Amazing Jing for Life: Nora Aunor's "Himala," Digitally Mastered, Showing in Theaters

Nora Aunor's "Himala," Digitally Mastered, Showing in Theaters

It's been 30 years since the superstar Nora Aunor's blockbuster and critically acclaimed movie, "Himala" was last seen in Philippine Cinema's silver screen. It was in the year 1982, when multi-awarded writer Ricky Lee had thought of Ms. Nora Aunor as the only person perfect to portray the role of "Elsa," a visionary from Cupang. The film was based on a true story of a teenage girl from Cabra Island, in the province of Occidental Mindoro that happened sometime between 1966 and 1967. This is directed by national artist, the late Ishmael Bernal.

"Himala" is the first and pet project of Leo Katigbak, head of ABS-CBN Film Archives among the 3,000 plus films in the network's film vaults to be digitized and restored. The whole technical plan wouldn't be possible if not for the prime works of Central Digital Lab, Inc. headed by Manet Dayrit. The digitally mastered "Himala" had a world premiere at the prestigious 69th Venice International Film Festival last August at the Venice Lido. The technicians were believed to have worked on this historical film frame by frame for 700 hours.

Mr. Ricky Lee and Superstar Nora Aunor during the premiere of the restored version of "Himala"

Last Sunday, December 2, 2012, I had the great privilege to finally witness the restored version of this highly acclaimed film re- released by Star Cinema held at the Cinema 8 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. I didn't only get to watch it; I had also seen the one and only superstar Ms. Nora Aunor and Mr. Ricky Lee in person. It was very refreshing to have known that such great personalities had appeared and exhibited warm appreciation of their supporters. The whole theater was also filled with "Noranians" and they've been screaming, cheering and been so consistent in expressing their admiration and love towards their idol, Nora Aunor.

The film encompasses man's faith and having no faith at all with its corresponding consequences. Elsa, a visionary of Virgin Mary, who'd eventually became a faith healer, was also a victim of her fellow townsmen's prejudice, covet, abuse, resentment and egocentric dispositions. Diverse life's lessons were exemplified by this movie. Harboring from this film, was Nora Aunor's very famous line:

"Walang himala!!! Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao, nasa puso nating lahat! Tayo ang gumagawa ng mga himala! Tayo ang gumagawa ng mga sumpa at ng mga Diyos..." ("There is no miracle!!! The miracle is within everyone's hearts, within our hearts! We make the miracles! We are the ones who make curses, and the Gods...")

One of the greatest movies of all time, critically acclaimed and distinguished by prestigious film award-giving bodies both locally and internationally, the digitally restored "Himala" can now be seen in HD in selected Philippine cinemas on December 5, 2012. The film showing will run until three weeks.

(Based from Star Cinema Facebook page)

METRO MANILA:

SM North Edsa

SM Mega Mall

SM City Manila

SM South Mall

Glorietta 4

Market! Market!

Trinoma Cinema

Robinsons Galleria

PROVINCIAL:

SM Cebu Cinema 1

SM Davao Cinema 2

SM Iloilo Cinema 3

Gaisano Mall Davao Cinema 4

"Himala" in HD Trailer :

Thank you Star Cinema, for restoring the prime gems of Philippine Cinema. The young generation can now witness beyond doubt such eminent films like "Himala" that could possibly passed on 'til the next generations.

ADDENDUM:

Himala: The Coffee Table Book, penned by Ricky Lee, features the full screenplay of the movie with an English translation. Plus interviews with the cast and crew and more than 300 full-color photographs. Priced at P1,000 per copy, only 1,000 hardbound copies will be printed. Each copy is numbered. The book features a dust jacket jacket designed as a pull-out poster, five post-card size still photographs from the film, and a free digital download of the book.

Himala: The Coffee Table Book is now available in leading bookstores. Grab a copy now!!!