'Samahan ng mga Makasalanan': 5 lessons from David Licauco's new comedy film

David Licauco's first-ever comedy film, "Samahan ng mga Makasalanan," will leave you in stitches when you catch it in the cinemas starting April 19.

The movie follows the story of Reverend Sam, a church deacon in Sto. Cristo, and his adventures in a special place called Kalye Makasalanan.

Sam meets different people who are sinners in their own ways and tries to help them to redeem themselves.

Here are five lessons about life that we can ponder in David's newest comedy movie.

1. Redemption is possible

At its core, "Samahan ng mga Makasalanan" reminds us that redemption is possible—even for those society labels as sinners.

When Reverend Sam arrived in Sto. Cristo and encountered the people of Kalye Makasalanan, he is confronted with lives steeped in sin and vice. But instead of turning away, he chooses compassion.

Moved by their struggles, he brings them together into a group he called the "Sinners' Club" (Samahan ng mga Makasalanan), not to judge them, but to guide them toward change. Through this fellowship, he helps them seek redemption—not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of their community.

2. Ask forgiveness

In the movie, before Sam guides the sinners toward redemption, he first asks them to confess their sins and seek forgiveness from the Lord.

Asking for forgiveness is essential to redemption because it shows humility, acknowledges mistakes, and opens the path to healing. It also helps mend relationships, brings inner peace, and invites grace—whether from others, ourselves, or a higher power. It's the first step toward genuine change and growth.

3. Faith is powerful

The road to redemption is never easy—old habits are hard to break, after all. But faith teaches us how powerful and transformative it can be in our lives.

Although out the movie, Sam can be heard saying "Hangga't may pananampalataya, may pag-asa. Hangga't may naniniwala puwedeng magsimula."

This thought-provoking line from the film reminds us that faith is crucial to redemption because it gives hope, strength, and the belief that change and forgiveness are possible. It helps a person trust in something greater, persevere through struggles, and believe we are worthy of a new beginning.

4. Change starts within us

Change starts within us as we are the only person who really knows our true self. We have the power to transform ourselves into better person by changing our mindset, beliefs, and habits.

While Reverend Sam undeniably played a pivotal role in guiding the people of Kalye Makasalanan toward change, it is ultimately the community itself that takes responsibility for transforming their lives for the better.

5. There's kindness in everyone

Reverend Sam is a firm believer that there is kindness in everyone, even in those who have committed wrongdoings.

In one scene with Father Danny (Joel Torre), Sam explains the reason why he keeps helping the people from Kalye Makasalanan, saying that he believes that every person carries a hidden goodness within them.

"Naniniwala ako sa kabutihan ng tao. Naniniwala ako lahat ng tao ay may tinatagong kabutihan," he said.

So, whether you're a drug addict, a gangster, or a thief, Sam believes that within you lies kindness, buried beneath the weight of your sins. 

"Samahan ng mga Makasalanan" is directed by Benedict Mique and produced by GMA Pictures. Aside from David, it also stars Sanya Lopez, Liezel Lopez, Betong Sumaya, Buboy Villar, Jay Ortega, Chariz Solomon, Joel Torre, Euwenn Mikaell, and more. —MGP, GMA Integrated News