So, we’ve officially entered spooky szn, if the Halloween memes and costume ideas flooding my TLs were anything to go by. It’s the time of the year when many kids anticipate trick-or-treating while most adults look forward to attending Halloween parties with free-flowing booze.
As an asocial introvert, though, my definition of Halloween fun is a bit different. Unlike my friends who are already engrossed in costume shopping as we speak, I’m busy declining every party invitation because of “prior appointments” (read: locking myself up in my room and watching a marathon of horror movies).
Now, if you share the same personality as me, I’ve rounded up a few titles to indulge in this October. All of the films that made it to this list are among the best Filipino horror classics guaranteed to give you goosebumps… and maybe even sleepless nights if you have low horror tolerance.
The most thrilling part? You can stream these spine-chilling gems in their full digitally restored glory for only P150. So, it doesn’t really matter if you’ve seen any of these already or not—each film still promises a whole different experience regardless, as if you’re seeing them for the first time.
“Sukob” (2006)
This 2006 film by veteran director Chito Roño is a fictional interpretation of the Filipino superstition on marriage. For those unfamiliar, there are two situations in which a marriage is considered sukob or cursed: one, if two biological sisters marry within the same year, and two, if a couple gets hitched within the same year an immediate family member dies.
In the film, Sandy (played by Kris Aquino) and Diana (played by Claudine Barretto) tie the knot a day apart from each other, belatedly knowing they are half-sisters. Bad luck and supernatural disturbances start following them, their family, and their friends, so they have to find a way to stop the curse before it’s too late.
You can stream the digitally restored film here.
“Magandang Hatinggabi” (1998)
Directed by Laurenti Dyogi, “Magandang Hatinggabi” is a comedy-horror anthology film that follows a group of friends who meets a ghastly and suspicious man called Fatman (played by Noni Buencamino) while taking a break from their spontaneous road trip. The man then tells them three urban legends, with the last one being eerily similar to their current situation.
Turns out, it’s a narration of the gruesome things that *could* actually happen to their group at the mercy of Fatman if they don’t manage to escape before the clock strikes midnight.
You can stream the digitally restored film here.
“Feng Shui” (2004)
If “Sukob” is inspired by a Filipino superstition, this 2004 film is based on an ancient Chinese tradition. “Feng Shui” revolves around Joy (played by Kris Aquino) who finds an antique bagua mirror left by a man on a bus. In Chinese culture, a bagua mirror drives away evil spirits and brings good fortune if placed outside your home—either above or near the front door.
Joy starts experiencing a series of fortunate incidents, but with every stroke of luck comes the death of whoever sees their reflection in the mirror. She later on realizes that it is cursed and the only way to stop the grotesque deaths from happening is by rejecting the good luck and destroying the bagua mirror. But will Joy succeed?
You can stream the digitally restored film here.
“Sa Aking mga Kamay” (1996)
This 1996 film directed by Rory Quintos and written by Ricky Lee is not horror per se, but its elements are disturbing enough to put a chill down your spine. “Sa Aking mga Kamay” is a psychological thriller film that centers on Gene Rivera a.k.a Cattleya Killer (played by Aga Muhlach), a serial killer who preys on unfaithful wives.
Each murder is perfectly executed, which makes it difficult for the authorities to trace him. But there seems to be a pattern: He kills his victims only after having sex with them and leaves a cattleya flower at the crime scene. Next on his list? The wife of the investigator (played by Christopher de Leon) of his case.
(P.S. A TV series adaptation of this film called “Cattleya Killer” already wrapped up production last June. The team is yet to announce an official air date, though it will have a special screening on Oct. 19 in France as part of the Market Screening and Content Showcase of MIPCOM Cannes 2022.)
You can stream the digitally restored film here.
Read more:
6 horror films that aren’t gore fests
These local shorts will keep you up all night
Staying indoors this Halloween? Listen to a spooky podcast
Movie posters from “Sukob” (2004), “Sa Aking mga Kamay” (1996), and “Magandang Hatinggabi” (1998)