Kathniel headlines 'Pagpag, Siyam Na Buhay'

MANILA, Philippines - Star Cinema reunites with Regal Films as the two giant film companies present “Papag, Siyam Na Buhay.”

“Pagpag” is the only horror film that will participate in the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival this December and it stars Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, Paulo Avelino, Shaina Magdayao and Clarence Delgado with the support of Matet De Leon, Dominic Roque, Miles Ocampo, CJ Navato, Michelle Vito, Janus Del Prado, and Marvin Yap.

Directed by Frasco Santos Mortiz and written by Joel Mercado, “Pagpag” is inspired by the ancient Filipino tradition that is anchored on the superstitious belief that one should not go directly home after visiting a wake at the risk of bringing home evil spirits.

The film’s subtitle, “Siyam Na Buhay” represents nine prevalent Filipino superstitious beliefs that are associated with deaths and funerals and are observed and practiced to this very day by most Filipinos. It is said and widely believed that once broken, sinister deaths representing each of the nine beliefs shall await anyone who violates and disrespects these ancient practices.

The beliefs associated with wakes that were explored and violated in the movie are as follow: it is forbidden to go directly home from a funeral; it is forbidden to sweep floors in a wake; it is forbidden for a teardrop to fall on the dead’s coffin; it is forbidden to use the mirror in a wake; it is forbidden to bring home food from the wake; it is forbidden to go to a funeral with a wound; it is forbidden to wipe tears from the dead’s casket; it’s forbidden to spend money intended for the dead; and it is forbidden to accompany visitors to the door as they leave.

In “Pagpag,” terrifying horrors are unleashed as Cedric (Daniel Padilla) and his friends accidentally visit a funeral that is set up by Leni (Kathryn Bernardo). Every member of the group unwittingly breaks one superstitious belief after the other including the dreaded pagpag as each of them went directly home after the funeral. Unbeknownst to Cedric and Leni, they brought home a malevolent and vengeful spirit. 

Cedric and Leni are forced to team up in the hope of containing and abating the wrath of the vengeful spirit and eventually vanquishing it in the process. But as they struggle to succeed, more mishaps occur and they run out of options in saving their family and friends.    

Aside from the spine-chilling scenes that “Pagpag” promises, fans and the entire family can also look forward to a touch of humor and romance from Daniel and Kathryn, who are arguably considered as the reigning teen royalty of primetime television, as well as from the characters portrayed by Paulo and Shaina who are paired for the very first time in the silver screen. 

“Pagpag, Siyam Na Buhay” will be shown in cinemas nationwide starting Dec. 25. (PR)