‘Isang Himala’ Is Now Streaming Online
The musical film Isang Himala is now streaming on Netflix beginning November 6.
Isang Himala is a musical film adaptation of Himala written by National Artist Ricky Lee, with music by Vincent A. DeJesus. The film is an adaptation of the 2018 and 2019 stage musical Himala: Isang Musikal, produced by The Sandbox Collective and 9 Works Theatrical, and directed by Ed Lacson Jr. That stage production was based on the 1982 film Himala, also written by Lee and directed by National Artist for Film Ishmael Bernal. The original film, which starred Nora Aunor as Elsa, is considered one of the most important works in Philippine cinema for its examination of faith and community.
Set in the drought-stricken town of Cupang, Isang Himala follows Elsa (played by Aicelle Santos), a young woman who claims to have seen the Virgin Mary during an eclipse and begins healing the sick. As villagers gather in search of miracles, belief and skepticism come into conflict.
Directed by Pepe Diokno, with cinematography by Carlo Mendoza, the film features the ensemble cast from Himala: Isang Musikal. Aicelle Santos reprises her role as Elsa, joined by Kakki Teodoro as Nimia, Neomi Gonzales as Chayong, Bituin Escalante as Aling Saling, David Ezra as Orly, Vic Robinson as Pilo, Floyd Tena as Pari, Sweet Tiongson as Mrs. Alba, and Joann Co as Sepa.
Isang Himala premiered at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which also featured Green Bones, And the Breadwinner Is…, The Kingdom, among others.
Kakki Teodoro received the Best Supporting Actress award at the 48th Gawad Urian Awards in 2025, after previously winning the same category at the 2024 MMFF for her performance as Nimia.
Audiences can also revisit the music of Isang Himala through its full movie soundtrack, available on Spotify and Apple Music.
The film’s Netflix release highlights how Himala continues to find new forms of expression more than four decades after its first telling.
Comments