Daniel, Kathryn give horror a try in ‘Pagpag’

MANILA, Philippines – They were part of the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival hit “Sisterakas.” Can they replicate their success last year as they headline the 2013 MMFF horror film, “Pagpag, Siyam na Buhay?”

“Pagpag” is inspired by Filipino folklore and local superstition — mainly, those associated with funerals and death.

In the film, Cedric and Leni (Padilla and Bernardo) unwittingly unleashed a malevolent spirit against them when they broke several superstitious beliefs at a funeral — including the belief that one should not go directly home after visiting a wake at the risk of bringing home evil spirits.

“I know of many practices that surrounds deaths and funerals, especially the concept of papag. I have always believed that there is nothing really wrong if we follow old traditions and beliefs. There’s no harm in practicing old beliefs especially since I grew up in a family that respects these practices,” said “Pagpag director Franco Mortiz.

Pagpag” marks Daniel and Kathryn’s fourth film together, following the romantic-comedy “24/7 in love,” the comedy “Sisterakas,” and “Must Be… Love,” their first solo project film.

It is also the film festival’s only horror film this year. The MMFF usually has at least one horror or suspense film in its lineup; this year, the MMFF regular “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” did not join the annual film festival. This might abode well for the box-office of “Pagpag.”

“Thankful na lang ako na nakasama kami sa MMFF. Kung anuman yung ibigay ng Diyos para sa amin e, yun na ‘yon. Basta kung ano yung ibigay, masaya na,” Daniel said of the film’s possible box-office performance.

“Pagpag, Siyam na Buhay,” which also stars Shaina Magdayao, Paulo Avelino, Matet de Leon and Dominic Roque, among others, is co-produced by Star Cinema and Regal Films and will open in cinemas nationwide on Wednesday, December 25, as part of the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival.