Sofia Pablo recalls eerie filming experience on 'Huwag Kang Titingin' set

Sofia Pablo shared a chilling behind-the-scenes moment while filming scenes for the horror project “Huwag Kang Titingin.” 

During the film’s media conference on Thursday, the Sparkle star recalled an incident that happened during a particularly intense sequence, where her character was being dragged.

“Doon sa scene na kinakaladkad ako… siyempre walang tatayo na kahit sino,” she said, explaining that the set had been cleared to ensure a clean shot. 

However, the filming was abruptly halted after something unusual appeared on camera.

“Tapos noong nagpa-pan ‘yung camera, nag-cut kasi may dalawang nakatayo. May dalawang taong nakatayo. As in kita po talaga sa video,” she said. 

What made the situation more unsettling was that the area where the figures appeared had supposedly been empty the entire time. 

“Tapos sa wall po kasi na area andoon ‘yung PA ko tapos sabi ko, ‘mama may tao ba doon?’ Sabi niya, ‘nak, wala talagang nakatayo doon the whole time,” Sofia said.

“Pero kitang-kita talaga [sa camera] ‘yung dalawang tao na nakatayo. Isa pong nakapaa, at isa pong naka-black figure. Tapos parang umatras sila bigla, eh wala na silang aatrasan kasi wall na ‘yon,” she added.

The incident quickly became a topic of discussion among those on set, with some half-jokingly asking anyone present to admit if they had been caught on camera. 

“Dinaan na lang namin sa [tawanan] na ‘uy umamin…umamin na kayo. Alam naming may nakatayo.’ Pero wala talagang tao doon,” Sofia said.

While the experience initially frightened her, the young star managed to stay composed and continued to do her job. 

“Natakot ako siyempre, pero dahil marami namang tao, hindi na ako nagpadala sa takot. Ginawa ko na lang ‘yung work ko,” she said.

Aside from Sofia, "Huwag Kang Titingin" also stars Allen Ansay, Marco Masa, Michael Sager, Sean Lucas, Anthony Constantino, Shuvee Etrata, Kira Balinger, Charlie Fleming and Josh Ford.

The film, directed by Frasco Mortiz and co-produced by GMA Pictures and Mentorque Productions Inc., offers a fresh take on Filipino horror, blending a chilling Gen Z-inspired narrative with the eerie pull of local folklore and viral internet challenges.

It is set to premiere in cinemas on April 15. — LA, GMA Integrated News