Photo via Bituin Escalante (@bituinea) / Instagram
OPM singer and actress Bituin Escalante ended 2024 with many achievements. Her musical film Ang Himala became a hit during the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and she juggled promotions with performances at corporate events. Despite the hectic schedule, Escalante said she feels thankful and proud of how things turned out.
She described Ang Himala as a special project that allowed her to connect with audiences in a new way. “The soul of the movie is there,” she shared. “Filming was hard because we had to redo scenes multiple times to get them right. But if the material is good, you trust the process.”
Escalante also spoke about issues with smaller films struggling to get enough theater screenings during the festival. While praising big hits like Vice Ganda’s And the Breadwinner Is… for drawing large crowds, she wished more theaters were available for lesser-known films. “These smaller movies need more support so they can reach more viewers,” she said.
She also gave advice to younger actors, urging them to respect their craft and care for themselves. “Sleep, drink water, and don’t abuse your body,” she said. “In the past, I partied too much and thought it wouldn’t catch up with me—but it does. Take care of yourself early.”
Looking forward, Escalante is preparing for her 25th year in the entertainment industry. She will celebrate with a big concert later in 2025 and is also set to star in a new musical.
Her music journey began in 2000 when she performed “Paano Na” at the Metropop Festival. Two years later, she gained more fame with her award-winning rendition of “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana,” which remains a favorite even today.
Despite decades of success, Escalante remains grounded. “I still love what I do,” she said. “As long as I see growth in myself and can support my family, I feel fulfilled.”
For Escalante, hard work and respect for one’s craft remain the keys to a lasting and meaningful career.
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