MGA MUNTING TALA AND SINAGTALA : A SIMPLE STORY WITH A THOUSAND LESSONS

Mga Munting Tala and Sinagtala: A Simple Story with a Thousand Lessons

Director Errol Ropero is quietly reshaping Filipino youth and family cinema with two films that shine brightest when seen together—Mga Munting Tala and Sinagtala. Different stories, different audiences, but one heartbeat: the struggles of childhood, the bonds of family, and the stubborn glow of hope.

Mga Munting Tala doesn’t lean on a single hero. Instead, it threads multiple lives into one story, every child carrying a lesson. Direk Errol explains, “This isn’t about one main character. I wanted to show that every child has a story, a struggle, and a light to share. I grew up seeing how kids, no matter how small, carry so much on their shoulders—poverty, broken families, even the search for love and acceptance. Through this film, I wanted people to realize that kids aren’t just background characters in life—they are the story, they are the future. That’s what gives the film its depth, and that’s why every character matters.”

The young leads—Potchi Angeles (Caleb), Franchesco Maafi (Aaron), Shira Tweg (Rose), Kyle Almenanza (Isaac)—deliver performances far older than their years, while the “Munting Tala kids”—Ryrie Sophia, Scarlet Alaba, Francis Saagundo, Drey Lampago, Yassi Ibasco—bring joy, pain, and truth in equal measure. Around them, a strong ensemble of veterans like Jeffrey Santos, Miles Poblete, Richard Kuan, Patani, Lito Napolitano, Jessica Nogas, Paul Espinosa, Jordan Pacheco keep the world grounded.

“I’ve always wanted to tell stories that are simple but real,” Direk Errol shares. “I don’t have to create superheroes or fantasies—life itself is already dramatic enough. Children, like little stars, can shine even in the darkest times. When I was writing this, I kept remembering moments from my own childhood, when even small acts of kindness gave me hope. That’s the heart of these films: that even when the world feels heavy, light always finds a way to break through.”

That image—the tiny stars in darkness—summarizes both films. Mga Munting Tala speaks gently to elementary students, while Sinagtala steps into deeper waters for teens, tackling sacrifice, love, and choices that shape futures.

The second film follows sisters Magdalena and Rebecca, raised without parents, who end up in love with the same man. Wounds from their choices ripple into the next generation—Caleb, Aaron, Mary, Hannah, David—who rise above by holding onto honesty, faith, and hard work. The message: our roots don’t define us, but our choices do.

Backing this vision is producer Edward “Mamu” Fabros Lagan, who poured time, trust, and money into both projects. At the Gateway 2 premiere, Mamu admitted, “I was deeply touched watching the film. To be honest, it was an emotional moment for me. Every sacrifice—the sleepless nights, the stress of production, the countless problems we had to solve, and even the financial risks—it all flashed before my eyes as the credits rolled. And when I saw the story come alive on screen, when I saw the kids shining in their roles, I knew it was all worth it. It reminded me why I decided to produce films in the first place—not for profit, not for glamour, but for the chance to tell stories that actually mean something.”

His trust in Direk Errol was clear. “From the very start, I only had one request from him—honesty. I told him, ‘Direk, as long as you tell the truth through your films, I will always support you.’ And that’s exactly what he did. He gave me honesty. He gave me stories that felt raw, heartfelt, and real. And when you have honesty in art, people feel it. That’s why the audience connects.”

Highlights abound, but one stands out: a raw, single-take performance by Ryrie Sophia and Drey Lampago that still makes the director teary-eyed.

For Direk Errol, none of it would be possible without Mamu’s steady support. “Mamu has been my anchor. When I doubted myself, when critics said nobody would watch these kinds of films, he was the one who told me, ‘Direk, keep going. This is important.’ He reminded me that we weren’t just making movies for entertainment—we were making films that could touch children’s lives, guide families, and give hope to people who feel forgotten. That’s bigger than any box-office result. That’s the true reward for us.”

Both Mga Munting Tala and Sinagtala will reach audiences this August through a series of initial screenings across major malls and cinemas:

August 23 – Southwoods Mall, Vista Mall Dasmariñas, SM Calamba, SM San Pablo, SM Lucena, SM Clark, SM San Jose Del Monte

August 24 – Southwoods Mall, Vista Mall Dasmariñas, SM Fairview, SM San Jose Del Monte, Vista Mall San Jose Del Monte

August 30 – Southwoods Mall, Vista Mall Dasmariñas, SM Calamba, SM San Pablo, SM Lucena, SM Naga, SM Cabanatuan, SM Baliwag, SM Santa Rosa

August 31 – Southwoods Mall, Vista Mall Dasmariñas, SM Naga, SM Cabanatuan, SM Baliwag, SM Santa Rosa, Vista Mall General Trias, Vista Mall Somo, Fora Mall Tagaytay, Robinson’