Genre: Drama
Plot:
Melinda (Alessandra del Rossi) is a new substitute teacher at the Malawig Elementary School, located in a poor remote barrio. A young university graduate, her family expects her to look for work abroad, but in her idealism she takes on a challenging job in the provincial public school, which lacks resources and has corrupt personnel. The heavy monsoon rains and the nearby NPAs also add to her difficulties.

The children are indifferent to their studies, having been affected by the hopelessness around them. Melinda tries to motivate them by capitalizing on their interest and talent in singing. She takes advantage of a funding opportunity to enter them in a choral contest. She encounters some resistance, however, from the school administration and from the parents of her students. Furthermore, the death of one of the choral group’s members at the hands of the NPA casts a pall on their once joyful preparations. Melinda, however, constantly tries to rise above these challen

Year/Release Date: 2002
Running Time: 109 min
Director: Gil Portes
Writer: Gil Portes (screenplay) (as Gil M. Portes) &
Senedy Que (screenplay) (as Senedy H. Que) &
Adolfo Alix Jr. (screenplay) (as Adolfo B. Alix Jr.)
Cast: lessandra de Rossi … Melinda
Dexter Doria … Mrs. Pantalan
Gina Alajar … Chayong
Amy Austria … Luz
Bryan Homecillo … Popoy
Pierro Rodriguez … Obet (as Pierro Rodriguez III)
Irma Adlawan … Fe
Mhalouh Crisologo … Solita (as Malou Crisologo)
Noni Buencamino … Fidel (as Nonie Buencamino)
Tony Mabesa … Mr. Tibayan
Lailani Navarro … Pilar
Keno Agaro … Adong
Sining Blanco … Gela
Christian Galindo … Lino
Hazel Logan … Ida
Jessie Diaz … Bugoy 1
James Alvaro … Bugoy 2
Rowell Reyes … Ato
Aj Delos Santos … Carlos
Jelly Cruz … Malawig Choir Kid
Jocelyn Escobal … Malawig Choir Kid
Gema Gonzales … Malawig Choir Kid
Celina Suntay … Malawig Choir Kid
Myko Suntay … Malawig Choir Kid
Nanding Josef … Adong’s Dad
Shamaine Buencamino … Adong’s Mom (as Shamaine Centenera)
Connie Chua … Gela’s Mom
Aleth de la Cruz … Ida’s Mom (as Aleth Dela Cruz)
Hamid Eton … Mr. Singh
Tessie Villarama … Teacher / Emcee
Jess Evardone … Melinda’s Dad
Jo Kristi Payet … Young Melinda
Rey Mendoza … Adong’s Brother
Jasper Vinarao … Adong’s Brother
Bong Rodriguez … Ka Andres / NPA 1
Jun Galindo … NPA 2
Ramon Pedro P. Paterno … Central School Supervisor (as Dr. Ramon Pedro P. Paterno)
Menchu Rodriguez Suntay … Central School Supervisor (as Menchu Suntay)