Comparing those horror movies we
watched when we were younger, it seems like those are a scarier than those
which were produced recently. But, the modern filmmakers won’t just let that
happen. In the recent years, successful and top-grossing horror movies were
filmed. November is still ages away to talk about horror movies but I’ll be
giving my own list of scary Filipino horror movies then and now.
Then…
10 to 15 years ago, horror movies
seem to be scarier and more original and realistic (when it comes to
storyline). I guess it’s because of the era. During that time, stories about
aswang, tyanak and other monstrous creatures and scary stories about spirits
are often topics in your barangay. Films can reflect the current situations and
stories happening in real life. And during 1980’s to 1990’s here are the top
scariest movies I think everyone has seen and heard of.
Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara
I don’t know which movie is better, the original film first produced in 1974 or the 1995 remake. The 1995 film remake was directed by Chito S. Rono. This movie became a TV series too in 2008. What I can say is that this movie or story is really scary. My cousin told me that she can’t sleep after watching the movie.
The story is about Ruth who
committed suicide because of anxiety over the real feelings of his husband Nick
towards her. She committed suicide out of jealousy towards her sister Barbara whom
she suspects to be having an affair with Nick. After committing suicide, Ruth
haunts the house where her family lives to take revenge on Nick and Barbara.
Halimaw sa Banga
I was too young when I watched this movie which doubled my imagination making me feel so scared on this movie. It gave me nightmare for months. The movie is part of the two-part film Halimaw directed by Mario O’Hara and Christopher de Leon.
The story of the movie revolves
around an ancient jar (banga) owned by an attractive woman who is an art
collector. She purchased the jar which was excavated from an ancient cave and
used it as a display in her backyard. Unknown to the owner, the jar is being
haunted by an angry spirit of a witch who was crucified and condemned by
villagers years earlier. To take her revenge, she used the jar to take lives
and fulfil her vengeance.
Shake Rattle and Roll III. (1991) Episode – Nanay
I know you have seen this film if you were born in the 90’s. Part of the three episodes of Shake Rattle and Roll II, Nanay is more popularly known for its villain called “Undin”. This movie scared the hell out of me. I was too young by that time and it is easy to freak me out. The episode was directed by Peque Gallaga & Lore Reyes.
Undin is a sea creature which was
disturbed by humans who were hunting her eggs. She avenges for the loss of her
eggs by killing all the people involved one by one. I think, what makes this
creature scary is its slimy green color and its habit of appearing from the
comfort room’s bowl. The thought of made me feel like not using the restroom for
a while. (I was six during that time).
Now…
Feng Shui
After years, I guess, a film to scare and thrill the Filipinos was produced. Feng Shui became the top grossing film during the time it was released.
The story of the film revolves
around Joy. She bought the bagua and brought it to her home to bring her luck,
but unfortunate events happened afterwards. Anyone who looks at the bagua will
die and death will be associated to the person’s Chinese Zodiac. The bagua belongs
to a woman in China who was trapped inside a burning house and was burned
alive. She died leaving a curse to the bagua. The ghost is the movie is more
popularly known as Lotus Feet or Lotus Lady.
Sukob
The story is about Filipino’s “pamahiin” or old traditional beliefs or superstition about weddings. It is believed that you should not get married in the same year that a relative dies, or no siblings should be married in the same year.
Sandy and Helen unluckily and accidentally ignored the superstition which gave them series of unfortunate events. The movie was directed by Chito S. Rono and became a box office hit and highest-grossing Filipino Film of all time until 2009.
Sigaw
Produced in 2004, Sigaw (internationally known as The Echo) was translated into other language and was released in other countries. It was released in Singapore and Malaysia. The film had its US remake “The Echo” in 2008. It was directed by Yam Laranas.
Marvin, the protagonist, hears strange noises from his neighbour when he moved in to his new house. The murmurs and noises made him curious. His actions brought him into getting involved in a scary situation as he discovered what’s really happening beyond the doors of his neighbour.
There are still a lot of scary
Filipino movies I haven’t listed here both produced from the past and some were
just released. Asian horror movies are really scary. It will never fail to
freak you out in some ways.
PS: I hope these photos I researched and the memories I recalled from these movies won’t give me nightmares. I sleep alone in my room. L
