Sparking Hope: Rachel Alejandro Talks “Song of the Fireflies” Movie

This year at the Newport Beach Film Festival, the Philippine entry Song of the Fireflies—directed by King Palisoc—received the award for Best International Feature. The Filipino musical film is inspired by the real-life Loboc Children’s Choir from Bohol, telling the heartfelt story of a devoted music teacher who forms a children’s choir that eventually rises to international acclaim. The screening took place on Oct. 22 at the Starlight Triangle Square Cinemas in Costa Mesa, California.

What made the experience even more special was the film’s ending, which featured the real members of the Loboc Children’s Choir—now all grown up—alongside Ms. Alma, the main character portrayed in the film by Filipino singer and actress Morissette. The real Alma Taldo, the choir’s founder and longtime music teacher, appears toward the end of the movie, grounding the story in the true passion and dedication behind the beloved ensemble.

Filipino actress Rachel Alejandro, who plays cultural advocate Equet Butalid—one of the key figures who helped guide and uplift the Loboc Children’s Choir—also served as a producer alongside Sarge Lacuesta, with executive producers Girlie Rodis, Celeste Legaspi, and Jane J. Basas. The film’s music was composed by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab.

I had the opportunity to chat with Rachel during the festival. She arrived on the blue carpet wearing a modernized terno with elegant butterfly sleeves and intricate embroidered detailing, perfectly blending tradition with contemporary sophistication. She was incredibly warm and personable.

International Representation

Ruchel: How does it feel to premiere Song of the Fireflies at the Newport Beach Film Festival?
Rachel: Song of the Fireflies has already screened at several North American festivals, but our team was especially thrilled when it was selected as an Official Selection at the Newport Beach Film Festival—among both high-profile films and indie projects whose filmmakers, like us, are hoping to break into the Hollywood awards race. We honestly didn’t expect to make it this far, and we are truly grateful.

Ruchel: What do you hope audiences—both Filipino and international—take away from this movie?
Rachel: There’s so much to take away from this film, but if I had to choose one, it would be something a grade school girl shared after a recent special screening. When her principal asked what she learned, she said she felt inspired to keep trying—even if she doesn’t win or succeed right away.
It may sound simple, but it truly resonated with me. From what I’ve observed in the younger generation—who are certainly no less talented than their parents—I feel they could really benefit from the tenacity and persistence shown by the characters in Song of the Fireflies.

Ruchel: How important is it for you to showcase Filipino stories and talent on a global stage?
Rachel: For me, it means so much. I truly want the world to experience the excellence of Filipino music and our natural gift for singing. That’s why we submitted our main theme song, “Alitaptap,” for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, along with several other categories. We imagine the Loboc Children’s Choir and our two teenage leads, Krystal Brimner and Noel Comia Jr., performing that goosebump-inducing, tear-evoking song on that stage—an incredible piece created by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab and Sarge Lacuesta.
If that moment comes, I know I’ll be dedicating it to my late father, Hajji Alejandro, whose legacy was bringing joy to people through music. That’s also why I chose to sing his award-winning song, “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” (How Beautiful Is Our Music), at the Newport Beach Film Festival afterparty.

About Song Of The Fireflies

Ruchel: What inspired you to take on Song of the Fireflies not only as an actress but also as a producer?
Rachel: We produced the film under Culturtain Musicat Productions, a live entertainment and film company I’ve been connected with since the ’90s. My manager, Girlie Rodis, founded the company with Celeste Legaspi back in the 1980s. I only became part of it because I practically lived at the daily rehearsals of Ang Larawan, a musical the company was staging at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 1997.
I was in my early 20s then, at the height of my career as a pop star, and despite my crazy schedule, I rarely missed rehearsals. My Dad was in the cast, and I would take any excuse to be with him—and I completely fell in love with the music.
And that’s really how it all began. Celeste and Girlie’s duo became an odd trio, with me tagging along to everything. Celeste’s talented daughters, Waya and Lala Gallardo, are now also part of the mix on the creative side.
Since then, we’ve produced a few other musicals and two films together: Ang Larawan, the movie (now streaming on Netflix as The Portrait) and Song of the Fireflies. The team thought I would be a good fit for the role of Equet Butalid, the wife of the choir’s benefactor. I didn’t cast myself—haha! But yes, if I can find a way to be part of all our upcoming productions, whether the role is big or small, I absolutely will. I’ve already managed to cast two of my nieces in Song of the Fireflies as members of a competing choir!

Ruchel: Can you tell us about the story behind the film and what drew you to it?
Rachel: Gardy Labad—whose younger self actually appears as a character in the film—and a longtime consultant and supporter of the LCC (Loboc Children’s Choir), was the one who brought the story to us. We were immediately drawn to it because it tells the true story of a humble teacher who transformed the lives of rural children in a small town in Bohol through the power of music. The global success of the LCC is proof that no dream is too big when we set our hearts and minds to it.

Ruchel: How did you balance wearing two hats—acting and producing—on set?
Rachel: I was already living in the U.S. for most of pre-production after we regrouped post-pandemic, so I’ll admit I wasn’t involved in the day-to-day prep leading up to principal photography in Bohol in 2023. Once we were on set, I focused primarily on my role as an actor.
I became hands-on again as a producer during post-production, and once we had a finished film ready for release. Many people outside the industry think the work ends there—but especially for a small outfit like ours, getting a film onto the big screen is an entirely different ballgame. We first had to convince our partner investors, MQuest Ventures, to support a Philippine theatrical run. As you know, many films go straight to streaming these days. Our Best Picture win at the Manila International Film Festival and the Platinum Remi from WorldFest Houston helped tremendously.
Right now, we’re coordinating a nationwide school tour in the Philippines, organizing worldwide special screenings, and continuing the festival circuit—all in the hope that this journey leads us to the Golden Globes.

Ruchel: How was the collaboration with the director and the creative team in bringing this vision to life?
Rachel: I couldn’t be more proud of how our director, King Palisoc, and screenwriter, Sarge Lacuesta—together with the support of Krina Cayabyab, who created our musical score—brought this story to life. It’s a quiet, inspirational film without big dramatic moments or the usual tropes. And yet, time and time again, we’ve seen audiences from around the world say they found it incredibly moving. I truly believe its power lies in its simplicity and sincerity.

Career and Personal Reflections

Ruchel: Looking back on your journey from your early years in the entertainment industry to now, how do you think your artistry has evolved?
Rachel: Many singer-actors eventually become producers—both in Hollywood and in the Philippines—and I feel I’ve come a long way in that sense. I’m now part of a team that creates work we truly care about and find meaningful. At the same time, I still feel like I’ve only begun to scratch the surface as a U.S.-based actress. There’s so much more I want to learn from acting coaches, directors, and fellow actors.
As we speak, I’m about to begin filming a short in Seattle with a young Filipino-American director and screenwriter. I also make it a point to keep growing—taking acting classes whenever I can and doing voice training whenever I’m preparing for a new musical.

Ruchel: Is there a message or theme in Song of the Fireflies that resonates deeply with your own life or experiences?
Rachel: When you walk out of the cinema after watching Song of the Fireflies, you just feel good inside—even if you’re in tears. Almost everyone I know who has seen it has said the same thing. It’s such a universal human experience to root for love, for purity, for what is good. We get so caught up in our problems that we sometimes forget what truly matters: family, friendship, and empathy for others. I hope to keep producing work that reminds people of those things.

Song of the Fireflies is more than a film—it’s a heartfelt celebration of resilience, music, and the power of ordinary people to spark extraordinary change. Through Rachel Alejandro’s insights, it’s clear how deeply the story resonates with those who created it and how passionately they hope it will inspire audiences around the world. As the film continues its festival journey and reaches new viewers, its message of hope, perseverance, and the enduring beauty of Filipino talent shines brighter than ever. Watch the official trailer.