Kapuso actress Bianca Umali has been tapped to voice the titular character in GMA Pictures’ upcoming animated feature, Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko.
The actress was officially introduced as the voice behind Ella Arcangel during the Toy Conference 2026. The film is based on the 2017 comic book series Ella Arcangel, created by Julius Villanueva, and follows the story of a young mambabarang navigating a world of folklore, magic, and heroism.
Bianca revealed that accepting the project came after an unusual dream that seemed to foreshadow the opportunity.
“I dreamt of a cartoon dream. Sabi ko, ‘Anong nangyari?’ That’s such an odd dream to have,” said the Sparkle actress. “And then, I checked my email, and then lumabas ‘yung email sa akin ng team Ella.”
The actress said she immediately accepted the role, citing her admiration for the project’s local roots and meaningful message.
“Um-oo ako dahil gawang Pinoy ‘to. Um-oo ako dahil napakaganda po nung materyal. And for people who know me as the actor that I am, I really choose the project that I do. And I really go for the projects that are meaningful and very relevant sa kung ano ‘yung nangyayari sa atin at sa buhay nating mga tao, at ang Ella Arcangel po ay ganu’n.”
Beyond bringing the animated heroine to life, Bianca believes the film carries an empowering message that resonates with audiences of all ages.
“Ella Arcangel is a representation of all of us. That we do not have to be a certain age, a certain gender, or have a certain status in life for us to be heroes. We can all be heroes every single day, saan man tayo nakatira, kahit sino ka pa,” she added.
Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko marks another milestone for Philippine animation as it adapts one of the country’s homegrown comic book heroines for the big screen, with Bianca Umali lending her voice to a character that celebrates courage, identity, and everyday heroism.
