Oka2kat back with a twist

MANILA, Philippines - It was in the late ’90s when ABS-CBN hit the bull’s-eye and captured the Pinoy televiewers’ interest with its paranormal drama Okatokat (Takot ako spelled backwards) that starred Agot Isidro, Ricky Davao, Rica Peralejo and Carmina Villarroel, among many others. The horror series successfully ran for five years. It folded up in 2001 to give way to telenovelas that are part of the Pinoy TV viewing habit until this day.

What came out next was Nginiig that focused mainly on Pinoy horror and paranormal stories. It was only last year, according to director Theodore “Ted” Boborol, when the Kapamilya network had finally decided to bring back the format to scare viewers out of their wits by reviving Okatokat. This time, it is titled Oka2kat, with a new twist and new set of characters. Makisig Morales, Jane Oineza, Paul Salas, Sue Anna Ramirez and Joshua Colet were chosen to topbill the horror-filled adventure series beginning tomorrow at 4 p.m. after Showbiz Inside Report.

With the show’s theme similar to the original version, one could be anticipating that Oka2kat is just another showcase of “carbon copies.” But directors Ted and Neal del Rosario want to make it clear that the new afternoon weekend show has a different touch. It is filled with exciting adventures, family drama and a dash of comedy. It also has moral lessons which can serve as guide to young viewers.

“This time, Oka2kat is not something that you can classify as super horror,” begins direk Ted. “It’s like a mixture of Shake, Rattle & Roll, Drag Me to Hell and Scooby Doo that makes it more like an adventure series.”

And while the former Okatokat banked on a new plot and new characters in each episode, the latest version has continuity. It follows the story of protagonist Andrew (Paul).

“Here, we also have a new guest in every episode but we will still follow the life of main character Andrew and as the story goes deeper, televiewers will find out the connection of the guest characters to him,” direk Ted adds.

The characters involved are mostly tweens. Thus, Oka2kat illustrates issues and concerns that usually occur during teenage years. “At the end of every show, there are moral values to learn. Merong values orientation sa ganung edad para balanse,” direk Neal shares.

Oka2kat directors Ted Boborol (left) and Neal del Rosario

Asked how do they keep the young stars’ focus considering the five get along too well on the set, direk Ted answers, “They started young in showbiz so more or less they know the rigors of acting — giving the right emotion, correct camera blocking and memorization (of dialogues). Kay Joshua lang mahirap kasi bago s’ya but after attending acting workshops with direk Laurice (Guillen), everything turned out fine.”

The use of technological devices is another change in the show. Makisig, who will play the techie geek Neil, will be seen using various gadgets like computers, iPads and celfone in their adventure.

Tear-jerking scenes add variety to the show. Televiewers will see on its pilot episode how Dimples Romana feels the pain of a mom whose son becomes a favorite target of bullies.

Even the show’s location has an eerie feel that complements the theme. The old, ancestral house in Bulacan perfectly fits as the “hair-raising” backdrop. In fact, the stars and production staff have felt an extraordinary occurrence at the place.

“Namamatay talaga yung mga ilaw sa isang kwarto doon ng walang gumagalaw tapos yung sound ‘di namin marinig,” confirms direk Ted. “We haven’t tried consulting spiritual questors but we are careful with our moves, nagtatabi-tabi po kami.”

Oka2kat also stars Perla Bautista, Nanding Josef, Janus del Prado and DJ Durano.