‘Gabi ng Lagim IV’ on KMJS

CEBU, Philippines - Tomorrow night, viewers are in for a scare in “Gabi ng Lagim IV: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Halloween Special.”

For Filipinos, Halloween is not complete without watching scary shows on television. Since 2013, KMJS changed the landscape of Halloween specials. Aside from actual videos, photos, and testimonies, KMJS turned these unexplainable encounters into film-like productions made by veteran directors.

Once again, the KMJS Halloween special features three stories that will challenge our courage and understanding of things that occur around us. These are “Diplomat Hotel,” “Paupahan,” and “Pangil: The Exorcism of Clarita Villanueva.”

A former vacation house of Dominican priests and nuns, the Diplomat Hotel in Baguio is ripe with ghost stories. In fact, an image of a nun here has been repeatedly captured in cellphone videos and photos.

Public Affairs and music video director Rember Gelera considers directing this special as a great opportunity. “May tradisyon tuwing Araw ng Patay o Undas na pagkatapos mong bisitahin yung mga yumao mong kamag-anak, excited ka nang umuwi para manood ng katatakutan sa TV. Unexpectedly, naging part ako ng tradition na ito. So yes, we are to continue that tradition not to scare, but actually to educate na we are not alone,” says Gelera.

Meanwhile, the second story focuses on an apartment in Baesa, Quezon City, where unseen elements and spirits are believed to be residing as well. Known for his works on horror films, Topel Lee returns to direct this KMJS special.

Lee claims that his experience for this year’s “Gabi ng Lagim” is very different from his previous horror flicks. “I’ve never shot a horror show na napakaraming appearance ng ghost. In this episode, parang ang dami nating ginawang iba-ibang klaseng ghost in one place, so it's different. Dapat abangan nila ‘to kasi once a year lang ang handog na ito ng KMJS,” he says.

For the first time since KMJS produced “Gabi ng Lagim,” a period horror story will be featured in “Pangil:  The Exorcism of Clarita Villanueva.” The story is based on a shocking news story in 1953—a Filipina in jail was said to have been attacked and possessed by a demon.

Indie film director, documentary producer, and former KMJS segment producer Derick Cabrido directs the said mini-movie. “Dapat abangan ang ‘Pangil’ kasi makatotohanan ang paggawa at hango sa tunay na pangyayari ng isang taong sinasaniban ang mga eksena,” shares Cabrido.

Make sure to have your friends and family with you when you watch “Gabi ng Lagim IV: Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Halloween Special” this Sunday after “Hay, Bahay” on GMA-7. (FREEMAN)