Actress and singer Rachel Alejandro made sure to dedicate her Best Supporting Actress award to her father, veteran singer Hajji Alejandro. The seasoned star took to her Instagram account to share how she was still in disbelief over her recent win at the 2025 Manila International Film Festival.

Rachel won for her amazing work in Song of the Fireflies. It was a project she worked on alongside Morissette Amon, who bagged the Best Actress award.

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She recalled how, in the moment her name was announced, she was in shock as she couldn’t believe her role won an award from the prestigious award-giving body. 

“When Tia Carrere announced ‘The Best Supporting Actress is…Rachel Alejandro for Song of the Fireflies’, my heart leapt for joy but my mind started racing. Shucks. I did not have a speech prepared cuz tbh, I hadn’t given our film winning anything much thought,” she admitted.

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Despite having no speech prepared, Rachel revealed that she couldn’t think of anyone else except her dad, Hajji. She expressed how “miracles” have been happening in their lives recently, although she didn’t disclose any more details about these.

“I didn’t want to leave anyone out that needed to be acknowledged. I struggled to get to the stage in high heels and when I got there, managed to rattle on thanks to the team. In the end, all I could think of was my Dad. I dedicated the win to DAD,” she said.

“Then I felt a surge of gratitude and awe for the miracles that have been transpiring in our lives the last few days. Then I trampled on the mic stand and nearly fell onto the steps,” she added.

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Friends and fans congratulated her in the comment section for her much deserved win. Some netizens hoped to see her film in Philippine cinemas soon as they also want to watch her performance.

Rachel plays the role of Equet Butalid, the wife of the governor of Bohol. In an interview with Inquirer USA, the seasoned actress shared that her role is a “nuanced character” who has the same goals as Morissette’s role. 

Song of the Fireflies is about the story of the Loboc Children’s Choir and how their talent in singing and the determination of their founder continues to bring pride and honor to the country.