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Actress-writer Bela Padilla plays as the old version of Aga Muhlach’s daughter, Yesha (with younger version played Xia Vigor) in Miracle in Cell No. 7.  As adult Yesha, she’s set on seeking justice for her mentally-challenged father who was wrongfully accused of murder.  

During the her solo media conference held last week at the Viva office, Bela explained—as a viewer and not as the lead star of the movie—how the Pinoy adaptation of Miracle in Cell No.7 will surely leave a beautiful mark to its viewers. 

“Ako honestly, I will speak in behalf of the Filipino audience...kasi kung hindi naman ako nagtratrabaho, wala akong shooting or wala ako sa set, audience lang din naman talaga ako na mahilig ako manood ng pelikula,” Bela began. 

“I can personally say that we miss movies like this.” she went on. “Kasi ang lagi natin napapanood every year kung hindi fantasy, action or horror.

“Pero nawala ’yong Filipino-flavored films, ’yong about pamilya, ’yong paglabas mo ng sinehan mayroon ka na-feel na lightness in your heart.”  

The 28-year-old artist also mentioned that people should also create movies of this kind for the world to see--the kind of movie that will make you feel “refreshed”, something that will make you strive to be “a better person.”

“I feel like we need to do more movies like this...especially in the condition of the world,  not just in our country. Parang bihira na tayo makarinig or makanood ng stories about love and something this light.”

And despite Miracle in Cell No.7 being a heavy drama, Bela said that the film guarantees the viewers will go home with their heart hearts fulfilled and their perspectives changed for the better.

“Ang weird eh kasi very heavy ’yong movie pero paglabas mo parang refreshed ka, ang ganda ng perspective mo sa buhay ulit. So feeling ko isa ’yon sa mga dahilan kung bakit dapat manood ’yong mga tao. 

“It will make you a better person. Parang paglabas mo ng sinehan mabait ka ulit or gusto mong maging mabait ulit. Parang kailangan natin ng mga ganung pelikula,” Bela stressed. 

Miracle in Cell No. 7 is Viva Film’s official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2019. It opens in cinemas nationwide on Christmas Day.