“Himala” Lives On: A Divine Double Feature Celebrates Women’s Power in Cinema

Wazzup Pilipinas!

It was a cinematic experience unlike any other—where the past and present collided in reverence to the enduring power of women, storytelling, and Filipino creativity. In a stunning celebration of National Women’s Month, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System, in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), The Metropolitan Theater, and ABS-CBN Film Restoration’s Sagip Pelikula project, staged a soul-stirring back-to-back screening of Himala and Isang Himala under the ongoing tribute series, Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino.

A Morning of Miracles: Rediscovering the Classic “Himala”

The day began with a momentous milestone—the first-ever public screening of the newly restored black and white version of Himala. This timeless masterpiece, born from the formidable trio of National Artists—director Ishmael Bernal, screenwriter Ricky Lee, and the iconic Nora Aunor—was given new life in a format that emphasized the bleakness, stark truths, and haunting beauty of its message.

Set in the drought-stricken Barrio Cupang, Himala follows Elsa, played unforgettably by Aunor, a simple woman whose claimed apparition of the Virgin Mary sends her community spiraling into spiritual hysteria. The film's emotional gravity, social critique, and powerful visual metaphors have earned it a near-mythical status, sweeping the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival and gaining global recognition as one of the greatest Filipino films of all time.

Even decades later, Elsa’s haunting cry—“Walang himala!”—echoes with unsettling relevance in a world still grappling with blind faith, moral compromise, and collective delusion.

An Afternoon Reimagined: “Isang Himala” Bridges Stage and Screen

As the curtains lifted once more in the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to the musical reinterpretation of the classic—Isang Himala, directed by award-winning filmmaker Pepe Diokno and still penned by the brilliant Ricky Lee. Drawing inspiration from the stage musical of the same name, this film masterfully bridges the worlds of cinema and theater, breathing fresh life and rhythm into Elsa’s tragic tale.

This time, the mantle of Elsa was gracefully taken on by Aicelle Santos, whose vocal prowess and emotional depth transformed the character into a contemporary heroine. Backed by a stellar ensemble—Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, and MMFF 2024 Best Supporting Actress Kakki Teodoro—Isang Himala did more than revive a story; it recontextualized it for a generation living in the shadow of both disbelief and unyielding hope.

Through sweeping melodies and stirring performances, the film cast a new light on the themes of exploitation, spiritual manipulation, and the ways women’s bodies and beliefs are politicized and deified in times of crisis.

A Conversation Beyond the Screen: The Talkback Session

The day’s emotional crescendo extended beyond the theater as creators and cast gathered for a talkback session—an intimate dialogue on the portrayal of women in Philippine cinema. Diokno and cast members Santos, Escalante, Ezra, and Teodoro shared how their roles were shaped not only by Lee’s script but by the urgency to portray truth amidst illusion.

Kim Harold Peji of the Philippine Commission on Women joined the conversation, emphasizing the critical role of cultural programming in advancing gender sensitivity, equality, and empowerment. Their voices collectively underscored how storytelling, especially through film, can dismantle stereotypes, awaken consciences, and spark transformative change.

No Ordinary Screening—A Celebration of Filipino Brilliance and Feminine Strength

Both Himala and Isang Himala dared to hold a mirror to society’s deepest wounds—challenging viewers to confront their own beliefs and biases. These films are more than stories; they are sacred texts of Philippine cinema that question the divine, the absurd, and the all-too-human.

As the event concluded, NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz and NCCA GAD FPS Head Maricel Diaz awarded certificates of appreciation to the esteemed speakers, honoring not just their artistry but their commitment to truth-telling through film.

Indeed, Mga Hiyas ng Sineng Filipino lived up to its name, reminding us that in every powerful story lies a gem—waiting to be rediscovered, reinterpreted, and revered. And in this celebration of miracles and women, the legacy of Himala shines brighter than ever.

Walang himala? Sa sining at kababaihan—naroon ang himala.

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