‘’Isang Himala’ star Aicelle Santos reveals real-life miracles

MANILA, Philippines — For “Isang Himala” lead actress, Aicelle Santos, real-life miracles come in threes.

“Isang Himala” is one of the official entries at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), where Aicelle portrays the iconic role of Elsa, originally played by National Artist Nora Aunor. It is an adaptation of the 1982 film and 2003 musical.

“My first miracle was my sister healing from cancer in 2012,” Aicelle told The STAR in an exclusive interview. “She’s OK now and has a beautiful daughter, Hiwaga.”

Also in 2012, her third sibling, suffered from myocarditis. “He had a heart attack and we almost lost him. But at the time, I was such a prayer warrior. I was active in church. I’m the type who would pray out loud,” she recalled.

“We were in ER and then my mom was really worried. She already signed the waiver kasi talagang delikado na yung kapatid ko. But I told my mom, ‘Mommy, no, let’s lay our hand over my brother (Aaron). And out loud, ‘In the name of Jesus, you are healed. From head to foot, you are healed everything is normal. Gigising ka in the name of Jesus.’ Yun young paulit-ulit kong sinasabi at wala siyang malay nun,” she continued.

Aicelle witnessed another miracle right before her eyes — after a few seconds, her brother woke up.

She shared the story to her churchmates. “I told them you know what, I did this, and they said, ‘Ai, you have healing hands.’ I said, ‘No, it’s not me. It’s the Lord. I called upon him, I prayed to him to heal my brother.’” Her brother is now a successful nurse in the United Kingdom.

‘Isang Himala’ revolves around a young woman named Elsa who claims to have witnessed a miracle and have been given healing powers in a village consumed by drought and suffering.

“My third miracle sana yung sa nanay ko naman but I lost my mom in 2022. Ang ganda rin nun. Baon ko rin yun sa set. Kasi hindi lahat ng himala nai-ibigay. May dahilan kung bakit binigay ng Panginoon. May dahilan kung bakit hindi o bakit hindi pa.

“So I would say my third miracle would be my bunso. She’s also a miracle baby. That’s why Elsa is very close to me because I experienced miracles a couple of times,” stated Aicelle.

Dubbed as a “modern masterpiece that will awaken faith and touch hearts,” “Isang Himala” was helmed by Pepe Diokno (MMFF’s Best Director last year for “Gomburza”) and written by National Artist Ricky Lee. It featured the musical direction and songs by Vincent A. De Jesus.

The movie also stars Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, Neomi Gonzales, Vic Robinson, Sweet Plantado, Kakki Teodoro, Floyd Tena, and Joann Co.

According to a media release, the film’s central theme is faith — faith that inspires, challenges, and questions blind devotion. It explores what is true and what is not, offering audiences a deeper understanding of hope and the complexities of belief.

“Isang Himala” revolves around a young woman named Elsa who claims to have witnessed a miracle and given healing powers in a village consumed by drought and suffering.

The film is presented by CreaZion Studios in partnership with Unitel, Straightshooters, Kapitol Films, and CMB Production.

“Isang Himala” premieres nationwide on Dec. 25.