Nora Aunor (left) in “Himala (1982)” and Aicelle Santos in “Isang Himala (2024).” Images: Courtesy of Experimental Cinema of the Philippines and CreaZion Studios
While the enigmatic aura of Nora Aunor is her defining trait as Elsa in the 1982 film “Himala,” National Artist Ricky Lee pointed out that Aicelle Santos’ take on the character highlights how an ordinary person was selected to be the chosen one.
Lee is the screenwriter of the classic film starring Aunor as the titular Elsa, who was claimed to be the “chosen one” after allegedly encountering a Marian apparition. Forty-two years later, he returned as the co-scriptwriter of the 2024 musical film with Santos taking reign as the character.
The National Artist and composer Vincent de Jesus decided to adapt the film’s screenplay into “Himala: Isang Musikal” in 2003 which was first staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). It was then restaged in 2013 by the Philippine Educational Theater Association, then in 2018 by 9 Works Theatrical and The Sandbox Collective where Santos portrayed the lead character.
According to Lee, what separates Santos from Aunor’s portrayal of Elsa, is how the latter is more “subtle” to her contemporary counterpart. He added that a person’s dark side couldn’t be properly seen in real life, which can be properly portrayed through the musical.
“Kay Nora, ginawa naming mas subtle. Ang Elsa niya ay subtle na subtle lang. Lumalabas lang na enigmatic si Nora, makikita mo [kung sino siya] sa mata niya,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the media con of the MMFF 2024 entry.
“Noong ginawa namin ang play and film, naging mas klaro na ang dark side ni Elsa. ‘Yung kanta niya kung [saan humiling siya] maging immortal, klaro na, mas luminaw na,” he continued.
(We made Nora subtle. Her portrayal of Elsa is very subtle. Nora was very enigmatic, but you would know the character’s nuances through her eyes. Elsa’s dark side became clear when we did the play and film. She had a song where she asked to be immortal, which made her characterization more apparent to the audience.)
The cast, director, scriptwriter, and team behind “Isang Himala.” Image: Courtesy of CreaZion Studios
Elsa before, then now
When asked what makes Santos the “perfect Elsa” instead of a well-known actress, Lee said it is her “ordinary” nature that solidifies the stand as the “chosen one.”
“Kapag may commercial appeal na, meron siyang dinadala na consciousness. Pero si Aicelle, para siyang ordinary person na gaya natin na [maaaring mangyari] ang himala. Hindi tayo Nora. Enigmatic si Nora. Chosen siya,” he said. “Pero si Elsa ngayon, chosen siya pero ordinary siyang tao. May dark side rin siya. Hindi nila pinilit na pantayan. Iniba nila.”
(If an actress has a commercial appeal, she brings an air of consciousness to her. But Aicelle is like an ordinary person who can experience miracles. We’re not Nora. Nora is enigmatic and she’s chosen. But Elsa is now chosen, but she’s ordinary. She also has a dark side. The film didn’t force itself to come close to the 1982 material. They made it different.)
The National Artist also noted that “Isang Himala” is a “tribute” to the 1982 film. “Mula noong ipalabas ito noon, matapos ay naging musikal sa entablado at ngayon naman ay naging pelikula base sa musikal.”
“Sa palagay ko patuloy itong magkakaroon ng iba’t ibang bersyon at magpapatuloy pa ang pagkukwento natin ng tungkol sa himala,” he further explained.
(When it was first shown in theaters, it became a musical onstage. It is now a film based on the musical. I feel that it will spawn many versions and we will continue to tell stories based on miracles.)
For Lee, what makes “Himala’s” storyline relevant is how wanting a “strong figure” to take control of the public resonates until today. “Masarap isipin na hanggang ngayon, malakas siya pati na rin ang issues na tinatackle niya. Pero nakakalungkot pa ring isipin na relevant pa rin ang issues niya.”
“Sa ngayon, karamihan sa ating mga kababayan ay naghihintay pa rin ng isang Elsa na magliligtas, kakapitan, at magpapakita sa kanila ang daan,” he continued. “Hindi nila nare-realize na nasa puso ninyo ang magbibigay ng solusyon, hindi si Elsa.”
(It’s nice to hear that its story remains strong today, even the issues it covers. But it makes me sad knowing that its issues are still relevant. Until now, many of our countrymen have longed for an Elsa who will save, be a pillar, and will show the right path. They haven’t realized that it is within ourselves to solve our problems, not an Elsa.)
The Pepe Diokno-helmed film also stars Bituin Escalante, Floyd Tena, Neomi Gonzales, David Ezra, and Kakki Teodoro.