Blog

  • 10 Filipino Horror Movies to Watch This Halloween

    The spooky season is here once again, and we all know that Halloween must not pass without getting ourselves some of that fear-induced adrenaline rush! So if you’re on the lookout for movies to get you spooked this month, then look no further. On this list, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular Pinoy horror movies that you might want to watch this Halloween!

    Aurora

    Aurora from director Yam Laranas tells the story of the islander Leana and her younger sister Rita. When a fatal shipwreck happens on the rocky shores of their island, the siblings try to look for missing bodies, until the dead comes looking for shelter instead. Watch Aurora on Netflix.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5tlmpF_Fco&t

    Eerie

    Directed by Mikhail Red, Eerie follows a guidance counselor at a Catholic school for girls, who slowly unravels the mystery behind a student’s death through the help of a spirit. Watch Eerie on Netflix.

    Nightshift

    Another Yam Laranas film, Nightshift is about a young woman whose first day working at the morgue turns into a nightmare, when the dead bodies start to show signs of resurrection. Watch Nightshift on YouTube.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrnVV-cVrq0&t

    Seklusyon

    From director Erik Matti comes Seklusyon, a horror flick that revolves around a group of aspiring priests who are sent to a remote convent to live in seclusion. Soon, a child who can perform miracles arrives, but is her power really from God or something else?

    Bliss

    Jerrold Tarog’s Bliss is a psychological horror starring Iza Calzado. It follows the aging actress Jane who tries to direct her first film, but an accident during filming cripples her. As she stays home, surrounded by people whom she thinks might harm her, Jane’s sanity begins to crumble. Watch Bliss on Netflix.

    Clarita

    Based on real events, Roderick Cabrido’s Clarita is about the story of demonic possession that took place in the 1950s. After being apprehended by the police, a woman named Clarita soon showed signs of being attacked by an invisible attacker. Soon, the police call on a priest to exorcise her. Watch Clarita on Apple TV.

    Feng Shui

    Chito S. Roño’s 2004 film Feng Shui has truly become a Pinoy horror classic. It tells the story of a woman who brings home an antique bagua, which seems to bring her family good luck. But with every stroke of luck she receives, someone close to her dies. Watch Feng Shui on Netflix.

    Sukob

    Another Chito S. Roño classic, Sukob follows two couples who unknowingly commit the superstitious sukob, where one marries within the same year when an immediate relative died. Soon, the curse takes over their lives, killing the people around them one by one. Watch Sukob on Apple TV.

    Kuwaresma

    Erik Matti’s Kuwaresma features a dysfunctional family unit at the core of its horrors. A young man returns home to his strict father and submissive mother after the death of his twin sister. Soon, the ghost of his twin seems to haunt their home. Watch Kuwaresma on Netflix.

    Banal

    Peter Abanna’s Banal tells the story of a group of teenagers who decided to trek a sacred mountain during their summer break, but they are welcomed by a sinister force prowling the woods.

    ALSO READ
    Found Footage Horror: A Brief History & 10 Films to Get You Started
    8 Disturbing Horror & Thriller Movies to Skip This Halloween

    Stay in the loop and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

  • K-Drama Series May I Help You to launch on Prime Video in the Philippines on October 19

    Prime Video Philippines announced today that it will launch the brand new heart-warming and healing K-drama May I Help You on October 19. Starring Lee Hye-ri (Reply 1988, My Roommate Is A Gumiho and Moonshine) and Lee Jun-young (D.P. and Let Me Be Your Knight).  The new TV series follows the encounter of two butlers, one for the dead, Baek Dong-joo, and the other for the living, Kim Jib-sa, and takes the audience through how they deal with the life and death situation and at the same time are gradually drawn to each other.  

    May I Help You Large

    May I Help You will be available exclusively on Prime Video in the Philippines with weekly episodes every Wednesday and Thursday. 

    Production information

    ●      Director           : Sim So-yeon (Here’s My Plan, Welcome 2 Life)

    ●      Writer              : Lee Sun-hye (Reply 1997)

    ●      Genre              : Drama, Romantic

    ●      Episodes        : 16 (every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:50pm KST/ 11:00 pm Philippine standard time)

    ●      Synopsis    : A funeral director who has a special ability that allows her to see and talk to the dead meets an employee at an errand running service “Ildangbaek,” which provides service for pretty much anything clients ask for as low as 100 Korean won.  The two butlers, one for the dead and the other for the living, join hands and team up to carry out the wishes of the terrifying, warm-hearted, eccentric, heart-numbing dead people. They figure out that death and life are two sides of a coin, and that the requests of the dead are messages to the living. 

  • ChooxTV,  Largest gaming creator in the Philippines, joins Minana Esports

    Edgar “ChooxTV” Dumali,  the nation’s largest gaming creator with nearly 30 million social followers, has joined Minana Esports, Ampverse Esports arm,  as  investor and brand ambassador. 

    This major deal comes as part of Ampverse’s growth strategy, following its commitment to invest more than P100 million to drive and accelerate the local gaming industry.

    MinanaTalent Ampverse 1

    Alongside him, other notable gaming talents such as Eric Eruption, Hybebits, Lhea Bernadino, King Jasro, and Elanorm will also become brand ambassadors for Minana – totaling up to 55 million followers for all combined creators. 

    Streamer and content creator ChooxTV is known for his ingenious off-meta picks and wacky antics on his livestream and was named MVP of the Year in the 2021 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Awards Gala.

    “Excited akong mag-invest sa Minana dahil sa pagbibigay daan nito na magkaroon ng isang panibagong  ‘youth lifestyle brand’ na magpapakita ng galing ng mga Pinoy,” Dumali said.

    (I’m excited to invest in Minana as I really share their vision of creating a next generation youth lifestyle brand that celebrates the very best of Filipino talent.)

    The newly formed Minana Esports are the current champions of the Philippine National Esports League in Mobile Legends. Prior to that, the team has won 11 straight championships and aims to be the most successful esports team.

    In line with becoming the fastest-growing esports and Web3 company in Asia, Ampverse aims to build Minana into a leading Filipino youth lifestyle brand that spans entertainment, fashion, music, and lifestyle.

    “We are incredibly proud to kick off Minana with a successful run and an official championship title under our belt. We will continue to build our success in competition, but at the same time create inspiration for the Filipino youth,” Minana Team Lead and Ampverse’s Regional Expansion Manager Julius “Banoobs” Mariano said.

    A streamer with over 100,000 followers and named the “godfather of esports and gaming in the Philippines,” Mr. Mariano previously worked as country manager for Twitch, an Amazon-owned video live streaming service platform.

    “Our vision is bigger than just competitive gaming, it’s about igniting the passion in every generation and building Minana as the leading youth culture hub for all gamers, creators, and anybody to fulfill their dreams,” Mariano added.

    According to market analytics firm Straits Research, Asia-Pacific will command the largest esports market share, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 21.92% by 2030.

  • Award Winning Artist with Autism Unboxes “Shoebox Sketches” NFT Collection

    A collection of hand-drawn sketches numbering in the thousands, Vico started drawing these artworks over two decades ago as a young boy. Kept in his mother’s shoeboxes, these sketches remained largely unknown until recently when they found their home in the most fitting medium: as NFTs. 

    L R Sol Bautista Cathy Cham Judy Santiago Aladin of Smart Parenting Vico and Michelle Aventajado

    Held at the Swiss-French bistro, L’entrecote, Vico Cham’s Shoebox Sketches were finally brought to life as “phygital” artworks (physical artworks with a digital NFT counterpart) during the event. 

    The Discovery of The Shoebox Sketches

    Even before Vico’s flourishing art career began, the young artist had always loved to sketch on scratch paper. 

    As it turns out, this collection of sketches that Vico has been quietly working on for the past few decades might be one of the most significant pieces of his career.

    Cleopatra paintings and Shoebox Sketches

    “Shoebox Sketches” now numbers in the thousands. According to his mother, Cathy Cham, he has been sketching an average of 20 sketches every day and continues to do so, amounting to an estimated 143,000 sketches during his lifetime. Of these 143,000, an estimated 8,000 have been located. Of these 8,000, over 500 have already been digitized and minted as phygital pieces as the first batch of the Shoebox Sketches. The goal of the Chams is to share as many of these sketches with the world.

    These sketches offer a glimpse into how Vico’s evolved throughout the years but also illustrate how he’s been able to stay true to his style. 

    NFTs: The Perfect Home for Shoebox Sketches  

    The choice of digitally adapting these sketches into NFTs (non-fungible tokens) metaverse was a perfect fit. 

    A few of the hundred thousands sketches has created throughout the decades

    For one, Vico’s sketches number in the thousands, retaining one cohesive style but with each image containing its own unique traits. No two are alike. In the NFT space, collections like these are a common sight. For example, apes with different facial features, and accessories make up a famous collection called BAYC.

    The different traits of these drawings simulate rarity in the metaverse. The rarer an attribute, the more valuable a piece is perceived.

    But there lies a few fundamental differences with Vico’s sketches. While most large NFT collections are generated by algorithms, the shoebox sketches are all hand-drawn. 

    Secondly, Vico’s works were never primarily intended for web3. Entire NFT projects have been mounted and funded by millions of dollars of funding, backed by hype and promotional machinery that would make the likes of Google blush. Rather, the sketches were meant as an outlet for Vico: as a way for him to pass the time in between his painting sessions and work (Vico is also an employee of Unilab Foundation). With nothing more than his pens, bond papers, and a whole lot of time, Vico was able to unwittingly create an art collection that would eventually become the NFT pieces they are today. 

    A Tale of Two Collections: Cleopatra Series 

    Three of the nine Cleopatra paintings that are being minted into NFTs

    The Shoebox Sketches will be sold as phygital pieces — NFTs with a physical counterpart. Each purchase of a Shoebox Sketch NFT will also come with the physical sketch mounted on a 8 x 3 inch acrylic sandwich frame.

    In addition to the sketches, another collection called the “Cleopatra Collection” will be sold as NFTs backed by physical paintings. 

    Exclusive Benefits for Vico Cham NFT Holders

    As if getting limited edition NFTs with physical artwork wasn’t enough, All Vico Cham NFT holders will ALSO receive exclusive benefits such as airdrops/giveaways, exclusive content, and other fun stuff. So if you’re an avid collector of Vico Cham’s works, this is your chance to be able to win some amazing prizes from the artist!

    Both collections will be listed on Rarible.com for the public on October 11.

    View and buy the collections here:

    https://rarible.com/shoeboxsketchesbyvicocham

    https://rarible.com/cleopatras

  • Likhang HABI Market Fair returns, weaves heritage and elegance in a 3-day affair

    The Philippine Textile Council (HABI) has announced the return of the annual Likhang HABI Market Fair at the Glorietta Activity Center from October 14 to 16, 2022.

    Likhang HABI Market Fair

    Now in its 12th year, the Likhang HABI Market Fair will have more than 60 vendors offering handmade pieces, like woven fabrics, ready-to-wear clothes, home accessories, and even locally made furniture and pottery.

    Event stylist Kitty Bunag has been tasked to transform the Glorietta Activity Center into a heritage hub showcasing the best creations from some of the most celebrated artisans around the Philippines. “The overall look and feel for the Habi Market Fair will be inspired by outdoor souks and markets here and in other parts of the world.  Vendor booths will be made of wood and canvas where each retailer can best showcase their products. Textiles hanging from dried ornamental trees serve as the main focal of the venue. We’re creating a space that will be familiar for both local and foreign patrons,“ says Bunag.

    Likhang HABI Market Fair PIDAYRIT CAMISA AMANA TINAMPUSO

    Showcased during the 3-day fair are homegrown brands Abek Home & Culture,  Abre Linea, Accelerate Sulu, Adante Leyesa, Aishe Fashion, Angie’s Yakan Handloom Weaving, Anihan sa Ibaan, Aruga Handwovens, Balud Craft, Bicol Sweetgrass Handicrafts, Camisa Amana, Cariñosa, Casa Garcia, Coco & Tress, Crafted Pilipinas, Creative Definitions, Ditta Sandico, En Barong Filipino, Gifts and Graces, Habi, Helena Alegre Sculptural Jewelry, Idyllic Summers, Ifugao Nation, Iraya Mangyan Art, Jor-El Espina, Kalinga Weaving, Kaya Mana PH, Knitting Expedition, La Bonne Vie, La Herminia, Lakat Sustainables,  Local Home + Art + Fashion, Mabaysay,  MCV Designs, Milvidas, Monica Madrigal, Narda’s Nina Abel, Pidayit, Piesa,  Pina Seda Primera, PNay, Provenciana, Raquel’s Piña Cloth Products, Ruby Roa with Lila Lifestyle, Rurungan Collective, Siegrid Bangyay Pottery, Silahis Arts and Artifacts, Style Isle, Tadeco Home, The Manila Collectible Co, Tinampuso, Tuwas Yakan Weavers, WeaveManila Inc., Woven, WVN Living, and WYC Wear Your Culture.

    As a member of the ASEAN Traditional Textile Symposium, part of HABI: The Philippine Textile Council’s mission is to promote the art of hand-weaving and provide opportunities for talented Filipino artisans to showcase their products to an eager market. 

    Likhang HABI Market Fair 2022 1

    Being the first of its kind in the country, the fair will also feature two uniquely Filipino competitions: the annual Lourdes Montinola Piña Weaving Competition and, starting this year, the Eloisa Hizon Gomez Abaca Competition. Contestants are going to be judged by a panel of experts on Philippine textiles, processes, and materials. 

    “This is our fifth year of holding the piña competition and since we’ve had it, we’ve noticed that artisans working on piña have been leveling up,” says HABI president Adelaida Lim.

    Council member Mike Claparols shared that HABI’s greatest contributions include encouraging weaving communities to use cotton and educating the public about the painstaking art form that is hand weaving. 

    He explains, “A lot of consumers think that hand-woven fabrics are too expensive. Many try to bargain with weavers by asking for big discounts. What they don’t know is that weaving is a learned skill that requires time and dedication to master.” 

    “We’re the first in this line of promoting indigenous fabrics as fashion,” says Maribel Ongpin, Founder of HABI. “Second, while most of the other bazaars have reached a sophisticated level, we continue to go grassroots.” 

    Ultimately, the three-day fair is HABI’s biggest and most talked about fundraising activity. Aside from direct donations from individuals and companies, the fair is one of the main sources of funding for the council’s projects, which includes preservation of the art of weaving, educating consumers, and pushing locally made products and artists to the national — and global — market.

    “As a country, we carry important fibers like piña and abaca that are uniquely ours. [These] are world-renowned. Since museums in the world feature [these pieces, it’s] considered a legacy of Filipino craftsmanship, identity, and the nation,” Ongpin concludes. 

    Likhang HABI Market Fair 2022 is made possible by the generous contribution of council sponsors: Glorietta Mall, Ayala Center, Union Bank of the Philippines, The Philippine Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), AY Foundation, Emerging Power Inc., Marubeni Philippines Corporation, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Far Eastern University (FEU), and Pancake House with radio partners  DZRH Manila, RPN DYKB Bacolod City, and DYRF Cebu City. 

    For more information about HABI: The Philippine Textile Council, please call +63 921 849-6974 or email support@habiphilippinetextilecouncil.com.

  • Meat Up with Gabbi & Khalil Offers Quality Steak Dishes Below P500 via CloudEats

    CloudEats has launched another brand that’s created in collaboration with two of today’s biggest Filipino celebrities– real-life couple Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos.

    Meat Up with Gabbi & Khalil is the latest celebrity-owned CloudEats brand that focuses on steaks, with the aim of making the fancy dish more affordable and accessible to everyone in the city, without compromising its expected quality.

    Meat Up 1

    CloudEats, the restaurant group of cloud kitchens has already collaborated with the likes of Pia Wurtzbach, Rhian Ramos, and more, offering food delivery options with the preservation of the elevated dining experience in mind.

    Sumptuous Steak & Roast Beef Offerings

    The highlights of Meat Up’s current menu are three steak dishes that can cover your different cravings throughout the day– a menu created by CloudEats’ Chef Carlo Miguel with dishes handpicked by Gabbi and Khalil themselves.

    Their Steak Salad is perfect for one’s light but meat-seeking cravings. It’s a delish Bolzico beef steak smacked on top of a bed of vegetables, fusing both the goodness of meat and leafy greens.

    Meat Up 2

    For a fancy meal at home, their Roast Beef with Rice is the way to go! Enjoy a sumptuous roast beef steak with creamy gravy, garnished with corn, carrots, and string beans, and served with some hot rice to complete a perfect match.

    Meat Up 3

    Solve your snack time musings with their BBQ Roast Beef Sandwich! Revel in a BBQ-infused roast beef with caramelized onions and wasabi mayo, packed between soft brioche buns.

    Meat Up 4

    “It’s like food bowls with steak for every occasion, so you can make everyday special with Meat Up,” explains Gabbi Garcia. “We both love going on date nights, and one of our favorite foods to eat is steak. Who doesn’t love steak? Meat Up is exactly that,” adds Khalil Ramos.

    Give in to Your Cravings via GrabFood

    Ready to have a Meat Up with Gabbi and Khalil’s curated lineup of savory and meaty offerings? You can now order from Meat Up hassle-free and available 24/7, exclusively via GrabFood. For more information, visit Meat Up with Gabbi & Khalil’s social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit the CloudEats website.

  • Hard Rock International Celebrates 23rd Annual PINKTOBER Campaign by Partnering with World-Renowned Chef Dominique Crenn

    Hard Rock International continues to support breast cancer awareness and research with its 23rd annual PINKTOBER campaign taking place throughout the month of October. Starting October 1, Hard Rock locations around the world will participate in fundraising efforts supporting the Hard Rock Heals Foundation®, the charitable arm of Hard Rock®, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society and local charities. Hard Rock has donated millions of dollars toward breast cancer research over the last 22 years of the PINKTOBER campaign. Last year, Hard Rock raised over $700,000, representing the largest amount the company has fundraised since the inception of the program back in 2000.

    HRC PINKTOBER MENU

    Kicking off this year’s PINKTOBER activations is a special partnership and highly-anticipated dinner series with world-renowned chef and breast cancer survivor Dominique Crenn. Hard Rock will also offer PINKTOBER limited-edition menu items. 

    “It’s with great honor and pride that Hard Rock International supports those affected by breast cancer across the globe with our 23rd annual PINKTOBER. All is One is a Hard Rock motto that we are thrilled to see come to life each year through our work with American Cancer Society, community members, team members and local charities, benefitting such an important cause,” said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer of Hard Rock International. “This year, we’re proud to partner with Chef Dominique Crenn, a breast cancer survivor, who shares our passion in raising awareness and giving back to local charities and communities.”  

    Hard Rock Café Manila is supporting this global initiative by partnering with ICanServe Foundation, Inc., a breast cancer advocacy group. A portion of the sales from the Pinktober menu items will be donated to the said foundation.  

    Partnership with Chef Dominique Crenn

    This year, Hard Rock is teaming up with world-renowned French Chef and breast cancer survivor, Dominique Crenn, who is currently the only female chef in the United States to attain three Michelin Stars for her restaurant Atelier Crenn, in San Francisco, California. In partnership with Crenn, Hard Rock created a limited-time menu item of Baja Style Shrimp Tacos exclusively available at Hard Rock Cafes around the world, with a portion of proceeds donated to a local charity chosen by the Cafes. Crenn  also hosted a curated dinner series kicking off at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood with events at Abiaka Wood Fire Grill on September 27 and Hard Rock Cafe on September 28, followed by a special dinner at Hard Rock Hotel New York on October 7. Invited guests include fellow breast cancer survivors, caretakers and American Cancer Society supporters.

    For more information on Hard Rock International and how you can support PINKTOBER visit www.hardrock.com/pinktober. 

  • CCP Exhibits 21AM Collection at Arthaland

    THE Cultural Center of the Philippines through its Visual Arts and Museum Division will mount select artworks from the CCP 21AM collection for exhibition at the Arthaland Century Pacific Tower from October 13 to November 13, 2022.

    Billed as Details & Abstractions: Selections from the Cultural Center of the Philippines 21AM Collection, the exhibition is one of the CCP’s visual arts activities aimed at making the collection available for thematic exhibitions to be shown at partner venues.

    arthaland

    The exhibition will have its opening reception live streamed at the Facebook pages of CCP, CCP VAMD, and Arthaland on October 13 at 6pm.

    Given the closure of the CCP’s Main Building for a 2-year renovation work beginning 2023, off-site exhibitions are being lined up in order to continue showcasing the CCP 21AM collection to the public.

    As a kick off to the exhibition roadshow, and in celebration of October as Museum and Galleries Month, the CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division has partnered with Arthaland for an exhibition at the ground floor lobby of Arthaland Century Pacific Tower (ACPT) at 5th Avenue corner 30th St., Bonifacio Global City.

    21M

    Arthaland was chosen as the venue to host the said off-site exhibition as it is the first building in the world to be certified by the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, as zero carbon under its EDGE program, the acronym for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency.  In addition to its world-class design and its superior quality construction, Arthaland’s sustainable features serve to enhance its occupants’ mental and physical health similar to how art brings about immeasurable benefits to an individual’s as well as the entire communities’ well-being.

  • Max’s Restaurant Celebrates 77th Anniversary with Pinoy Deals, Collabs, and Surprises

    Max’s Restaurant, the iconic Filipino restaurant chain famous for its Sarap-to-the-Bones® Fried Chicken is celebrating its 77th anniversary this October. From its humble beginnings in the Scout Tuazon home of Maximo Gimenez and his niece Ruby Trota in the aftermath of the Second World War, the brand has served generations of families both in the Philippines and across the globe with its iconic heritage dishes and lasting memories. Thus, as a way to gives thanks to fans gained through the years, special deals and surprises are lined up throughout the entire month.

    1945 Bundle

    1945 BUNDLE

    Since 1945, Max’s has been the go-to place for sumptuous Pinoy dishes. To mark this memorable year, its offering the 1945 bundle which consists of the following favorites, new and old:

    • Regular Whole Chicken
    • Lechon Kawali Kare-Kare
    • Any Regular Pancit
    • Medium Buko Pandan 
    • Pepsi Pitcher or 1.5L Pepsi Bottle
    • Large Plain Rice

    The set is priced at only P1,945, offering savings of as much as P725. It can be purchased for dine-in, take-out, or delivery. Orders can be made through delivery.maxchicken.com or 888-79000 (Metro Manila). 

    SPECIAL SWEET TREATS

    Any celebration calls for sweet treats! Starting October 14, Max’s will be offering its Anniversary Message Cake through its Max’s Corner Bakery imprint, designed to bring joy to any occasion. It’s a soft, fluffy chiffon cake designed with elegant rosette buttercream icing and colorful sprinkles in vibrant, unexpectedly modern hues. Guests can choose from three all-time favorite flavors to indulge in–Vanilla, Mocha, and Chocolate for only P549 (dine-in). 

    Anniversary Message Cake

    Further commemorating the brand’s 77th anniversary, it’s also offering P77 off for every purchase of a box of six Ensaimadas (Classic, Yema, or Chocolate) or Mamon starting October 7. Mark that calendar to get this awesome deal. This is available in Luzon stores except Naga and Palawan. 

    PINOY CELEBRATION STICKERS

    As brand that is proudly Filipino, Max’s will be collaborating with popular Pinoy artists for limited-edition sticker packs that reflect the fun and vibrant culture of the country as well as the brand’s signature favorite dishes. This year, the brand is glad to partner with award-winning illustrator Robert Alejandro, one of the pillars of Papemelroti; critically-acclaimed artist Manix Abrera, the man behind the popular Kikomachine Komix; and Chinggay Nuque, widely known as Tita Witty, the creator and co-owner of fun and humorous journals of Witty Will Save the World.
    There are more deals and surprises to watch out for, so October is definitely going to be one exciting month.  For more information, visit the official Facebook page at @MaxsRestaurant and use the hashtag #Maxs77Years and #EveryDayToTheMax

  • ‘Doll House’: Baron Geisler, Althea Ruedas, & Director Marla Ancheta Talk About Netflix’s New Drama Film

    Soon to join Netflix’s Pinoy gems such as Through Night and Day and My Amanda is a new heartwarming film from director Marla Ancheta titled Doll House.

    Starring Baron Geisler and the young Althea Ruedas, this new flick from the Finding Agnes director tells the story of a rock band singer Rustin, who has a troubled past. Due to drug addiction, Rustin abandoned his wife Sheena, and their baby Yumi. Years later in the Netherlands, Rustin finds the opportunity to become Yumi’s babysitter without her knowing about their blood ties, and tries to rekindle their long-lost relationship.

    In a recent roundtable interview with the press, director Marla Ancheta, Baron Geisler, and Althea Ruedas talked about how the film took shape.

    When the trailer dropped, viewers quickly saw Baron Geisler as fit for his role in the film, having been cast as an antagonist in many shows and films, but it was the hint of a dramatic redemption that really pumped the viewers. According to director Ancheta, the film’s producer suggested that Baron play Rustin, and she was on board with the idea immediately.

    “I really want to touch the story of a family, relationship, and of course, since we have these good actors, kailangan maging believable ito na mag-ama kayo… Basically, dun ako mas naka-focus. It’s really more of how to deliver the characters at the same time, nasusundan mo kung paano nagde-develop yung relationship nilang mag-ama,” explained the director.

    Geisler also talked about accepting the role: “What’s not to say ‘yes’ to? It’s a big project with Netflix, it’s a worldwide movie, it’s a big-budget film, and it’s a good role,” said Baron. “Now I’m on my knees, praying that I get to sustain this and get more substantial roles like this.”

    Doll House 1
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    Furthermore, Baron Geisler also shared how the role came at the right time, just a few months after he promised his wife that he’d be in his own Netflix film.

    “One time, me and my wife were watching Netflix, A Faraway Land,” says Baron. “I’m a good friend, best friend ko si Paolo Contis. Nagustuhan namin yung pelikula, and then my wife, nakita kong na-sad siya, na parang she wanted something like that for me. And then I said, you know what, one day I’m gonna have a film like that.

    “And then I called up Paolo, I said ‘Pao, angganda ng pelikula mo pang-Hollywood! I love you! Congratulations! Walang jealousy to, punong-puno ng gratitude. Then simula nun, dun ako nagkaroon ng revelation na if you have this authentic appreciation for another actor, another film, and I want the same na mangyari sa akin, then God will give it to me, and wala pa yatang dalawang buwan biglang tinawagan ako for this film,” the actor added.

    Doll House 2
    Photo courtesy of Netflix

    As for Baron’s young co-star Althea, she shares that the atmosphere on set was fun, but at first, she also got nervous when she got the role. “Super nervous and excited po ako nung nalaman ko po na nakuha ko po yung role. Nervous because they’re all big stars na po, mga kasama ko po, pero excited po kasi it’s my first movie in Netflix po kaya thankful po ako kay Papa Jesus na binigay Nya po sakin ‘to,”

    Asked about their favorite parts on the film and during the shoot, Althea tells the press: “Ang favorite scenes ko po talaga, yung mga bonding time po nila Yumi and Rusty, kasi talagang hindi po kami nag-aacting nun. Talagang nag-eenjoy lang po kami.”

    Baron adds, “One of the best things that really got to me was the father-daughter love story. Me reconnecting with my daughter and the realization that I have a lot of unfinished business in life. And also, masasabi ko na heart and soul din ng movie na ‘to, malaking part si Direk Marla, because she has guided Althea and I all through out.”

    Doll House
    Photo: Netflix

    The film also stars Mary Joy Apostol, Phi Palmos, Katreena Beron, Izah Hankammer, Alwyn Uytingo, and Ricardo Cepeda. Doll House is now streaming on Netflix.