Morisette’s Breakthrough in Song of Fireflies
From the very start, Morisette was the producers’ first choice for the lead role. The four-word keyphrase “Song of the Fireflies” perfectly captures the essence of her powerful performance. The producers, Girlie Rodis and Celeste Legaspi, were right to trust her. Known mostly as Asia’s Phoenix, a title Morisette once found amusing, she stepped beyond her singing career to portray a dedicated schoolteacher.
Set in the 1980s, the film unfolds in the charming town of Loboc, Bohol, famous for its scenic river. Morisette plays Ma’am Alma Taldo, a humble teacher who formed a choir from street children, guiding them toward something greater.
Portraying a Real-Life Heroine
During a media event in Mandaluyong, Morisette shared that this was her first movie role, and she had to double her efforts, especially since she was embodying a real person. Ma’am Alma Taldo, the founder of the Loboc Children’s Choir (LCC), is a reserved woman who didn’t reveal much about her younger self.
“She didn’t say much. I had to imagine what she was like when she was younger and quite active in the local community,” Morisette said. She sought insights from locals to capture Alma’s spirit. The community described Alma as a beacon, known for walking the streets in a duster and slippers, beloved by all.
Ma’am Alma’s dream wasn’t about international fame. “She had no real lofty dreams for them becoming a world-class choir. She just wanted to give the children something to do,” locals noted.
Award-Winning Performance and Film
Morisette’s heartfelt portrayal earned her the Best Actress award at the 2025 Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the film won the Platinum Remi Award at the 58th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival.
Opening June 25 in theaters, “Song of the Fireflies” honors the inspiring journey of the LCC. The choir, made up of children aged 9 to 13, overcame poverty, scarce resources, and natural disasters to pursue their shared dream: to let their voices be heard.
Their passion was fueled by Ma’am Alma’s steadfast leadership and the support of cultural advocate Equit Butalid, played by Rachel Alejandro. Bohol-based Lutgardo ‘Gardy’ Labad of PETA, portrayed by Paolo O’Hara, also played a key role in gaining recognition for the choir.
Legacy of the Loboc Children’s Choir
The choir’s talent and perseverance earned local and international honors, including the prestigious Gawad CCP Para sa Sining and top awards at the European Folksongs Festival in Barcelona in 1993 and 1995. They also won the Gold Medal in the children’s choir category in 2001.
Their story is one of hope, resilience, family, and the power of dreams. Filmed over 18 days in Bohol in 2023, “Song of the Fireflies” was conceived in 2019 by the team behind the acclaimed film “Larawan.” Their goal was to create empowering stories, focusing on a public school teacher with limited means who built an extraordinary choir.
The film’s soundtrack features music by notable artists such as Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, Raimund Marasigan, Jazz Nicolas, and Krina Cayabyab. Directed by King Palisoc, the project was produced by Culturtain Musicat Productions with MQuest Ventures and supported by several local film commissions and organizations.
For more news and updates on Song of the Fireflies, visit Filipinokami.com.