CEBU, Philippines - GMA Network’s “Elemento” brings mystical creatures from Philippine myths and legends to life – but with a twist. Instead of being portrayed as fearsome entities of the dark they are shown as feeling beings, deeply affected by human actions.
Shot as mini-feature films by acclaimed horror director Topel Lee and written by URIAN winner Zig Dulay, “Elemento” is set to begin airing this Friday, October 10. Not your typical horror program, the Halloween special series makes for unexpectedly family friendly viewing.
The creatures in “Elemento” are all shown fighting for a cause – a manananggal (Glaiza de Castro) for the protection of children; a kapre and his best friend (played by Kuya Bodjie Pascua) for the preservation of the forest; a beautiful river fairy (Solenn Heussaff) against water pollution, and a black dwarf (Pekto Nacua) against discrimination because of skin color.
For its pilot episode this Friday, “Elemento” features the story of “Esperanza, Ang Rebeldeng Manananggal.” Esperanza (played by Glaiza de Castro) is a pediatrician and devoted mother of two who harbors a deep, dark secret. At the stroke of midnight, she transforms into a manananggal! But instead of eating fetuses like the rest of her family, she flies through the skies rescuing abused children.
Chaos begins when her evil sister Lucila (played by Valerie Concepcion) comes looking for her in the big city and discovers how much Esperanza has changed. Will Esperanza be triumphant in her cause or will she be swayed by her family (with Maria Isabel Lopez in the role of Esperanza’s mother) to return to their evil ways?
Produced by the creative team of GMA News TV, “Elemento” airs every Friday, 5:45 p.m., beginning October 10 on GMA-7. (FREEMAN)