“Song of the Fireflies” Captivates Sold-Out Audience at Soho International Film Festival Premiere

NEW YORK — The Song of the Fireflies (directed by King Palisoc and written by Sarge Lacuesta) captivated a sold-out crowd during its U.S. East Coast premiere at the Soho International Film Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The heartwarming film, chronicling the humble beginnings of the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir, drew quiet tears from the audience as it celebrated the power of music, community, and perseverance. It portrayed how two extraordinary Filipino women from the small town of Loboc, Bohol nurtured the choir’s magnificent voices—demonstrating grace, grit, and leadership that lifted their young singers to global acclaim.

Already a multi-awarded film in the Philippines and Texas, Song of the Fireflies stars singer-actress Rachel Alejandro—who also co-produced the film—as art patroness Equet Butalid, alongside Morisette Amon as choir founder Alma Taldo.

“The movie took too long to finish—we had to re-shoot because the kids grew. We had no idea how this movie would turn out. We’re still in disbelief,” Alejandro said during the talkback. “But we did it because it’s a story that had to be told—about a person who had little resources, yet made it happen.”

The story revolves around Taldo and Butalid, the quiet heroes behind the Loboc Children’s Choir—two women whose steadfast belief and dedication shaped the country’s most decorated youth ensemble. Alejandro praised the child actors who portrayed the choir members, saying, “They were really disciplined—they were like marines.”

Among the audience, Filipino entrepreneur Emma Luistro shared that she was deeply moved by the film, saying she “cried while watching” and that it was “confidence, not just talent,” that led to the children’s success. “I was very touched by the humility and love given to the children by the teachers and by Mrs. Taldo, the choirmaster,” she added.

The film’s emotional pull was further elevated by the sweet and soulful original score by Krina Cayabyab.

Adding humor and energy to the story was award-winning Cebuano actress Chai Fonacier (Patay na si Hesus, Nocebo), whose performance brought comedic balance to the film, which fluidly weaves Tagalog, English, and Bisaya/Boholano dialogue.

Set in the 1980s, the film authentically captured the era’s political atmosphere, fashion, and provincial charm. The lush landscapes of Loboc, illuminated by its famed fireflies along the riverbanks, provided a breathtaking backdrop that reinforced the film’s theme of hope and harmony.

In a social media chat, Alma Taldo expressed humility over the renewed attention the choir is receiving:

“I’m very thankful to the people who took notice of the choir, but I’m not comfortable with it,” she said. “It never crossed my mind that the LCC would go this far. What we did was never meant to be public—it was simply enjoyment for us, the children, and the trainers.”

Taldo recalled how it all began with a call from the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 1973.

“It started when NAMCYA reached out through our school administrator,” she said. “When we told our pupils about organizing a legitimate school choir, they were so excited and showed great interest. Their positive attitude inspired us to do more.”

The Loboc Children’s Choir went on to become a NAMCYA Hall of Famer, later winning multiple international competitions in Europe and China, solidifying its reputation as one of the Philippines’ most celebrated choral groups.

“For as long as children sing, hope lives,” Taldo said, echoing the choir’s enduring slogan.

Following its success in New York, Song of the Fireflies—now a Golden Globe entry—will be featured at the Newport Beach Film Festival in California on October 22, 2025.

Alejandro encouraged the public to watch the film on the big screen before it heads to streaming platforms.