REVIEW: 'Song of the Fireflies' is a symphony of perseverance
From producers Girlie Rodis, Celeste Legaspi, and Rachel Alejandro comes Song of the Fireflies, a charming and inspirational story about the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir (LCC).
Inspired by the journey of the famed choir from Bohol, the film captures their resilience in overcoming challenges on their way to triumph and eventual worldwide acclaim. At the heart of the movie is the young romance between fictional characters Herbert and Jackie, played by Krystal Brimner and Noel Comia Jr., whose performances bring an endearing charm to the story. They are supported by the multi-talented real-life LCC members, showcasing their acting chops alongside their angelic voices.
The central figure is the true-to-life Alma Taldo, portrayed by Morissette Amon. As the choir’s musical director and conductor, Taldo’s journey from a 5th-grade teacher to a Gawad CCP Para sa Sining awardee is lovingly recounted. Her leadership, alongside the support of her co-teachers in Loboc, transformed their local school choir into national champions. They would eventually enjoy international recognition, thrilling audiences around the world with their performances.
The film reverently honors Taldo’s monumental achievements, showing how a humble teacher with no classical training inspired her students to achieve greatness. It also recognizes the vital roles played by Taldo’s co-teachers and LCC patron, Equet Butalid (played by Alejandro), in the choir’s success.
Kudos to the notable cinematography by Pong Ignacio, who perfectly captures the essence of 1980s Filipino culture. The meticulously curated wardrobe and props offer a delightful trip down memory lane for both Gen X and Millennial audiences.
Also noteworthy are Brimner and Comia Jr.’s credible Visayan dialects. At the Q&A after the movie’s screening, both young actors admitted that they had never spoken the dialect before their casting. They shared that they consulted LCC members alongside dialect coaches to ensure the proper delivery of phrases.
The musical score, which blends traditional Filipino melodies with contemporary arrangements, is composed by Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, Raymond Marasigan, and Jazz Nicolas. These OPM legends infuse the film with an authentic, immersive local flavor.
Rodis, Legaspi, and Alejandro, who make up Culturtain Musicat Productions, were faced with challenges themselves in making this movie. Following their brave initial offering Ang Larawan in 2017, filming of Song of the Fireflies began in 2019, with a trailer released on January 1, 2020. The pandemic soon hit, delaying production. Then, a super typhoon struck the Visayas in 2021. Production finally resumed in Bohol in 2023 after a crowdfunding campaign.
All these challenges have made Song of the Fireflies a compelling film that celebrates Filipino culture, community, and the enduring spirit of its people.
The film will have its world premiere on Feb. 1 at the Manila International Film Festival, held at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Much like the Loboc Children’s Choir itself, which has captured hearts worldwide, Song of the Fireflies is poised to captivate global audiences, sharing its powerful story of hope and perseverance that will inspire and uplift viewers.
