Pinoy animated series ‘Sun Chaser’ unveils cast

CEBU, Philippines — Award-winning actress Charo Santos-Concio lends her voice to the pioneering Filipino animated fantasy series “Sun Chaser,” which premieres its pilot episode for free on YouTube beginning June 23.

Produced by Manila-based Toon City Animation and Playlab, “Sun Chaser” marks a milestone for Philippine animation as a creator-owned series developed and produced entirely in the Philippines while bringing Filipino mythology to a global audience.

Charo joins an ensemble cast of Filipino and Filipino-American talents that includes Manny Jacinto, Liza Soberano, Eugene Cordero, Dingdong Dantes, Zia Dantes, J.R. De Guzman, AC Bonifacio, KD Estrada.

The animated fantasy adventure follows Jordan Santos (Manny), an ordinary teenager who arrives in the Philippines expecting a quiet summer vacation. His life is soon turned upside down when a supernatural threat plunges his island into chaos. As ancient powers awaken and long-buried family secrets come to light, Jordan discovers that he is destined to protect the boundary between the human and spirit worlds.

At its core, “Sun Chaser” is a story about self-discovery, family, courage, and embracing one’s purpose amid extraordinary circumstances.

The series was created by Filipino animation talents Bobby Pontillas and Bernard Badion. Bobby is a Disney Animation veteran whose credits include “Zootopia,” “Moana,” “Big Hero 6,” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” and who received an Academy Award nomination for the animated short film “One Small Step” in 2018. Meanwhile, Bernard has developed projects for major studios in Los Angeles, including “Transformers: EarthSpark.”

“Sun Chaser” has already earned international recognition after winning the Animation du Monde Prize for international projects at Annecy/MIFA 2025, one of the animation industry’s most prestigious platforms for emerging animated projects and independent series.

Filipino viewers can catch the pilot episode of “Sun Chaser” for free on YouTube beginning Tuesday, 12 noon. A Kickstarter campaign will also launch alongside the premiere to help fund future episodes as the creators work toward bringing the full first season to audiences worldwide. — (FREEMAN)