Pre-holy week release ‘Sinagtala’ brings music, faith and inspiration

 

Opening in cinemas this April 2, inspirational and musical film 'Sinagtala' is topbilled by (from left) Matt Lozano, Arci Muñoz, Glaiza de Castro, Rhian Ramos and Rayver Cruz.

Nathalie Tomada - The Philippine Star 

April 1, 2025 | 12:00am

Indie director-producer Mike Sandejas marks his first foray into the mainstream film scene with “Sinagtala,” a musical and inspirational film that makes a fitting pre-Holy Week theatrical release. Starring Rayver Cruz, Glaiza de Castro, Rhian Ramos, Arci Muñoz and Matt Lozano as the band Sinagtala, it opens in cinemas nationwide tomorrow, April 2.

During the red-carpet premiere of “Sinagtala,” GMA executive and one of the film's biggest supporters, Annette Gozon-Valdes, shared how she got involved in the project.

"When Sen. Alan came up with the idea of making a meaningful film with a purpose — something inspirational and with valuable lessons for the audience — I was impressed. I told him, 'We fully support you,' and now, here we are. It's a movie worth supporting, worth watching and worth talking about," she said.

For Sen. Cayetano, the film represents more than just entertainment — it’s a call for reflection and hope. “Sabi po sa Bible, ‘Prayer moves mountains,’” the producer said during the film's premiere. “So watch this because this will touch your hearts and hopefully move your inner compass.”

The casting of “Sinagtala” was a journey that felt like divine orchestration, as noted by lead star Glaiza.

"A lot of actors were considered for the roles, but I believe it was really God who orchestrated for us to come together. Our schedules were so difficult to align, so it still feels surreal to be in this film with them. This isn’t something that normally happens,” she shared during a separate presscon.

The story centers around a band — Reggie (Rayver), Paola (Glaiza), June (Rhian), Isko (Matt) and Carla (Arci) — and how they deal with personal and professional challenges. Through the characters’ trials, audiences will relate to the universal themes of friendship, growth, perseverance and second chances.

"I'm very proud of this film, and I’m also proud of direk Mike Sandejas because this story is very personal to him. He wrote it a long time ago, but now, the film has taken on a new meaning. I hope it will also resonate with you (the audiences)."