Aicelle Santos on playing iconic Nora Aunor role in 'Himala: Isang Musikal': 'Of course, I am pressured'

Aicelle Santos has big shoes to fill in portraying Elsa, Nora Aunor's iconic role, in "Himala: Isang Musikal."

On Tuesday's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Aicelle shared that she always gets asked if she feels pressured to be playing the heroine of Ishmael Bernal's 1982 classic.

The Kapuso singer said that no one can match or even surpass Nora.

"Of course, I am pressured," she said about the role.

When asked how she did it, Aicelle said she studied the character thoroughly.

"We stayed faithful to the script, but also 'unfaithful.' 'Yun ang naging exact term ni Direk Pepe Diokno," she said.

According to Aicelle, "Himala: Isang Musikal" is a must-watch because it was written by Ricky Lee and stars the best theater actors from the country.

"'Yung cast po namin na dinala sa film ngayong Metro Manila Film Festival. It was already a musical back in 2018-2019," she said.

The cast of the MMFF 2024 entry also includes Bituin Escalante, David Ezra, Victor Robinson III, Neomi Gonzales, Kakki Teodoro, and Sweet Plantado.

"Himala" tackles themes of faith and truth. The film follows a woman named Elsa in the small town of Cupang. The Virgin Mary allegedly appears as an apparition to Elsa, and she becomes a savior who heals the sick and is believed to be behind the miracle of making it rain in their town which has been suffering from a long drought.

Aicelle is best known for her roles as Gigi in the UK tour production of "Miss Saigon" and Aileen in the original Filipino musical "Rak of Aegis."

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News