Cheyenne Suarez

Bituin Escalante on finding the right voice in ‘Isang Himala’

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

<p>MANILA -- Bituin Escalante has been in the entertainment industry for 24 years, has won accolades, and has performed all over the world, and her stars continue to align.</p><p>The star that she is, Escalante completed the film &quot;Isang Himala&quot; for Metro Manila Film Festival 2024 as Aling Saling, the character she previously performed in 2018 in the stage musical &quot;Himala: Isang Musikal.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1733454514738image0 (6).jpeg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Singer Bituin Escalanta. Photo by Josh Mercado"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Singer Bituin Escalanta.<em> Photo by Josh Mercado</em></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>When asked about her role and the difference between performing it on stage and on screen, the powerhouse vocalist told ABS-CBN News, “I play Nanay Saling, the woman who takes in the abandoned/orphaned Elsa. I was fortunate enough to be offered the role. There was not much difference in my portrayal. There were some added scenes but not much was changed.”</p><p>She then spoke about her collaboration with filmmaker Pepe Diokno, who received Best Director and Second Best Picture for the film &quot;GomBurZa” last year.</p><p>“He is a truly collaborative director. He had tremendous respect for Ricky Lee’s story and Vincent de Jesus’ music, and also for the way we had interpreted it. I cannot wait to see his touch and how it will become his, as much as we have all made ‘Himala’ our own,” she shared.</p><p>In music, the OPM singer is known for reaching high notes gracefully. Does a star like her have to rehearse vocally for a musical film like &quot;Isang Himala&quot;?</p><p>“With all due respect, I hardly have a perfect voice. With a role like this, it’s about finding the right voice for her. Character informs how she speaks, and everything follows from there,” she humbly replied.</p><p>Escalante is grateful for many things, especially the opportunity to participate in the MMFF&#x27;s 50th anniversary celebration.</p><p>Being a part of the reimagined version of the musical &quot;Himala&quot; is an honor for her, as she places her trust in the story and the people behind it.</p><p>“First and foremost, it is a musical. A tried and tested one at that, that has won numerous awards and accolades from critics and peers,” she shared with ABS-CBN News. </p><p>“I have complete faith in Ricky Lee, Vince de Jesus, and Pepe Diokno. I only hope that it resonates with the moviegoing public,” Escalante added. </p><p>Produced by CreaZion Studios, Kapitol Films, and UxS, “Isang Himala” also stars Aicelle Santos, David Ezra, Kakki Teodoro, Neomi Gonzales, Vic Robinson, and Floyd Tena. It opens in cinemas on December 25. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/07/06/23/bituin-escalante-joins-tawag-ng-tanghalan-as-judge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bituin Escalante joins &#x27;Tawag ng Tanghalan&#x27; as newest judge</a></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ldFRESF8b0?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Bituin Escalante is grateful for many things, especially the opportunity to participate in the MMFF's 50th anniversary celebration.</p>

Bituin Escalante is grateful for many things, especially the opportunity to participate in the MMFF's 50th anniversary celebration.