Biringan Is the Next Filipino Lore for the Makers of Mallari

(SPOT.ph) If you were freaked out by the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival's Mallari, then you best start getting ready for the next thing the makers have up their sleeves. Mentorque Productions has announced that they are set to bring to our screens the fabled city of Biringan.

Also read: These Are Some of Cebu's Creepiest Urban Legends

Production house behind Mallari working on a film about the fabled city of Biringan

Mallari is a time-jumping movie, with three different Piolo Pascuals, that explores the very real tale of the Philippines first-documented serial killer: a priest in colonial Philippines named Juan Severino Mallari. The horror film had everyone on edge, with it winning Best Supporting Actor for JC Santos, Best Musical Score, and Best Production Design at the Metro Manila Film Fest. And we can't not mention that it was a runner-up for the Best Picture. It is also the first Filipino mainstream film to be distributed by Warner Bros. 

Now, the same production house behind Mallari has announced that they'll be tackling another Filipino story. "Mentorque Productions' upcoming movie will transport audiences closer to Biringan, an invisible city said to exist in the realms between the physical and the spiritual," they posted on Facebook on March 10. 

It will be the first time a film will be made about the fabled city, according to Mentorque Productions. "We're delving deep into the heart of Philippine folklore to present a story that’s both universally appealing and deeply personal. It's about exploring unknown worlds, but it's also about the discovery of the self and the power of unseen forces that shape our lives," said producer John Bryan Diamante. 

"Our mission is to transcend the boundaries of traditional filmmaking," said Diamante. Mallari is not your usual run-of-the-mill horror story, so we're sure this upcoming film will tackle the fable in an unexpected manner, too. 

Not much details have been released. Mentorque Productions advised fans to keep watch on their channels for news on cast, dates, and the like. We did get a pretty cool visual of the city in their announcement, complete with red highlights and the black hues it is said to have.

Also read: The Legend of Biringan: Samar's Phantom City of Lost People

What is the Lost City of Biringan?

Tales of Biringan City come from the people of Samar, where this fabled urban hub is said to be. Both a highly urbanized place and a mystical one, this dark city—literally full of black spires and cathedrals—is home to fairies and other magical beings. It is said that people have been lost to this city, whether by accidentally entering through the portals or being lured there by a creature that has fallen for them, never to be seen again. 

It is not clear where or how the lore of Biringan began. Most sightings of the mysterious cityscape are reported by fisherfolk, who say they saw a vast city full of lights while out at sea. 

As Mentorque Productions said in their announcement, they are dedicated to making films that not only entertain, but educate, too. We can't wait to see how they bring this urban lore to the silver screen!