Segunda Mano

Joyce Bernal and I had something in common: We have this tendency to nitpick Filipino horror movies, making fun of how un-scary they are or how fake the props/make-up looked up to verge of being a comic outburst. Well now, Bb. Joyce understands how hard it is too well with her first horror film, Segunda Mano.

I happened to post a review on Dalaw, Kris Aquino's movie last year and to sum up my review, I can say that I wasn't very impressed with the acting and other technicalities. I may not be an authority in movies but we can really see gap between locally made horror movies and those that are made abroad. We have a vast source of inspiration to draw scary screenplays from, why don't we utilize them?

In a press conference held at Teacup Cafe in Mo. Ignacia St., QC few days ago, seasoned director Bb. Joyce Bernal shares her excitement and anxiety over her first horror movie project. She says, "Natatakot akong hindi siya [maging] nakakatakot" referring to the movie. Another thing Bb.Joyce seemed to be reserved about is the outcome of this project. She didn't want to make a fearless forecast on the outcome in the conference for the reason that she still haven't watched the other Metro Manila Film Festival entries. Still, she's hoping that the movie would do good in the box office plus some awards wouldn't hurt as well.

With a robust cast line-up led by the Philippine queen of horror cinema Kris Aquino, seasoned leading man from the Kapuso network Ding Dong Dantes, and veteran child-star turned actress Angelica Panganiban,  The movie also stars Bangs Garcia, Ian Veneracion, Rico Blanco, Angel Jacob, and Jhong Hilario. I'm pretty certain that this movie would at least offer some moments that will scare out the wits of the audience. If not, I think the tambalang Dingdong and Kris is scary enough. But kidding aside, they'd look pretty good on camera.. The age gap isn't that obvious, really.

The screenplay will revolve around Mabel Domingo (Kris Aquino), an owner of a high-class but creepy antique shop, hence the title SegunDa Mano. In the story, she'll meet Ivan Galvez (Ding Dong Dantes), a rich and successful architect who was currently nursing a heartbreak from his former wife who left him for another man. On with the romance and snippets of comedy until they experience chilling encounters with a violent ghost that puts their relationship to a perilous test.



Screenplay writer Joel Mercado shares the inspiration from the Filipinos' fondness for second hand original items bought from thrift shops. I guess, after watching this movie, we may never see ukay-ukays the same again..


Segunda Mano is produced by Star Cinema and MJM Productions. It will be open in all theaters nationwide on December 25, 2011. For more details visit their site at www.SegundaManoMovie.ph