After earning praise on the international stage, the award-winning Song of the Fireflies prepares for its local premiere on June 25, which the cast and creators consider the film’s most meaningful screening yet.
The film tells the true story of the Loboc Children’s Choir (LCC), a group of young singers from Bohol who defied the odds, transforming from a small-town ensemble into globally recognized performers. Their journey is a story uniquely Filipino, yet universally moving.
and director King Palisoc (in black)
Lead star Morissette delivers a standout performance as Ma’am Alma Taldo, the choir’s founder and driving force. Her performance, which won Best Actress at the 2025 Manila International Film Festival (MIFF), balances quiet strength with heartfelt conviction, portraying a teacher whose belief in her students changed their lives.
“This film captures, I think, the essence of being Filipino. Our film isn’t a musical, but it features songs—beautiful music by some of our country’s icons. Through this, I feel we were able to share that musical side. And of course, it’s about family, about our closeness to one another, our family ties, and resilience,” Morissette explained.
She continued, “I hope that when people watch the film, we’re able to bring to the screen the essence of being Filipino, especially for me, as a Bisaya, a Cebuana, with Bohol being our neighbor. It’s something to be proud of—to take a simple story about the Loboc Children’s Choir and be able to showcase it. It’s a story truly worth telling and sharing.”
The singer added that the film also portrays Ma’am Alma’s insecurities, something she believes many people deal with daily.
“I’m just very grateful that I got to give life to Ma’am Alma Taldo in the film after being inspired by her in real life,” she said. “Some people are capable of amazing things, but it’s often their inner demons or overthinking that stop them from stepping outside the box.”
The real-life Loboc Children’s Choir began in the 1980s in the modest town of Loboc. With members aged just 9 to 13, they faced financial struggles and logistical challenges. Yet under Taldo’s guidance and with the support of cultural advocate Equet Butalid, they achieved what once seemed impossible.
Their successes included victories at the European Folksongs Festival in Barcelona (1993, 1995) and a Gold Medal in the children’s choir category in 2001.
Song of the Fireflies, apart from recounting history, also immerses viewers in it. The film’s ensemble, including Rachel Alejandro (Best Supporting Actress at MIFF) and Noel Comia Jr. (Best Supporting Actor), delivers grounded and moving performances.
The music, composed by Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, and others, enriches the storytelling by combining original pieces with the choir’s legacy.
Director King Palisoc and the production team have crafted a cinematic experience that honors perseverance and community. And its accolades, including MIFF’s Audience Award for Best Picture and a Platinum Remi at WorldFest-Houston, highlight its broad appeal.
