Pagpag, Siyam Na Buhay, A Horror Film for the MMFF

The old days, myths and "pamahiin" (superstitious belief) isn't gone and that's what Kwento Ni Toto will share to you as Star Cinema, with its 20th anniversary, reunites with Regal Films as these two giants in the film industry bring together country's hottest and well loved young stars in a horror movie that defines the boundaries of belief, Pagpag, Siyam Na Buhay.  This is said to be the biggest, most horrific, and most chilling film of the year.

Pagpag is the only horror film that will participate in the much-awaited 39th Metro Manila Film Festival this coming December.  The movie starred by Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Paulo Avelino, Shaina Magdayao and Clarence Delgado with the support of Matet De Leon, Dominic Roque, Miles Ocampo, CJ Navato, Michelle Vito, Janus Del Prado, and Marvin Yap.  This movie is directed by Frasco Santos Mortiz and written by Joel Mercado.


For Filipinos the term "Pagpag" is prevalent in the tradition of deaths, wakes and funerals.  The movie is inspired in the belief that one should not go directly home after visiting a wake at the risk of bringing home evil spirits.


The subtitle, "Siyam Na Buhay" represents 9 prevalent Filipino superstitious beliefs that are associated with deaths and funerals and are observed and practiced to this very day by most Filipinos.  It is said and widely believed that once broken, sinister deaths representing each of the 9 beliefs shall await anyone who violates and disrespects these ancient practices.  Below are the beliefs associated with it.

1. It is forbidden to go directly home from a funeral.
2. It is forbidden to sweep floors in a wake.
3. It is forbidden for a teardrop to fall on the dead's coffin.
4. It is forbidden to use the mirror in a wake.
5. It is forbidden to bring home food from the wake.
6. It is forbidden to go to a funeral with a wound.
7. It is forbidden to wipe tears from the dead's casket.
8. It is forbidden to spend money intended for the dead.
9. It is forbidden to accompany visitors to the door as they leave.

In Pagpag, terrifying horrors are unleashed as Cedric, played by Daniel Padilla, and his friends accidentally visit a funeral that is set up by Leni, played by Kathryin Bernardo.  Every member of the group unwittingly breaks one superstitious belief after the other including the dreaded pagpag as each of them went directly home after the funeral.  Unbeknownst to Cedric and Leni, they brought home a malevolent and vengeful spirit.

Cedric and Leni are forced to team up in the hope of containing and abating the wrath of the vengeful spirit and eventually vanquishing it in the process.  But as they struggle to succeed, more mishaps occur and they run out of options in saving their family and friends.

aside from the spine-chilling scenes that Pagpag offers, fans and the entire family can also look forward for some humor and romance from Daniel and Kathryn, who are very well considered as the reigning teen royalty of primetime television.

Watch the horror and thrill this December 25 in theaters.