Xia Vigor defends ‘2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7’ amid backlash

Young star urges fans to give the film a chance as Viva confirms MMFF 2026 entry despite criticism over franchise roots.

Immediately after organizers of the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) confirmed that Viva Communications’ “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” is part of this year’s lineup, the news drew criticism online, with some questioning the decision to continue a franchise based on a foreign concept.

“It’s not even yours, the original concept, and you’re still gonna make a prequel or sequel for it,” one netizen wrote.

Despite the backlash, cast member Xia Vigor remains optimistic, urging audiences to watch the film before judging it.

“May mga nakita nga po akong comments like that. Pero sana bigyan muna nila ng chance kasi hindi pa naman nila napapanood and I promise na magugustuhan nila dahil magagaling rin ang writer (Mell del Rosario) namin. She definitely wrote something na tatatak sa puso ng mga Filipino and ako, I promise to do my part,” Xia told radar Entertainment in a recent interview.

Xia reprises her role as Yesha, now 16, in the upcoming installment and said the film carries an inspiring message for families.

“It’s very inspiring. It’s a family movie. Sana i-enjoy na lang nila and sana huwag muna mag-comment ng negative about it kasi wala pa naman po,” she pointed out.

She also believes there is more of Yesha’s story left to tell. “I think there’s more to tell pa rin sa story talaga. Siyempre very inspiring rin how Yesha became a lawyer, kasi sa first pinakita po na naging lawyer siya para mabigyan ng justice ’yong father niya,” she added.

According to Xia, the new film expands on the characters’ lives beyond what was shown in the first movie. “I think kailangan talaga itong prequel/sequel na ’to. I think hindi pa dapat natapos doon ’yong story. I think people would want to see how Yesha lived after ng mga tragic events na nangyari sa life niya, how she coped with that, and si Joselito rin, ’yong life niya before, paano ba siya namuhay before,” she said.

Directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval and starring Aga Muhlach, “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” follows the 2019 MMFF hit “Miracle in Cell No. 7.”

The production said the new installment will explore events before and after the first film, making it both a prequel and a sequel.

Released in 2019, the Philippine adaptation of “Miracle in Cell No. 7” was based on the 2013 South Korean film of the same title. It became one of the biggest box-office hits of that year’s MMFF, grossing more than ₱500 million and earning praise for its story and performances.

The new installment adapts “2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7,” the 2024 Indonesian sequel to Indonesia’s remake of the original Korean film.

As the film gears up for its MMFF release, Xia said the excitement is starting to sink in. “Mas nafi-feel ko na po ngayon ’yong excitement na finally, after seven years may entry po ang Viva Films with me, ‘Second Miracle,” she said. “‘Miracle’ is a big part of my career and being able to do it again with the same people, very excited po talaga ako and very much looking forward akong makita sila.”

“2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7” is set to premiere in cinemas nationwide on December 25 as an official entry to the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival under Viva Films.

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