Hilda Koronel Is Back After 13 Years — And She's Playing a Vengeful Spy, Not Rizal's Sisa, in Her Comeback Film

Philippine cinema legend Hilda Koronel — the woman who starred in "Insiang" and "Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" — is making her grand return to the big screen after a 13-year hiatus. Her comeback vehicle? "Sisa," a spy thriller directed by Jun Robles Lana, set during the Philippine-American War of 1902. And no, it's not the Sisa from Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere."

"She's a spy. So hindi 'to — they have a misconception na si Sisa 'to ni Rizal. It's not," Hilda clarified during an appearance on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda." Her character is a woman driven by vengeance who pretends to be mentally unstable as a cover. "Nagloloko-lokohan lang siya," Hilda revealed — her Sisa is sharp, calculating, and out for payback.

Hilda, now 62, opened up about her years away from the industry. After 56 years in showbiz, she moved to the United States with her husband. "My husband was saying, 'Pahinga ka na,'" she shared. Life in America was quieter but tougher in its own way — "Ikaw lahat, wala kang katulong. Sanay naman ako. I cook, I clean, I do everything."

Despite the distance, Manila never stopped being home. "Some of my kids are here. My grandchildren are here. So, I miss the people. Manila will always be home for me," she said. The pull was strong enough to bring her back for one more film — and what a film to return to. A period spy thriller is about as far from a typical comeback vehicle as you can get.

"Sisa" hits Philippine cinemas on March 4. For fans of classic Filipino cinema — and anyone who appreciates a veteran actress choosing a challenging role over a safe one — this is a must-watch. Welcome back, Hilda. Matagal ka naming hinintay.

Source: GMA News Online