MANILA, Philippines — After a two-year hiatus filled with life’s greatest blessings, Aicelle Santos is returning to the stage in a role that has solidified her as one of the Philippines’ most revered musical talents.
This break wasn’t merely time away. It was a life-changing period as she embraced motherhood, giving birth to two beautiful daughters and savoring precious moments with her family. Now, the timing of her comeback couldn’t be more perfect, as she steps into the role again of Elsa in “Himala” for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) — a role that once brought her critical acclaim and now resonates even deeper with her.
On this return to “Himala,” Aicelle reflected: “Up to this day, I can’t believe it’s happening. To be entrusted, along with our ‘Himala: Isang Musikal’ 2018 to 2019 cast, to bring the story to life again, and now on the big screen, is something I never imagined. I am so very grateful. This is our miracle.”
Transitioning from stage to film presented challenges. “On stage, we got to do the scenes once, following an emotional arc from beginning to climax to end. It’s easier that way. In the film, we had to repeat each scene at least five times for different camera angles,” she said.
“So if we had to break down five times while singing live, we did it. It was tough, but I can say we all enjoyed the process. It was a memorable learning experience.”
In 2018, when the musical version of “Himala” was staged, National Artist Nora Aunor, who originally portrayed Elsa in the film, came to watch.
Aicelle recalled the unforgettable experience of meeting her: “I was so nervous when she watched. I was just starstruck! I forgot what Ate Guy said, but I remember her hugging me and smiling at us, the cast. I took that as a sign of approval.”
Aicelle’s journey from a promising young singer to a Philippine musical theater powerhouse is a testament to her artistry, passion and resilience. Her voice, recognized both locally and internationally, has garnered her awards across the years, starting with her win at the Astana International Song Festival in 2006, where she took home the Best Own Country Song award in Kazakhstan. She was also recognized at the Awit Awards in consecutive years (2007 and 2008), earning the People’s Choice Favorite New Female Artist and Favorite Female Artist titles, respectively.
Her acclaimed role in “Rak of Aegis” earned her the Best Actress in a Musical honor at the Aliw Awards in 2014. She also received the Aliw Award in 2017 for Best Actress in a Featured Role for “Maynila Sa Kuko ng Liwanag.” The role also earned her the Gawad Buhay Award that same year.
By 2018, she had fully claimed the spotlight with her portrayal of Elsa in “Himala: Isang Musikal,” receiving the Gawad Buhay Best Lead Performance in a Musical award, which was followed by her Hiyas Ng Sining Award in 2019 for the same role. This character has defined Aicelle’s versatility and depth as a performer, making her recent return in “Himala” especially meaningful to her fans.
In 2017, Aicelle’s international musical theater journey began with a remarkable performance alongside British stage actor Bradley Jayden. Together, they recorded the song As Long As You’re Mine from “Wicked” as part of the online series “Out of Oz” promoting “Wicked’s” Manila run. This experience opened doors for Aicelle, and in 2018, she successfully auditioned for the role of Gigi Van Tranh in the United Kingdom production of “Miss Saigon,” marking her debut on an international stage.
Her artistry was further recognized when she brought home the Silver Award from the ASEAN Song Contest in Vietnam in 2019. Adding to her international credits, Aicelle had the honor of performing alongside luminaries like Jackie Chan and opera legend Andrea Bocelli at the ASEAN Song Fest in Beijing, China.
As if these accolades were not enough, Aicelle was honored with the Pinoy Pride Award by MEGA magazine, celebrating her as a true icon of Filipino talent. Her voice, her spirit and her dedication to her craft have continued to inspire supporters and audiences worldwide.
Talking more about her own miracles, Aicelle shared that healing from critical illnesses within her family and her career milestones have been her life’s greatest miracles. “These miracles remind me of how powerful God’s hand is if only we rely on Him, 100 percent. Full trust! Full faith in Him!”
Looking toward the future, Aicelle has high hopes for the entertainment industry, particularly for the next generation. “The entertainment industry (TV, film, social media) sets trends, mirrors people’s stories and impacts judgments,” she said.
“From here on, I hope the industry will just continue to educate while entertaining. Especially now that I have kids, it’s important that what they watch has valuable lessons. The entertainment industry has a responsibility to shape our society’s future, our children.”
Today, Aicelle stands on the cusp of a new era in her career, balancing her roles as a mother and a beloved artist. As she returns to “Himala” for the MMFF, audiences are sure to witness a deeper, more seasoned performance that only life’s richest experiences could bring. Without a doubt, she’s only getting started.