A radiant new adventure is rising from Philippine animation.
Award-winning actress Charo Santos-Concio lends her voice to “Sun Chaser,” a pioneering Filipino animated fantasy series that premieres its pilot episode for free on YouTube beginning Tuesday, June 23, at 12 noon.
Produced by Manila-based Toon City Animation and Playlab, the series marks a proud milestone for local animation. Developed and produced entirely in the Philippines, “Sun Chaser” brings Filipino mythology, homegrown artistry, and a deeply personal coming-of-age story to a global audience.
A Stellar Filipino and Filipino-American Voice Cast
Adding star power to its already exciting world, “Sun Chaser” features an impressive ensemble of Filipino and Filipino-American talents.
Joining Charo in the voice cast are Manny Jacinto, Liza Soberano, Eugene Cordero, Dingdong Dantes, Zia Dantes, J.R. De Guzman, and Star Magic artists AC Bonifacio and KD Estrada.
With this remarkable lineup, the series celebrates Filipino talent across generations, industries, and borders.
A Summer Vacation Turns Into a Mythic Mission
At the center of “Sun Chaser” is Jordan Santos, voiced by Manny Jacinto. He is an ordinary teenager who travels to the Philippines expecting a peaceful summer getaway.
Instead, his vacation takes a thrilling turn when a supernatural threat throws his island into chaos. As ancient powers begin to stir and hidden family secrets come to light, Jordan learns that his destiny is far greater than he ever imagined.
Soon, he must step into a dangerous new role: protecting the boundary between the human world and the spirit world.
Filled with wonder, danger, and heart, “Sun Chaser” explores self-discovery, family, courage, and the strength it takes to embrace one’s purpose.
Filipino Creators Bringing Pinoy Mythology to the World
The series was created by Filipino animation talents Bobby Pontillas and Bernard Badion, whose international experience adds world-class polish to the project.
Pontillas is a Disney Animation veteran with credits that include “Zootopia,” “Moana,” “Big Hero 6,” and “Wreck-It Ralph.” In 2018, he received an Academy Award nomination for the animated short film “One Small Step.”
Badion, meanwhile, has developed projects for major studios in Los Angeles, including “Transformers: EarthSpark.”
Together, the creators are building a fantasy universe rooted in Filipino culture, shaped by Filipino imagination, and crafted for viewers everywhere.
A Proud Win for Philippine Animation
Before its YouTube premiere, “Sun Chaser” had already gained international recognition.
The series won the Animation du Monde Prize for international projects at Annecy/MIFA 2025, one of the animation industry’s most respected platforms for emerging animated projects and independent series.
For a creator-owned Filipino production, the recognition signals a thrilling step forward for Philippine animation and its growing place on the world stage.
Where to Watch “Sun Chaser”
Filipino viewers can watch the pilot episode of “Sun Chaser” for free on YouTube beginning Tuesday, June 23, at 12 noon.
A Kickstarter campaign will also launch alongside the premiere to help fund future episodes, as the creators work toward bringing the full first season to audiences worldwide.
Bright, bold, and proudly Filipino, “Sun Chaser” is ready to introduce a new animated hero and a mythic world worth following.
