The cast dives into horror rooted in Filipino superstition, but one moment during filming felt disturbingly real.
GMA Pictures and Mentorque Productions present “Huwag Kang Titingin,” a Gen Z horror film offering a fresh and chilling take on the genre.
From the producers behind “KMJS: Gabi ng Lagim The Movie” and “Mallari,” the film is set in the remote town of San Antonio. It follows a group of students who encounter an old ritual that resurfaces online and turns into a viral challenge. But those who dare to attempt it soon face terrifying consequences—ones that could drag them into an endless nightmare.
A new vision for Pinoy horror
The film is directed by Frasco Mortiz, known for “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay,” with a screenplay by Ays de Guzman, who also wrote the zombie film “Day Zero.”
De Guzman shared that the concept stemmed from a simple idea: What if a traditional ritual became a modern online challenge? The concept evolved further when they envisioned a new generation of actors leading the story, similar to what they did with “Pagpag.” With the help of Sparkle GMA Artist Center, the team assembled a young and dynamic cast.
“Si Nessa wanted a horror movie,” began De Guzman, referring to Nessa Valdellon, GMA Network SVP for public affairs. “Ang naging basis, ‘what if a ritual became an online challenge, ano ang mangyayari?’ I brought in Direk Frasco, who is mostly my collaborator. We did ‘Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay’ together.”
Meet the lead stars
Leading the film is Sofia Pablo as Selene, a young woman burdened by guilt, alongside Allen Ansay as Badong, a quiet yet mysterious house helper.
The film delves deep into horror territory, with creepy elements and jump scares. However, it becomes even more terrifying as real-life eerie incidents reportedly occurred behind the scenes particularly involving the lead star, who shared her unsettling experience while filming an intense scene.
While the film delivers intense horror elements from eerie visuals to jump scares it also took a chilling turn behind the scenes. Pablo recalled a disturbing experience while filming a crucial scene.
“Bago mag-take ng pelikula, sinabihan na ang lahat: ‘Clear the set, walang tao!’ So, alam ng buong production iyon—na wala talagang dapat tao doon. Tapos, noong nag-pan ‘yong camera, nag-cut kasi may dalawang nakatayo,” Pablo shared, implying that there were unexplained presences in the area.
They are joined by fellow young stars including Marco Masa, Charlie Flemming, Michael Sager, Josh Ford, Kira Balinger, and Shuvee Etrata, with Sean Lucas and Anthony Constantino rounding out the cast.
“What if a new generation of actors ang i-cast namin, gaya ng ginawa namin sa ‘Pagpag?’ Tinulungan kami ng Sparkle, and at that time wala pa kaming cast. We just started developing the story, and then sakto nagkaroon ng PBB Collab, the first one, then the second one. Doon nabuo ito, and we were given this beautiful cast,” De Guzman shared.
Beyond the scares, “Huwag Kang Titingin” explores deeper themes rooted in Filipino culture, including rituals, traditions, and superstitions. The film premieres in cinemas this April 15.
While the film delivers intense horror elements from eerie visuals to jump scares it also took a chilling turn behind the scenes. Pablo recalled a disturbing experience while filming a crucial scene.
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