Reimagining a tale of faith and humanity, Isang Himala stands out at the 50th edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival. Based on a 2018 musical of the same name, which itself is an adaptation of the classic 1982 flick, the story revolves around the townspeople of Cupang and their fanaticism to the Virgin Mary. Taking the lead in this retelling is Aicelle Santos, who originally played the role of Elsa in the 2018 stage production.
Such a revered figure in Filipino cinema holds various connotations for even the most casual of filmgoers. From her unadorned white dresses to her resounding declamation in front of her kin, the character Elsa brings forward various images to mind.
At the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal held last December 27, Aicelle stepped out in her interpretation of one of Elsa's most pivotal scenes, exhuming the character onto the red carpet.
LOOK: "Isang Himala" Actress Aicelle Santos at the MMFF Gabi ng Parangal 2024
Aicelle was dressed by stylist Bryan Laroza, who had the task of presenting an image of Elsa for the glamorous evening. Throughout the movie's press run, Bryan sought to stay true to the essence of the character but with a "modern and polished twist."
"We wanted her looks to evoke Elsa’s iconic spirit—her depth, faith, and vulnerability—while ensuring they resonated with the contemporary audience. There was definitely an element of 'method dressing' involved," he added.
For the big night itself, Aicelle wore an ivory Filipiniana top and a black lace pencil skirt, both crafted by Negros Occidental-based designer Jeremiah Gazo. Speaking of his collaboration with Jeremiah, Bryan says that "he understood the emotional weight and cultural significance of the look and translated it into a masterpiece that not only paid homage to the film but also celebrated artistry and heritage."
One of the key elements of the ensemble was the streak of blood on Aicelle's chest, which flowed into beads and sequins. The seemingly macabre detail harked back to one of the penultimate scenes in the film, where Elsa was shot in the heart by a civilian.
"It’s a visual and emotional representation of the consequences of her actions, but I also purposefully made it parallel with the timeline of the MMFF," Bryan details. "This makes it a perfect choice to honor her character and the story during this significant event."
Such an approach to design was only one of the ways Aicelle embodied the spirit of Elsa throughout the festival. More than the visual cues that referenced her imagery, it was her distinct characteristics that influenced how Aicelle was to dress.
"We drew inspiration from Elsa’s iconic visual elements, like her simplicity and connection to her environment," Bryan details. "Each outfit subtly reflected the themes of hope and resilience, creating a cohesive narrative throughout the press run. This approach allowed Aicelle to embody Elsa not just in performance but also in presence."
Isang Himala was awarded the 4th Best Picture by the Metro Manila Film Festival, with Aicelle getting a Best Actress nomination. The film is showing in cinemas until January 7, as part of the festival's lineup.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
