By David Ricardo Ferro, Spotlight PH Correspondent
If you’ve ever been part of a *choir, if you’ve ever stood side by side with fellow singers pouring your heart out in harmony — then *Song of the Fireflies is the film you never knew you needed.
I watched it recently, and I still haven’t gotten over the beauty and emotional power of this movie. It’s more than just a story — it’s a tribute to the unsung heroes of Philippine music: our choristers, mentors, and the communities that nurtured them. Every Filipino who has ever experienced the transformative power of choral music will feel seen, heard, and deeply moved.
🎬 A Glimpse into Greatness
Song of the Fireflies is inspired by the true story of the Loboc Children’s Choir from Bohol — a humble group of young singers formed in the 1980s under the loving mentorship of *Alma Taldo. Played with quiet strength and grace by *Morissette Amon, this is Alma’s story of perseverance, passion, and purpose.
From the rural town of Loboc, this little choir would grow to represent the Philippines on the world stage, gaining recognition for their pure sound, discipline, and the Filipino soul in every note.
Alongside Morissette, the film features a powerhouse cast, including the timeless Rachel Alejandro, who also delivers one of the movie’s most moving musical duets with Morissette — a scene that left the audience in awe.
🏆 Awards and Recognition
Song of the Fireflies debuted to critical acclaim at the *2025 Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles, where it *swept major awards:
- Best Picture
- Best Actress (Morissette Amon)
- Best Supporting Actress (Rachel Alejandro)
- Best Supporting Actor (Noel Comia Jr.)
- A Special Jury Prize for its musical storytelling
It also won the Platinum Remi Award at the 58th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, praised for its “excellence in theatrical filmmaking and musical integration.”
The film’s soundtrack, featuring the artistry of *Ryan Cayabyab, **Louie Ocampo, **Jazz Nicolas, and *Raymond Marasigan, is a masterpiece on its own — one I look forward to playing on repeat once it hits Spotify.
🎵 More Films Like This, Please
How I wish this marks the beginning of more films that tell the stories of our world-class chorales — not just the Loboc Children’s Choir, but the likes of:
- The UP Singing Ambassadors (which I am proudly part of)
- The legendary UP Madrigal Singers
- The UST Singers
- The Ateneo Glee Club
- Contemporary faith-based groups like Bukas Palad and Hangad
These groups have carried the Philippine flag with dignity and pride across international stages. Their stories are rich, dramatic, and overflowing with the kind of emotion that’s perfect for cinema.
🙏 Let This Be a Breakthrough
Too often, award-winning Filipino films are left to collect dust in art house theaters. Let this one be different. Song of the Fireflies deserves to be both critically acclaimed and a box office success.
Let’s break the trend. Let’s spread the word.
This is a film for the heart. For those who have sung in wooden chapels, auditoriums, world stages — or in the silence of their rooms. It’s for every Filipino who believes in the power of music to change lives.
To the producers GR Rodis, Celeste Legaspi, director King Palisoc, and everyone at MQuest — congratulations. You’ve given the Philippines a national treasure.
Catch Song of the Fireflies in theaters nationwide starting June 25, 2025. Bring your choir. Bring your friends. Bring your family.
Let it sing in your heart the way it did in mine.