Pinoy ghost tales or pinoy ghost stories are part of our culture, the rich Filipino culture. I believe these stories are what makes every halloween to expect. Even though, we Filipinos love to have ghost stories all year-round.

Recently, I was invited for a viewing of a horror film genre. Since, I love to watch movies I went to the viewing party, which later on a press conference with aome of the actors and director of the film.

Actually it is a trilogy, a three story film that will give viewers different flavors from the usual horror film.

 

Scary and thrilling, no matter what the story is as long as there's a jump-off-seat factor this kind of series will definitely be watched by many. So iWantTFC welcomes the New Year with its first original 2021 offering titled “Horrorscope,” an anthology series about how one’s astrological sign can bring misfortune and terror, which begins streaming worldwide on January 13. 

Jake Cuenca and Ivana Alawi’s desire for money and sex will corrupt their minds and summon evil into their lives in the back-to-back horror flicks for the movie series “Sitsit,” streaming on iWant TFC on October 31.

“Sitsit” presents two different stories in “Scorpio” and “Aswang” about people who, out of desperation to escape their misery and turn things around, take the easy way out and end up attracting evil elements that will manipulate them and could tarnish their souls completely.

In “Scorpio,” named after the Zodiac sign, Jake and Dido Dela Paz portray Danny, a lustful aging photographer who fears living a lonely life with no one to love. To get the woman he loves and is obsessed with, he takes a mysterious potion that will turn him into a young handsome man to win her heart. 

Okay, it's October already and we all know what happens before the end of the month. So if you're in and ready to get spooked? Well, here's one that will turn your dreams into nightmares?

You can watch this at home and save the horror and dreaded traffic in the metro. Plus you can even save some for the rainy days. What's good is that you can enjoy the movie under the cuddle weather, with just a tap or a click on your phones and gadgets at home, you get a full movie experience with iWant’s chilling story of a mother and a son trapped in a life of haunting spirits in the psycho-horror movie “Abandoned,” an iWant original movie that you can stream for free! Flip the switch off and grab bae for this one. It’s gonna be a frightening ride.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

Here are seven reasons why “Abandoned” deserves your time and attention:


1. Its short running time For only an hour and 15 minutes, viewers get to witness a story of love and resilience in a horror setting in the Kip Oebanda film where dedicated mother and son look out for each other in the midst of bullies, evil spirits, lurking shadows of the past. Set in an eerie location where one should roam at midnight and 3 in the morning alone, get ready to get spooked with disturbing scenes and ending that will leave you bewildered. Ready your blanket. Expect jumpscares.


2. Beauty takes on her first horror role From her kindhearted mother roles, Beauty expands her acting repertoire as she plays the complex Simone, the single mother of RJ (played by Seth) who is struggling to find a job after a traumatic experience during her previous one. Simone is a far cry from the glamorous Romina Mondragon as Beauty portrays a dedicated yet mentally unstable woman, plagued by the ghosts of an old building.


3. It’s Seth’s first movie project Without his Gold Squad co-members by his side, Seth can stand on his own and is ready to prove his place in the industry with his first movie and leading role. Seth’s RJ in “Abandoned” is amusing and mischievous, adding a charming layer to the otherwise chilling film that draws its scares from unresolved personal traumas.


4. Its symbolisms make it not your typical white lady horror movie The title itself gives meaning to a lot of scenes in the movie. “Abandoned” isn’t just about the haunted building and its supernatural elements, but how her spooky workplace provokes Simone’s deepest and darkest fear – abandonment – which she has dealt with all her life.


5. It depicts how patriarchy trumps women on a daily basis. Simone’s predicament starts when her boss Soliman (another symbolism) “handpicks” her for the unusual job, and all the while their security firm’s logo represents manhood and the fires of hell. Her cocky colleague Renante won’t trade shifts with her, and a loan shark tries to take advantage of her financial instability.

It is also revealed that Simone’s father originally wanted a son, thus, her untypical name and painful childhood.


6. It shows how a mother’s love overcomes all difficulties. Simone’s ex-husband was also a domestic abuser, causing her to leave and raise RJ The film shows a mother’s unconditional love for her son—from borrowing money, looking for jobs she’s incapable of, throwing a birthday celebration, warding off evil spirits, and even literally sacrificing herself in place of her son. A mother’s love never yields.


7. It encourages us to check up on our own moms. Our moms always look like they got it all together, but who takes care of them when they have no one to run to? In the movie, RJ reveals he has been skipping school to secretly help his mom financially by buying and selling things online and even defending her name from bullies in school. It was RJ all along that kept her going. Looking back, he always has been Simone’s source of strength. And although our mothers seem like they can handle everything, it wouldn’t hurt to check up on them and give them a warm hug every once in a while.

Stream “Abandoned” on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or on iwant.ph for free. For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial and @dreamscapedigital on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH.

I like horror films but sometimes when it is too much I opt myself from watching. Of course there are certain factors or reasons why I rarely watch and the most is that I'm scared. Who wouldn't be, specially if the film is almost as real as it is. Perhaps one of the movie that I'll try not to excuse myself when invited is he latest movie from Jodi Sta. Maria, which is a true story of Clarita. She is the very first recorded possession incident happened in Manila, Philippines.

To give you bits of details why Clarita is interesting to watch.

• 1. The movie Clarita is based on a true to life story of girl named Clarita who is the first ever recorded spiritual possession in the Philippines. The incident happened during the 50s, 1953 to be exact.

• 2. In the movie, Jodi Sta. Maria plays the role of Clarita where she performs every scene without any double. The hanging and possession thing being thrown in the air is all hers, that is why she mentioned that this movie is very challenging for her. Also this is her first time to play this kind of role.

• 3. Aaron Villaflor plays as a priest and admitted that it was hard because of the prim, right and proper way of acting as a priest during that era. He also change his hairstyle 8nto kempee look.

• 4. The movie came about after the documentary created about Clarita and the story of her possession which was done on the other network. Also about the information from the Vatican that there are more recorded information about possession incidents through out the world.

• 5. The possession scenes of Jodi requires full face and body prosthetics. To get the face prosthetics they need to cover Jodi's face with just a whole for the nose to breath. Jodi is claustrophobic that when the prosthetics are being made Derictor Derick Cabrido need to assure that she's not alone by holding her hand. 

The movie Clarita is under Black Sheep, take note that the film outfit will take a short break from creating unique love stories and now venturing into horror film.


Clarita is topbilled by Jodi Sta. Maria who plays the role of Clarita and the film is directed by Derick Cabrido. It is slated for a nationwide run starting June 12.

Watch what happened during the #ClaritaMovieMediaHaunt!

Coverage of the #ClaritaMovieMediaHunt held at Victorino's Restaurant in Quezon City. Present during the media conference are #JodiStaMaria, #RickyDavao, #RomnickSarmienta, #AlyssaMuhlach, #AaronVillaflor and Director Derick Cabrido. Nagkaroon nga ba ng paramdam while having the media conference? watch it. #ClaritaMovie #Horror #Entertainment #Movie

Coverage of the #ClaritaMovieMediaHaunt at Victorino's Restaurant in Quezon City. Derictor Derick Gabrino shared the background story of how the movie came to be. Romnick Sarmiente admitted that he didn't read the script and instantly agreed to do the movie. Aaron Villaflor have a hard time doing the role of a priest and even bring back the kempee hairstyle. #Clarita #ClaritaMovie #ClaritaHorrorMovie #ClaritaHaunts

Coverage of #ClaritaMovie #ClaritaMovjeMediaHaunt in Victorino's Restaurant Quezon City. Present during the media conference are the cast of Clarita, Jodi Sta. maria, Ricky Davao, Aaron Villafor, Rom ick Sarmienta, and Allysa Muhlach together with Direct Derick Gabrido #Clarita #JodiStaMaria #HorrorFilm

Sue Ramirez, Miles Ocampo, Michelle Vito, Jane De Leon, and Chanel Morales, dubbed as the "It Girls" of horror films, will spread chills and thrills in this year's most exciting and terrifying movie, "The Debutantes" in cinemas on October 4.

"The Debutantes" serves as the five millennial stars biggest break under director Prince Cruz, the same director who gave us "Ang Mananaggal sa Unit 23-B".

The story of "The Debutantes" will revolve around KAte (Sue), a friendless and weird looking student who tries to win the friendship of fellow students Lara (Miles), Jenny (Jane), Candice (Michelle), and Shayne (Chanel).
She, however, fails miserably in that she only gets close to one of them, Lara, while the rest of the girls find immeasurable joy in bullying her around.

Kate then experiences a nightmare and warns them about it but they would not listen except for Lara.

She was first seen in the remake of the hit teleserye "Mula Sa Puso" which was followed by the series, "Angelito, Batang Ama," "Angelito, Ang Bagong Yugto," "Annalisa", "Pamgako Sa'yo," "Dolce Amore" and the ongoing horror serye "La, Luna Sangre" of Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo.
She was also part of the reality show " I Can Do That" aside from being name Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Korea.

Her film outings include "Aswang," "Just The Way You Are,' and "A Second Chance."

Miles, meanwhile is a product of a kiddie gag show "Goin Bulilit." Aside from numerous TV series, Miles has also appeared in a number of movies like "I've Fallen For Your," "A Very Special Love," "You Changed My Life," "BFF: Best Friends Forever ' and "Paano Na Kaya".

On the other hand, Michelle initially, made her mark as a contravida in the fantaserye "Aryana" which was topbilled by Megan Young.

She has done shows for TV 2 and was cast in the horror film "Pagpag: Siyam Na Buhay".

For her part, Jane was a multi-talented entertainer when she entered showbiz. She was in the fantasy series "Wansapanataym" last year and was a member of the all-girl dance group Girltrends of "It's Showtime" in 2012.

Chanel stands as the newest Regal Millennial Baby. She first earned notice in the artista search "Artista Academy" on TV5 and was part of the "Wattpad Presents" series.

She, too is in the cast of "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano"


Together, these girls deliver a unique brand of horror in "The Debutantes" one that today's millennial generation can relate to as it delves into the subject of bullying within the campus.

In Addition, churning out horror flicks that click with the audience is a forte of Regal Films.

"Shake, Rattle & Roll" stands to be the country's longest and most successful horror franchise to date.

In other festival entry, "Haunted Mansion" is a top grosser as well while Regal's last horror presentation "Pwera Usog" was a blockbuster.

As for feedbacks on social media platforms, the trailer of "The Debutantes" scored nothing but rave reviews -proof that netizens and movie enthusiasts alike await the kind of chill and thrill the "Horror It Girls" will offer come October 4.!

Mananangggal has been a long time folklore in our country, the Philippines. There are some who believed and there are some who don’t. For those who allegedly experience the threat of the manananggal is something that they would definitely forget.

A week ago I was able to watch the movie “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B” at the UP Film Center where a flock of film enthusiasts where there to watch, criticize and learn from the movie or I’m not sure what other things they have in mind. By the way this movie is directed by Prime Cruz and Written by Jenilee Chuaunsu.

Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B is part of this year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino under The Film Development Council of the Philippines. There are 12 films that will participate in the celebration starting on August 16 up to 22.

The Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino got a line-up of interesting movies with different genres. This only shows that there are still good movies to watch and learn at the same time.



Okay back to the “Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B”, this movie is not your usual horror movie with some gory and grotesque images shown around the scene but a more thought crafted movie. One good example is the color dynamics of the movie, just like it paintings colors are much more important and its meaning. On this movie there two prevalent colors, the red and the green. According to the crew who conceptualize - red represents blood and the killing acts of Jewel (the manananggal) and green signifies the humanity present in the same character.

Another fact from the writer and director about this movie is that the manananggal portrayed by Ryza Cenon is not the folklore that we believed in, they somehow injected the millennial per se. The manananggal here devours her victim after the release. And another thing is that the oil or potion being applied is opposite from the folklore. It is applied to delay transformation and to control the craving for flesh.





For those who have watched it already great but for those who hasn't I won't destroy much of your expectation of the movie. Watch it and see for yourself.

Stars of this movie are Ryza Cenon who played the character of Jewel the Manananggal, Martin Del Rosario who skillfully played the role of Nico the heavenly in love man to the Manananggal. and of course the other casts.
For Ryza Cenon's acting aside from her angelic face and devilish sexy body, it is a two thumbs up for me. She nailed it and I'm sure she'll have more projects to come.

During the Q & A and perhaps the last question raised was given by a foreigner and the question is witty but in reality you will eventually think. Didn't get the exact question but it is something like this...
                 "Would you still make love to someone who you practically witnessed being a manananggal and who eats the heart of her victim after the intercourse?"

Answers varies and opinions are different but who knows if love really digs deep inside.

So, if you have money and time support the movies in the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilippino.

ANG MANANANGGAL SA UNIT 23B
Genre : Horror
Type of Film : Indie Film

Just right before Holloween here's another story on the big screen that will let you feel terrified and jumped off your seats. It is the chilling and eerie setting that will definitely give you a spine tingling sensation with "Resureksyon".

"Resureksyon" is a horror-thriller movie that will definitely let you give a second look on places abroad that you'll be working. It is a story of a mom who leaves for abroad to look for greener pasture for her family and then something happens that one day, she was brought back to the country in a coffin and on it are markings with specific instruction.