“Obvious naman, ‘di ba?” Gladys laughingly answered when asked if this is her first musical experience.
Indeed, it’s a milestone moment for the multi-awarded actress, as Gladys Reyes takes an unexpected step in her decades-long career, starring in her first-ever lead (“bida”) role and first musical film, The Heart of Music. Known for her powerhouse performances and dramatic versatility, Gladys has long been a fixture in Philippine film and television, from her breakout role as Clara in the iconic ’90s series Mara Clara to her performances that earned her multiple acting awards and nominations.
“First time talaga! Wala sa hinagap ko at this point of my career, at my age, na makakagawa pa ako ng musical. S’yempre dream lang sa akin ‘yan. Actually, sabi ko pa nga sana kahit sa stage, makagawa ko ng stage musical. Pero sabi ko nga, movie pa ang binigay ni God,” she said, her eyes lighting up.
She added, “So, answered prayer, actually, to do a musical and family drama. At kung mapapansin niyo po, ang layu-layo dun sa mga ginagampanan ko sa teleserye.”
In The Heart of Music, Gladys portrays Madonna, a character that allows her to showcase both emotional depth and musical artistry.
When asked how she prepared for such a demanding role, Gladys revealed the lengths she went to ensure authenticity. “Opo, nahihiya kasi ako kina Sir Robert. And of course, kay Ate Isay. Sabi ko nga, nung nalaman ko ‘yun, nag-set kaagad ako ng appointment with voice lesson teacher, Teacher Dixie Lacuesta. And then, piano lesson din as well. Kasi sa piano, hindi lang basta tumutugtog ka ng piano. Pati yung upo, pati yung puwesto ng kamay. So, kahit hindi naman ipinakita nang buo talaga dun sa movie, pero I wanted to be prepared kahit papaano dun sa mga eksena. At sabi ko nga po, s’yempre, hindi naman kailang kilang-kilala sa industry ng musika at pagtatanghal, of course, sina Sir Robert and Miss Isay. Kaya po, ganun na lang din yung kaba ko nung gawin ‘to.”
Her humility and dedication were evident throughout production — qualities that deeply impressed her co-stars. Working alongside veteran theater performers Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez, both celebrated for their iconic roles in Miss Saigon, was both an honor and a learning experience for Gladys.
“S’yempre ako ‘yung hiyang hiya di ba kasi iba ‘yung kalibre nila. Wala kang maaano sa kanila na para bang ‘Ang galing-galing ko na sa larangang ito!’ Talagang napakahumble nila. Mas nahihiya tuloy ako lalo,” she admitted with a laugh. Yet, she was quick to add her gratitude, “Puro pasasalamat na sila po ‘yung nakasama ko sa pelikulang ito. At nagpapasalamat ako na tinanggap nila ‘yung pelikulang ito.” Gladys turned to them at the presscon table after the premiere screening, “Salamat, Kuya Robert, Ate Isay.”
Beyond the music and performances, The Heart of Music celebrates the beauty of Filipino family values, which are love, resilience, unity, and the healing power of song. The film tells the story of the Riviera family, with Robert and Isay as Diana and Frank, the devoted parents of eight children navigating the struggles of life through harmony and hope.
The movie also features an impressive ensemble — Jon Lucas as Billy, Angel Guardian as Debbie, Sean Lucas as Michael, Elijah Alejo as Christina, Angel Laco as Celine, Stanley Abuloc as Bryan, and twins Noreen (Britney) and Markhy (Justine) as the youngest members of the family. Adding more color are Jopay Paguia and Joshua Zamora, Rey “PJ” Abellana, Marissa Sanchez, Berna Cabrera, Hasna Cabral, Angelica Bertola, and Roven Alejandro. The film also proudly introduces singer and Tawag ng Tanghalan finalist Jennie Gabriel in her acting debut.
Written by Mario Alaman, who also composed the film’s 16 original songs, The Heart of Music is directed by Paolo Bertola, an award-winning Italian filmmaker known for his visual storytelling and heartwarming narratives.
When asked if her newfound passion for music might lead to releasing a single, Gladys just smiled and teased, “Secret. Malalaman n’yo na lang,” bursting into laughter.
Produced by Cube Studios, a collaboration between Utmost Creatives Motion Pictures and YourPost Entertainment, the film is a labor of love, a fusion of art, family, and faith. For Gladys, The Heart of Music is a dream realized, a prayer answered, and a story that mirrors her own journey of grace and gratitude. After decades of playing complex characters on television, she now steps into the spotlight — not as the villain or supporting star, but as the heart of a film that sings with hope.
The Heart of Music will soon hit the cinemas, with a tentative play date this November. Stay tuned for more details.
