After decades of portraying some of Philippine entertainment’s most iconic kontrabida roles, award-winning actress Gladys Reyes is stepping into unfamiliar yet heartwarming territory — playing a kindhearted lead in the family musical film ‘The Heart of Music.’
The film follows the story of curly-haired, fun-loving Yaya Madonna, a breadwinner orphaned early in life. After being scammed by an illegal recruiter, she pretends to be working abroad so her father (played by PJ Abellana) won’t worry. Circumstances eventually force her to work as a nanny for the eight children of Diana (Isay Alvarez) and Frank Riviera (Robert Seña), where the story’s unexpected twists begin.
Writer Mario Alaman describes the film as deeply relevant to families today.
“Ito ay pampamilya na inaalay namin lalo na sa panahon ngayon na maraming bagay na hindi kasing ayon pagdating sa pamilya,” Alaman said.
Reyes admitted that despite her excitement, starring in a musical alongside acclaimed performers like Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez came with pressure.
“Siyempre,” she said when asked if she felt intimidated. “Before I did the movie, gumawa ako ng assignment ko. Nag-take up ako ng voice lessons, even piano lessons… siyempre nahihiya ako kanila Isay and Robert, sila kasi talaga ‘yung formidable duo in the music industry.”
Reyes, known for her dramatic chops, shared that singing has always been her personal outlet — but performing in a musical demanded a different level of preparation.
“I want to show that kahit papaano ibibigay ko ‘yung best ko dito… Mahilig talaga akong kumanta sa karaoke, that’s my stress reliever. Kaya nga when it was offered to me, sobrang saya ko — wow, binigyan pa ako, at this point, to do a musical.”
On December 2, Reyes led the red carpet premiere at Trinoma Cinema 5, radiating the excitement of someone embracing a new artistic chapter. Her warmth extended beyond the screen as she posed for photos and greeted fans, friends, and co-stars.
Present to support her were industry colleagues including Neil Ryan Sese, Vina Morales, Matt Lozano, Kokoy de Santos, Carmi Martin, and more. The film’s child actors — Noreen (Britney) and Markhy (Justine) — also attended, along with Jon Lucas, Angel Guardian, Sean Lucas, Elijah Alejo, Angel Laco, and Stanley Abuloc.
Joining the celebration were Jopay Paguia, Joshua Zamora, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Marissa Sanchez, Berna Cabrera, Hasna Cabral, Angelica Bertola, and Roven Alejandro.
Directed by Paolo Bertola and produced by Cube Studios, ‘The Heart of Music’ takes inspiration from the Hollywood classic “The Sound of Music.” But this adaptation grounds its themes in Filipino realities — from school bullying to family struggles — expressed through 16 original songs.
Bertola assured audiences they would witness a new side of Gladys Reyes.
The film, written by Alaman, aims to uplift Filipino values and highlight the healing power of music.
‘The Heart of Music’ opens in cinemas on December 10, promising a family-centric story that blends drama, comedy, and song — and offering audiences a rare chance to see Gladys Reyes not as a villain, but as the heart of an uplifting musical journey. (with reports from Cassiopeia Janelle Calamaya)
