‘Huwag Kang Titingin’ stars highlight lessons on social media, friendship, and courage

Beyond the scares, the upcoming horror film “Huwag Kang Titingin” will deliver timely lessons for today’s generation, particularly on the impact of social media, relationships, and personal responsibility.

In Aubrey Carampel’s report on “24 Oras” on Friday, lead star Sofia Pablo stressed the importance of being mindful in posting content on social media.

“Hindi talaga lahat ng bagay dapat kino-content. Minsan may consequences and applicable din siya in real life na sometimes 'yung content it can harm other people,” she said during the movie’s media conference on Thursday.

For Allen Ansay, the film also tests the limits of friendship. 

“Dito rin nasusukat ‘yung friendship namin dito kung hanggang saan ba aabot and ano ba ‘yung nagagawa ng isang activity na kumbaga first time mong gagawin sa buhay mo,” Allen said.

Meanwhile, Shuvee Etrata pointed out how the story mirrors reality among today’s youth. 

“Feeling ko 'yung mga kabataan ngayon just do their own thing, mag-viral, sumikat gagawin lahat para sa fame. Alam mo 'yung may mga ganoong kabataan ngayon pero hanggang saan ang kaya mo? Minsan nagawa mo na ta's nasa huli ang pagsisisi,” she shared.

For Michael Sager, he highlighted how the film reflects the Gen Z experience, where traditional superstitions meld with the modern online world.

On the other hand, Marco Masa said that the film will teach viewers the courage to face their fears.

“Maging matapang. Harapin ang kinakatakutan nang buong tapang,” he said.

The film's recent media conference saw the attendance of GMA Network Senior Vice President Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes and GMA Pictures Executive Vice President and GMA Public Affairs Senior Vice President Nessa Valdellon. 

Gozon-Valdes expressed her hope for "Huwag Kang Titingin" to serve as the first wave of summer horror offerings that will draw not only the youth but Filipino audiences back to cinemas.

“So I think one of the pulls of this movie is our stellar cast. Talagang ang ganda ng combination. I hope na ito iyong unang salvo ng horror summer movies or summer movies ng mga Pilipinong manonood ng mga pelikula,” she said.

“Huwag Kang Titingin” also stars Sean Lucas, Charlie Fleming, Josh Ford, Kira Balinger, and Anthony Constantino.

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.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News