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Jun Robles Lana praises Hilda Koronel’s dedication in ‘Sisa’

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1773373155485649645558_10162999609361731_8195450440315096092_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Jun Robles Lana with Hilda Koronel. Jun Robles Lana/Facebook</div>MANILA — Director Jun Robles Lana paid tribute to veteran actress Hilda Koronel in a social media post Thursday, recalling moments from the production and promotion of their historical film “Sisa” as the actress prepares to return to the United States.In a Facebook post, Lana described Koronel as both a “legend” of Philippine cinema and a private person who prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight.“In a few days, Hilda Koronel flies back to the US. Most know her as a pillar of Philippine cinema,” Lana wrote. “But to those who know her best, she is simply Susan,” referring to the actress by her real name.Koronel returned to the Philippines to film “Sisa,” marking her first movie appearance in more than a decade.Directed by Lana, “Sisa” is a historical thriller set during the final years of the Philippine-American War and follows a woman who survives a massacre and later seeks revenge while pretending to be insane.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2026/3/6/movie-review-sisa-is-a-brutal-hijacking-of-a-national-ghost-1607">Movie review: ‘Sisa’ is a brutal hijacking of a national ghost</a></div>The film had its world premiere at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia in November 2025 and opened in Philippine cinemas last March 4.In his post, Lana shared anecdotes from filming in Tarlac, where principal photography took place during the height of summer. Despite the extreme heat, the director said Koronel remained unfazed.He recalled one instance when the production needed to capture a shot atop a distant hill before sunset.“I asked if she was game,” Lana wrote. “Without hesitation, she started running. We all panicked and ran after her, afraid she might trip. She reached the top. We got the shot.”Lana also praised Koronel’s acting, describing her screen presence as the emotional center of the film.“To say her eyes are cinema is no exaggeration,” he said, adding that some actors perform a role while others leave performances that endure.The director also remembered lighter moments during the film’s international festival run in Tallinn, where he said the two shared drinks in a bar before strolling through the city’s Christmas market.“Sisa” has continued to gain recognition overseas, recently <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2026/3/8/hilda-koronel-led-sisa-wins-best-screenplay-at-portugal-s-fantasporto-1609">winning the Best Screenplay award</a> at the Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal.Koronel, known for classic performances in films such as “Insiang” and “Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag,” has long been regarded as one of the defining actresses of Philippine cinema.For Lana, working with her was both a professional and personal milestone.“Working with her hasn’t just inspired my filmmaking,” he wrote. “It has changed the way I think about what it means to endure.”

In a Facebook post, Lana described Koronel as both a “legend” of Philippine cinema and a private person who prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight.

In a Facebook post, Lana described Koronel as both a “legend” of Philippine cinema and a private person who prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight.

Jun Robles Lana praises Hilda Koronel’s dedication in ‘Sisa’ as actress returns to US

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Jun Robles Lana praises Hilda Koronel’s dedication in ‘Sisa’ as actress returns to US

ABS-CBN News

Published March 13, 2026 11:43 AM PHT

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Jun Robles Lana

Hilda Koronel

Sisa

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