Writing a book and producing a film may seem like two very different pursuits, but for entrepreneur Rossana Hwang, they are deeply connected passions. With Isang Komedya sa Langit, Hwang has taken her novel The Lost Saints and brought it to life on the big screen—melding historical fiction, fantasy, and humor. The result is a heartfelt story that entertains while quietly delivering lessons in faith, courage, and love for country.
Author-producer Rossana Hwang
From pages to big screens
Produced by Kapitana Entertainment Media, Isang Komedya sa Langit opens in selected theaters nationwide beginning May 28, 2025. The film is an adaptation of Rossana Hwang’s novel The Lost Saints and tells the story of three Spanish-era priests who, on the brink of execution in 1872, are mysteriously transported to modern-day Metro Manila after a solar eclipse. Mistaken for saints, they must navigate their strange new world with the same courage and faith that defined them in the past.
“Isang Komedya sa Langit delivers a compelling narrative with humor and emotion,” said Hwang. “It’s a feel-good movie with valuable lessons for the whole family.”
Directed by Roi Paolo Calilong, the film stars Jaime Fábregas as Father Emanuel Garcia, Gene Padilla as Father Javier Salas, Edgar Allan Guzman as Father Juan Borromeo, John Medina as Father Paolo Pascual, and Akihiro Blanco as Brother Marco. Carmi Martin takes on the role of Naty, a modern-day character who brings her own charm to the time-traveling chaos.
The cast speaks
L-R: Akihiro Blanco, Rossana Hwang, Carmi Martin, and Jaime Fabregas
Despite being a veteran in the industry, Jaime Fábregas expressed a calm and grounded view on the film’s reception.
“Looking forward to it, na makita ng audience pero wala naman akong expectations. All I know is it’s good entertainment, I think it will be received well,” he said.
Akihiro Blanco described the project as multi-layered and emotionally rich.
“Lahat po nandito. Halo-halo siya, may comedy, may drama and ang gagaling nila (co-actors). Nadadala ako sa mga eksena,” he said.
On sharing the screen with seasoned actors, Aki was all-in:
“For me sobrang go lang po kasama ko sina tito Jaime, si Ms. Carmi. Ang dami kong matututunan sa kanila dito and para sa akin, tulad ng sabi ni tito Jaime, pantay-pantay lahat ng characters namin dito kapag napanood ninyo ‘yung movie.
All-around
Far from being a distant producer, Rossana Hwang was present and involved in almost every detail of the shoot. From coordinating talent to scouting locations, she wore many hats.
“I find it quite a challenge. Pero ang maganda kasi bago ang lahat, nag-chika-chika muna kami, parang binigyan niya na ako ng background kung paano tatakbo ang shooting,” shared Carmi Martin.
“Pero sobra siyang hands-on. So ang ginawa ko, nagpabakuna ako. Kasi meron akong movie at soap nun, nagka-shingles ako. Kasi nga alam ko minsan kapag sobrang puyat ka from one project to another. So, nagka-shingles ako and at the same time, I really studied and researched about it. Natuwa nga sila kasi ang daming sulat nung script ko kasi nag-aacting workshop ako, so nagno-notes ako. It’s a different role, lola ako. Nag-prepare ako aside from memorizing my lines because ayaw kong maging pabigat sa shoot.”
“Ini-spoil niya kaming lahat. As much as possible she made us comfortable as we could be on the set. So, this is appreciated kasi minsan nakakaligtaan ‘yun. Anyway, ang sabi ko nga hands-on. Lahat ata ng location namin, sila may-ari. Technically, it was a fun shoot and very supportive,” added Jaime Fábregas smilingly.
Akihiro Blanco also praised Hwang’s approachable nature. “Nakakatuwa kay Ma’am Rossana, gusto ko siya kapag nase-stress siya, eh. Kapag nase-stress siya ang cute niyang tignan. Si Ma’am Rossana as a producer, hindi siya ‘yung parang tulad ng iba na hindi mo nakakausap,” Blanco raved. “Si Ma’am Rossana para siyang kaibigan na din sa amin. Hands on siya, andyan siya palagi.”
Humor and heart
With early screenings calling the film “uplifting, entertaining, and full of heart,” Isang Komedya sa Langit aims to strike a balance between laughter and lessons. It’s part of Kapitana Entertainment Media’s Easter-to-Independence Day campaign and carries a General Patronage (GP) rating—ideal for family viewing.
Whether it’s 1872 or 2024, Isang Komedya sa Langit invites audiences to look at life with humor, faith, and purpose—and to remember that hope, like time travel, can surprise you when you least expect it.
