For veteran director Mike Sandejas, he described his upcoming film Sinagtala as not just another musical, but a youth-driven, emotionally charged drama that he believes has all the makings of a box office success.
At first glance, the film’s title may mislead audiences into expecting a historical epic. But Sinagtala is actually the name of a fictional band at the heart of the story, composed of established actors—Glaiza De Castro, Rhian Ramos, Arci Muñoz, Rayver Cruz, and Matt Lozano—that Sandejas says could draw in legions of young fans.
“These kids are really popular. Just their combined followers alone—how many millions is that,” said Sandejas during the film’s press conference.
While the film centers on a band, Sandejas clarified that Sinagtala isn’t a traditional musical filled with staged performances. Instead, it’s a grounded narrative about life, ambition, and personal struggles—told through the lens of the band’s journey and the music they create.
“They play music, yes, but it’s really a drama. It talks about life. It’s very relatable. There are twists and turns that I hope people will talk about after watching it,” he continued.
The film marks Sandejas’ most commercial work to date—a deliberate shift aimed at reaching from the world of independent films to a broader, mainstream audience. Known for his earlier independent features such as Dinig Sana Kita, which also explored youth and music, Sinagtala blends that emotional core with a more accessible format.
“I decided to be very commercial for a general audience. I think we have all the elements of a good film—an all-star cast, an excellent musical soundtrack, and a relevant, engaging story,” added Sandejas.
Sandejas even made a bold claim about the film’s original music.
“I dare say, we have one of the best musical soundtracks in Philippine cinema,” the filmmaker stated.
He knows that making an impact at the box office requires a strong opening, and he’s banking on the film’s mix of youthful energy, emotional resonance, and standout music to bring audiences in.
“As long as we get enough people to go in on the first day, I think we’re not that far off. Just watch the film—and you’ll see why,” said Sandejas.