Adela, a former radio personality, celebrates her 80th birthday. Alone, and without support, she longs for the family and stability of years gone by. Mundane events take on heightened meaning as Adela gauges her life against those of the sea of humanity. Adela is about the quiet moments in life that can fill us with either joy or sorrow.
Acting
Anita Linda's final performance — every micro-expression earned over 80 years of life.
Direction
Alix Jr. finds poetry in grocery shopping and cemetery walks.
Cinematography
Manila's margins shot with patient, unsentimental tenderness.
Director
Adolfo Alix Jr.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Anita Linda was 85 during filming; this was her final role before retiring from a 70-year career spanning Philippine cinema's golden age.
Shot in actual Manila North Cemetery where thousands of urban poor live among the dead — Alix cast real residents as extras.
PH
