CinemaBravo

For director Errol Ropero, filmmaking is more than just work — it’s a calling. And no matter the hurdles, his passion for telling stories that inspire keeps him moving forward.

His latest work, Mga Munting Tala sa Sinagtala, stands as proof that even in the busiest and most testing seasons of life, determination will find their way to the screen.

The film, which is his 31st title, shines a spotlight on what the production calls the next wave of promising talents — Sinagtala’s Caleb (Potchi Angeles), Aaron (Franchesco Maafi), Rose (Shira Tweg), and Isaac (Kyle Almenanza) — alongside the “Munting Tala” kids: Hannah (Ryrie Sophia), Scarlet (Scarlet Alaba), Noah (Francis Saagundo), David (Drey Lampago), and Mary (Yassi Ibasco).

In the story, these five children face burdens most adults would find overwhelming (poverty, neglect, and loneliness) yet they choose compassion, faith, and friendship over bitterness. They are “little stars” shining even in the darkest nights, a reflection of Ropero’s own steadfast spirit during production.

Envisioned as the journey of a single child, the film grew into a multi-cast piece after auditions at producer Edward “Mamu” Lagan’s talent house.

“Originally, Munting Tala lang po ito. Pero nung nag-audition, sobrang gagaling ng mga talent ni Mamu, kaya ginawa na naming lima yung bida,” he shared during the post-screening press conference held at the red carpet premiere in a Quezon City mall, which CinemaBravo was invited to cover.

(Originally, this was just Munting Tala. But when we held auditions, Mamu’s talents were so good that we decided to have five lead characters instead).

Overcoming the odds

The journey to completion wasn’t smooth. Shooting days stretched long, rewrites happened on the fly, and the full script was only locked on the very last day of filming.

“Napakahirap ng sitwasyon ko… Hindi ko alam kung paano ko tatapusin yung kwento. Actually, nabuo yung buong script last day ng shooting,” he admitted. (My situation was very difficult… I didn’t know how I was going to finish the story. In fact, the script was only completed on the last day of shooting.)

Despite this, Ropero never wavered. “Maraming gustong humadlang, pero basta mabuti kang tao, tataas ka ni Lord.” (Many wanted to hinder me, but as long as you are a good person, God will lift you up.)

“Nilaban ko po ito hanggang dulo… This is it. Araw natin ’to (I fought for this until the end… This is it. This is our day),” he said with his voice noticeably filled with both relief and pride.

Praise from the producer

Producer Mamu Lagan couldn’t help but commend the director’s grit and overpouring passion:

“Kahit may mga pagsubok, hindi siya bumitaw. Hindi lang siya magaling mag-direct; marunong siyang magpakumbaba at magmahal sa mga artista niya. Kaya ibang klase din ang balik ng mga tao sa kanya.”

(Even with challenges, he never let go. He’s not only good at directing; he knows how to be humble and care for his actors That’s why the way people respond to him is on another level.)

Mamu emphasized that it was Ropero’s ability to lead with both skill and heart that kept the cast and crew motivated until the very end.

For Ropero, this 31st film in his career isn’t just another project. More importantly, it’s a proof to the power of collaboration and trust.

“Huwag kayong mag-judge ng tao… Ito ang binigay ng Panginoon sa amin: napakagandang pelikula na galing sa puso namin,” he furthered. (Don’t judge people… This is what God has given us: a beautiful film that comes from our hearts).

With heartfelt performances, a message rooted in hope, and a team that refused to give up, Mga Munting Tala sa Sinagtala glows with the warmth of stories.

The production is now gearing up for school tours and mall screenings aimed at reaching students.