Ready to Make Miracles Happen: ISANG HIMALA Hits Theaters on December 25th for MMFF 2024

This film was on my list since I've heard of it. Surely, if you're a fan of the original film starring the one and only Superstar Ms. Nora Aunor in the 80's called HIMALA, this musical film called "ISANG HIMALA" would give you the same feels, but even more chills. This is the handy work of famed writer National Artist Ricky Lee and music by Vincent De Jesus. This is directed by Pepe Diokno and is officially an entry to the Metro Manila Film Fest 2024 who's also celebrating their 50th Anniversary. 

I've known Aicelle Santos for a few years now. It would be an understatement to call her A VERY TALENTED SINGER because I feel she's more than that. Her character Elsa who hails from a town called Cupang saw an apparition and began doing miracles with people. There's bound to be trouble with that because everyone would need to get healed and make things happen with that. Instead of getting better religious belief, they began fan service for the healer and Elsa wasn't going to take it. So in a nutshell it'll be the same story, but what will make this totally different is how they would tell it through music. For those who don't know, this has already been made into a musical (on stage), but there will be more things to offer now that they're doing the musical on the silver screen. Aicelle's voice will surely give you chills, but hold up, there's more to expect in this film!

Though there's Aicelle, she also has Bituin Escalante, Floyd Tena, David Ezra, Neomi Gonzales, Kakki Teodoro, Vic Robinson, Joann Co and an ensemble cast (hello Ivan Panganiban!) eager to tell this story. It's definitely not a one woman show, and with these powerful FILIPINO voices spun together, it's going to be a masterpiece waiting to happen.

Much of these folks may have not been seen on movies or TV, but they've got years of experience in theater which they'll be bringing to the table. They'll prove once again that pinoy singers reign supreme when it comes to singing, and this isn't even the karaoke type people fear in contests around the world. 

 

 

Ricky Lee says "I feel this is a tribute to the 1982 version we did in the past, when I met Vincent, I was glad it was being interpreted in different mediums. She (Nora Aunor) also will have participation in this film but you would need to watch it."

Pepe Diokno says "I fell in love when I watched the film, and the musical was the most powerful material on theater and I thought about it long after watching it. 42 years after watching it, I think it needs to be revisited, the difference is it's more emotional because of the songs."

Bituin Escalante adds "I never imagined I could be a mother, it's a family affair for me when my sister was cast in 2018, this is himaLOVE."

Aicelle adds "Back in 2018, Nora Aunor watched us on stage and I remember she told us how it was something that made her remember the shoot in 1982. She almost cried, and I've got proof of it. It was during the RAK of Aegis party when Sir Vincent approached me and told me I could do Elsa. I was taken aback because I saw the concert and how big the role is. I've had personal miracles, my brother myocardium issues, I prayed for him, and he opened his eyes. My Mom stopped crying, I really believe in miracles, this film just shows how we all have miracles of our own. There will be one on December 25. I think we have something to offer, it has historical and social content. We hope people get to watch it, especially since it is the only musical in the entries this year. I am more excited because it is hard to think of pressure, we enjoyed doing it so whatever it becomes, we welcome it."

Vince says "In 2003, Soxy Topacio asked me to work on a project with Ricky Lee, I wasn't crazy to say no. Things just come, the whole production is just a miracle for us including the MMFF 2024 nomination. The new music is originally piano but we made it into an orchestra, but it's now a little rock opera ish. The set actually fits the music, it is gritty and fierce."

Buckle up and go wear your Sunday outfits because "ISANG HIMALA" will hit theaters on December 25. Don't be afraid to sing a long with your friends and family, bring them along to the miracle that is "ISANG HIMALA", the official entry of Kapitol Films and UXS Inc. for the 50th Anniversary of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Alden Richards for CENTERSTAGE

Sunday will never be the same again now that CENTERSTAGE will premiere this evening. It's the new show hosted by Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards and Concert Jester Betong Sumaya. The show will be making superstars out of kids who would want to make their dreams come true every week. It is limited to 7-12 year olds but I got to do it a few days ago against some media reporters at the GMA Studios. I enjoyed it a lot even though I didn't win, but really, this is ingenious because they get to pick winners every week and new kids can get you out of contention if they sing much better than you. This just means you must do your best everytime so as not to lose your place in the competition. There are rings in the Centerstage which indicates how many times you've won so you get to do the next rounds, so you can expect this to run a couple of months. 

The judging panel is composed of International Theater actress and singer Aicelle Santos, Concert Queen Pops Fernandez and Music Director Mel Villena. They will be telling how you will advance on the rounds so make sure to please them as soon as the song plays on stage. This is obviously an original concept by GMA, like their previous successful ones, they know how you're gonna love this weekend show!

They will be scouring contestants from across the country and all you need to do is join, or watch at home. This is another exciting show hosted by Alden Richards who was so excited during the preview.

 

Aicelle Santos is Back in the Philippines

We have all been missing her. It’s been a year since she had gone to UK and did Miss Saigon’s Gigi Van Tranh. She’s Aicelle Santos and she’s back in the Philippines.

Aicelle says “Doing Gigi was very personal journey for me, she taught me a lot about myself as a person and being an actor. I wasn’t in my comfort zone, being away and far from home made me think about the important things in life. It made me cherish family and friends, it made me more independent. Whenever I open a show for any musical or concert, I am really nervous, but it was so good to hear them applaud, I felt that surge of power. I am the same me but I just learned to wear a bikini, it was a holistic experience. Living alone was hard, homesickness is real, but it reminds you why you are there. I am glad to go home and do this musical show on GMA.”

About getting married she says “It felt so nice to be here, to hold hands, to walk in a mall and simply just do boyfriend and girlfriend things. The long distance relationship wasn’t really hard, one year went by so fast, the only thing weird about the distance is touch, but we waited. We also surprised each other twice. The experience doing that made me realize things, it is a blessing, I even learned a lot in my solitude.”

Aicelle will be performing in Ballet Philippines’ Tales of Manuvu, the local production showcasing the culture of the Manobo tribe in Mindanao. It is a pop rock opera ballet and will end on March 31st. She will also be part of successful show Studio 7. She will also do the role of Elsa in the Himala: Isang Musikal by Sandbox Collective and 9Works Theatrical Group. They have received several standing ovations in that project and she is very grateful to be part of it.

She adds “I want to live in the moment and embrace life. I want to thank everyone who supports me, and to the Lord who continues to guide me in this path. Here’s to creating more music and marrying the man I love!”

Aicelle would like to thank her GMA Artist Center family, her sponsors for the short luncheon Sapporo Noodles, Dentiste and Aficionado Perfumes.

Make sure you watch out for her as her star shines brighter this year!

Aicelle Santos for "AWIT NA AICELLE!" at the Music Museum

She's gorgeous, she's talented and very much a good soul. It's probably the reason why she's blessed because it takes a lot to be Aicelle Santos. She's the Rock and soul diva she just had us at awe when she appeared for a bog conference in Palm Grill Tomas Morato yesterday.

She says "I love soul, rnb music and if it's about the discipline, theater had me. I have to rehearse not just because of money, but you have to feed your passion, you have to feed your soul."

We also saw her dish out tunes with the country's one and only Regine Velasquez Alcasid during the Regine 3.0 concert, with how the netizens saw her performance they completely were taken aback on how she was able to carry a song with Asia's songbird. She humbly says "I was just singing as usual, it was something that was expected of me but I too was surprised on how the netizens lauded me for that performance. I am just blessed".

Here's our interview with the lovely lady:

Here's how she slayed us with her new song:

If you need tickets to the show, you may get it from Ticketnet outlets (8919999), GMA Artist Center and at the Music Museum entrance (7216726) on the day of the event. Don't miss it on November 30, 2017. You'll love her even more! That I'm sure!

This is produced by GMA Artist Center and Stages. 

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Aicelle Santos Launches New EP "Liwanag"

Moments like these make me feel special. We got to talk to a very talented singer a few weeks ago and she's Aicelle Santos. She's coveted the title of Traffic Diva lately (in hit afternoon show Eat Bulaga) but she's been singing Aegis songs these past few months/years for the theater adaptation dedicated to the iconic Filipino band's music. She's out with a new EP now called "Liwanag" which she independently produced. She's had a hand in choosing, composing, and arranging the songs that's why she feels it's a little personal this time.

Aicelle says "This isn't your typical love song playlist and each song gives a unique message about bringing positivity, light, hope and love."

This is also going to be distributed by HOMEWORKZ RECORDS which is the record label of RnB Prince JayR. It's now in stores and is available in leading record bars, Astrovision and Astroplus branches nationwide. Aside from the physical CD's, it's now available in digital format in iTunes and Deezer. Included in the album are 6 tracks with "Kapangyarihan ng Pag-ibig", "Liwanag" (her carrier single), "Tuloy-Tuloy Lang", "Palaging Ikaw", Imma Be By Your Side, and the popular Be with You (which is part of The Rich Man's Daughter's official soundtrack). 

Here's our short interview with the artist when we asked her about making this album:




Here's one of the tracks which she sang during the event:




I've been listening to her album the last couple of days and have grown fond of the song "Tuloy-Tuloy Lang" but I know you may probably like the very emotional and positive "Liwanag" included in the album. I bet you'll feel good since the former is catchy and good vibe inducing especially when you have it on your playlist in the morning.

Congratulations Aicelle! You did good.

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Aicelle Santos In Her "Class A" Birthday Concert

Aicelle Santos isn't really new to the singing and performing. We've all loved her during her stints in the group La Diva. You might have missed her performing every week in Sunday All Stars or any program on GMA, but when she decided to turn a leaf and make her own path, she didn't know opportunities like these would open up for her. Aside from her great performances and awards in the critically acclaimed runs of "Rak of Aegis", she's now braving to have her own concert entitled "Class A" at the PETA theater on the 25th of February. She's also releasing a couple of tracks, hopefully an album too in the next few months. The concert too will be sort of her celebration, it's her birthday as well.  It's the opportune time to do it, yes I believe it's her time!

Aicelle says "After the second run of Rak of Aegis, I thought of having a concert and do it in February so it coincides with my birthday. I suggested it to GMA Artist Center and they agreed, Stages came (production of Carlo Orosa) and it was conceptualized then. The guests, we started calling them one by one and they all agreed to take part in this. I am so happy because I will be with my Nanay Regine Velasquez Alcasid, with my Ate Kyla with my friend Gian Magdangal and with my idol and icon Ms. Celeste Legazpi. It's definitely is a concert where I'll be singing songs that would be really close to me, some even more musical in nature, but all the production numbers will have a bit of dancing.

It's a Wednesday and People Power day so I hope everyone would come. The songs really, would be a surprise. The guests. all really play an important part of my life. It's my personal favorites, everything was penned by me, the list of songs will be a story. It's the story of Aicelle, my journey, we'll go there. I consider the two musicals as my biggest break, I've known my self as a singer but with musical theater, it's a new thing, it's a wonderful thing to come back to. Rak of Aegis was a blessing because I won an award for it. I see friends per group, but usually on my birthday I just spend it with my family.

I actually was a little kilig when I saw that Mr. Gary Valenciano told such wonderful things, when he saw me perform too together with Ms. Cherie Gil and other great actors, you would want to do more, it gets you fired up and get you inspired. You want to explore a lot of roles now, with the recent discovery of this path, this process, I want to do other things. You don't stop learning, I though I only was here on earth to sing, when I got to GGSS I even did Jaya. It's at that point where I want to try new things, I want to swim, climb mountains, things like that. TV, I've done small roles in soap operas, well in times that I didn't do any soaps I was busy with recordings and Rak of Aegis.

She gave us a short sample of what to expect during her concert, it's a surprise she says but we can always give her a nudge to let us know how it'll look like live!

Kapangyarihan ng Pagibig (Power of Love) is by Junjee Marcelo is so nice, it's got really good melody. It's out on itunes and other streaming sites, in a few months I hope it's going to be an EP, perhaps to be distributed by Ivory Records. I'm very hands on with this because this is self produced. It's a different sound and it's totally different with the La Diva vibe. I grew up with this vibe, with this sound. The EP will kinda sound like this and I hope people would go and download it off these sites. Valentines day I was with my family, about love, for now I'm very single but not really ready to mingle. I'm not dating. The track by the way is the power of love from the creator, from the one you love. It's a way of giving thanks, there are so many miracles in my family that I want to share that. I turned Christian two years ago and that made me realize a lot to be thankful for. I'm excited to hear what people would think. I don't think La Diva would be out for good, we're still friends. This doesn't mean we're not going to perform as a group soon, but we're all good, we're just taking time apart doing solo stuff which I think can be helpful to our careers.

For a newbie to be nominated was an overwhelming thing, usually you get to only receive things in singing but getting that was not in the plans. I pray for things to happen but I don't know in particular what will happen and when it does, it just startles me. I'm very thankful. This sound that you'll hear from my concert is something very close to me, I chose these tracks all by myself and I'm thankful for the composers for working for me. The song Liwanag is my own work, I wrote and put in music so you'll hear a piece of me when the album comes out too. I got frustrated going out in events singing foreign songs and a single OPM track so I made my own song. Funny, it wasn't a prayer but the feeling was, I had like divine intervention. I finished it the next day so it was quick, it only took me about more or less 20 minutes. I have others, but it was all about young love. For now I'm happy with how my career is going and I would love to perform with La Diva again, I think we just had to, I feel it was just time to make our own tracks. We all have our own taste, I just pray they like my singles. I hope someone notice how nice it is because this is what I do, this is how my sound is like now. I'd like to have a duet with Mr. Gary V, it would be a dream to have one with him. Also, Ms. Lani and Sir Martin. With singing, I'm really thankful for it and I hope I could do more theater stuff. I would audition for any role that would have a big voice. I couldn't handle anything too sweet, but I would do it too as a challenge. If given a chance, why not."

Then when I posted her wish on Instagram (because Ms. Angeli Pangilinan follows me there and on Twitter!), this happened!

I guess dreams do come true! :)

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter