indeed, Bituin is the name that she was given at birth, and it holds a special significance in her life. It translates to "star" in English, reflecting a sense of brightness and hope in her identity.