The producers behind critical and box-office successes such as “Firefly,” “Green Bones,” “Uninvited” and “Mallari” — GMA Pictures and Mentorque Productions — have joined forces for an exciting new horror feature, “Huwag Kang Titingin.”
GMA Pictures’ top executives, Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes and Nessa Valdellon, along with Mentorque Productions’ president and CEO John Bryan Diamante, sealed the deal Thursday morning at the GMA Network Center.
In an informal interview over lunch yesterday, Diamante shared that he had always been open to working with the industry’s leading players. It was during the Manila International Film Festival in 2023 that Atty. Annette first brought up the idea of a collaboration. The opportunity finally came last month.
“It was over chat,” informed Atty. Gozon-Valdes. “It was the fastest yes,” said Diamante.
“Huwag Kang Titingin” marks a significant step for both GMA Pictures and Mentorque in promoting a dynamic spirit of collaboration within the country’s creative industry.
“This partnership with GMA Pictures is not only about producing a film, it’s about showing what’s possible when two creative forces come together,” said Diamante. “As a young production company, we are deeply grateful to GMA Pictures for opening its doors to newcomers like us. It proves that when established industry leaders welcome new players, it strengthens the whole ecosystem of Philippine cinema.”
Atty. Gozon-Valdes echoed the sentiment.
“I’m very, very excited for this project. We have a great story, an exciting cast, and a very strong partner in Mentorque. It’s our honor to be a partner of Mentorque. This is our first venture together. We are beginning our partnership with ‘Huwag Kang Titingin.’ So thank you very much for the trust.”
“Huwag Kang Titingin” offers a thrilling narrative rooted in local folklore, reimagined with a fresh, Gen Z perspective. More than its mystery and jump scares, the film, penned by Ays de Guzman, aims to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level through its cultural relevance, says director Frasco Mortiz.
The cast features some of today’s most followed and buzzed-about young stars on social media: Sofia Pablo, Allen Ansay, Marco Masa, Michael Sager, Sean Lucas, Kira Balinger, Josh Ford, Anthony Constantino, Charlie Fleming, and Shuvee Etrata. Veteran actress Sherilyn Reyes also joins the ensemble.
