CinemaBravo

This Women’s Month, author, film producer, and businesswoman Rossana Hwang is making her own mark in literature and cinema as she launches her latest novel, A Divine Comedy. The book, formerly titled The Lost Saints, serves as the source material for the upcoming historical fiction film Isang Komedya sa Langit, set to hit select theaters on May 28. More than just a creative endeavor, Hwang sees this project as part of her advocacy for literacy, education, and the power of storytelling.

On March 8, in celebration of International Women’s Day, Hwang will host a book launch for A Divine Comedy at Fully Booked in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) from 2 to 4 PM. In this special event, attendees will have the chance to meet her in person, get to know more about the nooks and crannies of her craft, and have their copies signed. As a bonus, attendees are in for Pink Mixer Bakery Treats, live book reading session, and a raffle for 50 movie tickets.

In a social media post, Hwang reflected on the progress women have made in creative industries:

A seasoned entrepreneur and former barangay captain of Brgy. Dasmariñas, Makati—earning her the moniker “Kapitana”—Hwang has always embraced multiple roles. After earning an AB Economics degree from Ateneo de Manila University and working in the family business, she ventured into the food industry. Writing and filmmaking initially started as hobbies but soon evolved into meaningful passions, leading to the creation of her own production company, Kapitana Entertainment Media. Today, she thrives as a storyteller, proving that curiosity and the drive to learn can open doors to unexpected and fulfilling paths.

“Women have come a long way since 1872 ✊✨ Once, women’s voices were unheard, their stories untold. Today, women write, direct, and lead. As a female writer and filmmaker, I am proud to bring my historical fiction work, ‘Isang Komedya sa Langit‘ to life, proving that storytelling knows no gender. Through my book, The Lost Saints, and my film, Isang Komedya sa Langit, my advocacy for literacy and education moves forward—one book, one movie at a time. This Women’s Month, we celebrate how far we’ve come.”

With the Lenten season underway, Hwang also shared how both A Divine Comedy and its film adaptation have been her passion projects for Lent.

“These stories of faith, humanity, and redemption resonate with all types of Christians, not just Catholics. Through historical fiction, I’ve created narratives that explore universal themes of forgiveness, grace, and the pursuit of truth—values that transcend denominational lines and speak to the heart of the Christian faith.”

As the film premiere draws closer, she invites audiences to embark on a journey that connects historical struggles with modern reflections, spanning from Lent to Father’s Day and even to the commemoration of Philippine Independence Day.

A story of faith, time, redemption

Set in the late 1800s during Spanish-occupied Philippines, A Divine Comedy follows the gripping tale of four priests—Fathers Garcia, Borronico, Salas, and Pascual—who find themselves entangled in the turmoil of a soldier’s mutiny. When three of them are falsely accused of rebellion and sentenced to death, Father Pascual manages to escape. However, their execution takes an extraordinary turn when a solar eclipse mysteriously transports them to the year 2024.

In modern-day Metro Manila, the bewildered priests initially mistake the bustling city for heaven. As they adjust to this unfamiliar era, they discover that they are revered as saints. With the help of Marco, a young seminarian, and his grandmother Naty, they piece together their legacy and the impact their martyrdom had on the nation’s history. As they search for answers, they encounter figures from their past and are gradually pulled back to the 1800s, where they reunite with Father Pascual. Now armed with the wisdom of both past and future, they reignite their fight for justice.

Blending humor, historical reflection, and profound themes, A Divine Comedy is a thought-provoking exploration of history, faith, and time, illustrating how the actions of a few can leave ripples across generations.

From page to screen

The novel’s cinematic adaptation, Isang Komedya sa Langit, brings this unique historical narrative to life, premiering in select theaters on May 28. Directed by Roi Calilong, the film boasts a stellar cast, including Jaime Fabregas, Edgar Allan Guzman, Gene Padilla, John Medina, Akihiro Blanco, with the special participation Carmi Martin.

As audiences await its theatrical release, and with Women’s Month as a fitting backdrop, Hwang’s work underscores the role of storytelling in keeping the past alive while inspiring future generations.

Readers can find her books in select bookstores, while the film adaptation, Isang Komedya sa Langit, premieres on the big screen, offering Filipinos a source of inspiration.