Manananggal in Manila is a horror-comedy film from the Philippines, released in 1997. It tells the story of Cathy (Alma Concepcion), a modern-day Manananggal - a mythical creature from Filipino folklore that is half-human and half-bat, with the ability to fly and detach its upper torso from its lower body - who is on a quest to find a cure that will enable her to reunite her two halves permanently.
Cathy is pursued by a group of hunters led by a wealthy businessman named Oswald (Tonton Gutierrez) who sees the Manananggal as a menace to society and wants to capture her. Along the way, she meets a young street child named Keso (Aiza Seguerra), who befriends her and helps her navigate the human world. Together, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including a group of thugs who try to rob them and a love triangle between Oswald, Cathy, and his friend Tony (Michael V.).
The film is a blend of horror, comedy, and romance, with elements of Filipino culture and folklore woven throughout. It features several iconic scenes, such as Cathy sucking the blood of her victims and Keso teaching her how to dance the cha-cha. The film also tackles themes of discrimination, acceptance, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.
Despite its low budget and quirky premise, Manananggal in Manila has become a cult classic in the Philippines and has been praised for its unique blend of horror and comedy. The film was directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes, known for their work in the horror genre, and features a cast of talented actors, including the popular child star Aiza Seguerra.
Overall, Manananggal in Manila is a fun and entertaining film that combines horror, comedy, and romance in a unique and distinctly Filipino way. It is a must-watch for fans of Filipino cinema and anyone interested in exploring the folklore and culture of the Philippines.
Manananggal in Manila is a 1997 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.
