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MANILA, Philippines — Beyond being a Filipino musical film, “Song of the Fireflies” resonates with a global audience as it explores the universal themes of resilience, hope and the power of dreams. This was how producer Girlie Rodis, director King Palisoc and the cast described the movie at a recent mediacon.
According to the media release, the “Song of the Fireflies” is a tribute to the extraordinary journey of the Loboc Children’s Choir, which started in the 1980s in the quiet riverside town of Loboc, Bohol. Composed of children as young as nine to 13 years old, the choir had to rise above poverty, limited resources and natural calamities — all in pursuit of a single dream: to let their voices be heard beyond the walls of their classroom.
Their dreams burned brightly, fanned by the steadfast guidance of their teacher, Ma’am Alma Taldo (portrayed by Morissette), and the unwavering support of Equet Butalid (Rachel Alejandro), a cultural advocate of Bohol who believed deeply in their talent.
The choir’s dedication and talent earned them the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining, the highest award given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines. They also brought home recognition from the European Folksongs Festival in Barcelona, Spain twice (in 1993 and 1995) and clinched the coveted Gold Medal in the children’s choir category in 2001.
Morissette (right) as Ma’am Alma Taldo and Rachel Alejandro as the cultural advocate of Bohol Equet Butalid in a scene from the movie.
The film garnered major awards at the 2025 Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles (LA), such as the Audience Award for Best Picture, Best Actress (Morissette), Best Supporting Actress (Rachel), Best Supporting Actor (Noel Comia Jr.) and a Special Award. It also won the Platinum Remi Award at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. It will be mounting its homecoming premiere in cinemas nationwide starting June 25.
Girlie shared that the flick resonated with not just Filipinos but with international viewers as well. “The Americans, Chinese reporters, two Taiwanese creatives who came to our Houston screening and then in LA, we had quite a few Americans (in the audience) and then we had families with children as young as 10 years old. And it was to our great delight (seeing) the reaction of even the 10-year-old grandson of my former teacher,” she recalled.
‘Song of the Fireflies’ cast members Noel Comia Jr., Krystal Brimner, Morissette, director King Palisoc, producer Girlie Rodis and MQuest Artists Agency head Jeff Remigio at a recent mediacon.
“He was so happy with the film. He couldn’t stop talking about it that he had to tell his classmates in school the next day. That’s what his grandmother told me on Facebook messenger. And then there was this American who flew from San Francisco to Texas just to watch our movie. And every time I would call our film our little film, she would protest. She said your film is not a little film, it’s a big film because it resonates with all of us.”
The veteran talent manager was pleased to hear such compliments from foreigners. She commended the cast who were able to convey the message of the film to different ages and nationalities. “I would say it was a magical experience to be part of this endeavor,” she added.
As for direk King, he recounted the delightful experience they had while filming in Bohol. “Imagine, the production crew and the cast in a very beautiful small town called Loboc. We had the river to ourselves. So we shot in a very pristine location, and it had never been used for shooting before, never captured in a film or any video,” he furthered.
He likewise cited the choir who did not only act but also sang beautifully. “We would have scenes inside the church. We would have scenes interacting with kids.”
He added that the filming was sort of a “retreat” for him. “Parang yung soul ko busog na busog sa experience (it felt like my soul was full from the experience) because of this film, which is very different from how I experienced other films. Parang ang sarap sa soul ng pelikulang ‘to (It’s like this film is nourishing to the soul). And I hope it translates when people get to see it.”
Morissette, for her part, felt blessed to be surrounded by a supportive team, cast and crew during taping. She said, “But, for me, ultimately this film really did capture the essence of being a Filipino. Our film is not only musical but it’s a film with such beautiful music by icons of our country so I feel like we are able to share the musical side as well as the story about family, closeness to one another, family time and just resilience.”
“Song of the Fireflies” features music by established composers Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, Raimund Marasigan, Jazz Nicolas and Krina Cayabyab.
The Cebuana singer also took pride in showcasing her Bisaya roots in the movie. “Bohol is a neighbor of ours. I’m proud to (share) such a simple story from the Loboc Children’s Choir, which is something that is worth telling and sharing.”
In a video call, Rachel said that she was ecstatic to tell “such a beautiful story of the magical voices of the choir” and noted Filipinos’ deep-seated passion for singing. “I think that’s what the film really captures and that’s what I’m so proud to bring to the whole world like Tita Girlie mentioned earlier,” she enthused and announced that they are bringing the film to Toronto in July.
Krystal Brimner, who’s part of the Lobo Children’s Choir in the film, gushed over her experience in Bohol. “It was such a beautiful (place). It was my first time going there and it didn’t even feel like work really,” she stated.
The young actress developed a close bond with the choir while filming there. “We were so sad that it had to end at some point but it was such a wonderful experience and I don’t think anything can ever replace it.
“This movie just captures so much about what being Filipino is like having so much talent, having so much hope, loving everyone around you.”
Noel, for his part, found that the film resonates with Filipinos because “andito yung Filipino experience currently and there’s also the nostalgia factor because it’s set in the ‘80s. I had so much fun being part of this production.”
He thanked direk King and the team behind the film and expressed how honored he was to act alongside Morissette, Rachel and the other cast members.
“Song of the Fireflies” also stars Chai Fonacier, Via Antonio, Cai Cortez, Tommy Alejandrino, Alex Medina and more.
The film is produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions with MQuest Ventures, in cooperation with Quezon City Film Development Commission, CMB Film Services, and Hartman Communications.
