Award-winning actress Gladys Reyes is stepping into a new spotlight—as the lead in the upcoming musical film “The Heart of Music,” produced by Utmost Creatives Motion Pictures.
Joining her is an impressive ensemble: theater icons Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez, rising stars Angel Guardian, Kristoffer Martin, Sean Lucas, Elijah Alejo, along with Rey PJ Abellana, Joshua Zamora, and Jopay Paguia.
Directed by Italian filmmaker Paolo Bertola and written by Gat Alaman, the film aims to revive the charm of classic Filipino folk music while weaving a heartfelt family narrative.
“I know only a little Tagalog,” Paolo, who is Italian, admitted with a smile. “But I find your folk songs very interesting. Italians and Filipinos both love family, but maybe as an Italian, I can bring a fresh perspective to Gat’s vision.”
Gladys portrays Madonna, a character she describes as “a bit like Julie Andrews in “The Sound of Music.” For her, it’s not just another role—it’s a long-time dream come true.
“Nagustuhan ko talaga kasi family-oriented siya,” she shared. “At pangarap ko talaga makagawa ng musical—even stage nga, eh. Mahilig talaga ako kumanta, kahit hindi ako professional singer.”
To prepare, she took voice and piano lessons. “Ayoko yung parang kunyari lang. Kung kaya naman, why not?”
The film reunites Reyes with the team behind “Unspoken Letters,” making the experience even more meaningful.
Producers hopes to reach younger audiences through school screenings, reconnecting them with traditional Filipino melodies.
As Gat puts it, “This isn’t just a musical—it’s a celebration of who we are through the songs that shaped us.”
