- Bela Padilla expressed her overwhelming happiness over being part of the Pinoy remake of Miracle in Cell No. 7
- Her role in the film was first given to Nadine Lustre who later backed out
- Miracle in Cell No. 7 came out as one of the most-watched films in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2019
Kapamilya actress Bela Padilla happily answered questions from the press in an ambush interview for her Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2019 entry, the remake of Miracle in Cell No. 7.
The actress shared her joy as the Pinoy adaptation of the hit Korean film gained positive remarks from viewers. Bela is also thankful that she was cast in the film led by Xia Vigor and Aga Muhlach along with film and TV veterans Joel Torre, Jojit Lorenzo, Mon Confiado, and Soliman Cruz.
“I am so thankful for everything yung instances, incidents that led me here. Grabe yung mga katrabaho ko, si sir Aga Muhlach, powerhouse cast,” Bela told entertainment press.
The actress said that she was just impressed by the acting skills of her co-actors, particularly in their dramatic scenes.
Bela said, “Alam mo yung minsang parang pag sa eksena pag hindi ko na-shot, hindi ko napapansin pinapanood ko sila kasi sobrang galing nilang umarte.”
In the film, Bela plays the older Yesha (with the younger version played by Xia Vigor) originally named Ye-seung in the Korean version. Nadine Lustre was first tapped to do the role but she later backed out to take a break from the big screen.
With the film’s strong showing at the box office, Bela was asked if Nadine would have regretted backing out from the film.
“Naku,hindi ko po alam. Siyempre iba-iba naman tayo ng perception so yung pwedeng panghinayangan ko baka hindi niya panghinayangan.Iba-iba naman po tayo,” she replied.
The actress added that she placed no importance in being a lead or supporting actress saying that she is already overjoyed for being part of the drama film.
“I would be very happy to support Kuya Aga in any movie. Hindi po siya big deal sa akin.Pag napanood niyo po yung Korean konting konti lang po yung eksena ko sa umpisa at huli. I’m happy na Viva…parang they announced my name as one of the leads.Regardless of kung hindi man ako sinali sa listahan ng lead actors, masayang-masaya na ako,” Bela said.
Since it was released last December 25, the Aga Muhlach-Xia Vigor starrer has become a crowd-drawer with its relevant and tear-jerking story.
Miracle in Cell No. 7 is actually working a major miracle at the box office, threatening to dislodge the box office standing of Vice Ganda’s comedy film, The Mall, The Merrier and the Coco Martin film, 3pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon which were reportedly leading the initial box office race.
The film had many sold-out screenings in many theaters on the third day of the festival and is still going strong.
The film is about a father and a daughter who were separated by a crime that the former was accused of (rape and murder of a young girl) committing. Aga Muhlach played Joselito ‘Lito’ Gope and Xia Vigor played Yesha, Lito’s daughter.
