What Was Your Favorite Scary Movie as a Kid?

I have this love-hate relationship when it comes to scary movies. Not a big fan, I don’t want to subject myself to trauma of shocking myself to death with those spooky films. Yet, I can’t resist watching Halloween movies once in awhile. And when I finished one, it had this cathartic effect on me that I had actually gone beyond my natural fear of ghosts, spirits and death. But you see, not all scary movies are the same. There are slasher ones (Saw, Final Destination, etc.) suspenseful ones (I know What You Did Last Summer, Scream, etc.) and comedy ones. I recall watching..

Bettlejuice (1988)

A horror-commedy film starring Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin. It is a story of a dead couple who get the services of a "bio-exorcist" in order to remove the new living owners of their house. Watching it, you’ll have more laughs than screams.







For local horror films, I like those that have ghosts, exorcism, and “aswang” or a ghoul in them. Not necessarily the kind that send blood and other bodily organs spewing across the screen, but the suspenseful, nail-biting, sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, holding-your-breath, tingles-running-up-and-down-your-spine kind. For the plots and actors that played in them, I like..

Sa Init ng Apoy (1980)

Starring Lorna Tolentino and the late Rudy Fernandez. Newly-weds, they went to Baguio to escape Manila's summer heat. But before they reach the city proper, their jeep breaks down. Fortunately, they found a transient house with a room to spare. The housekeeper (George Estregan) is a mysterious fellow, warm but dreadfully awkward. The couple doesn't mind him though and they even make it an adventure to find out more about their host by asking locals what they know about the house and its keeper. Apparently, he turned into a ghoul during the night.



Lovingly Yours Helen (1984)

It’s a trilogy but the most remarkable is where Julie Vega played a young lady being exorcised. Other stars include Connie Reyes and Anita Linda. I can remember how scared I was the first time I saw this movie. Until now, I won’t forget the scene when Julie Vega was suspended on the ceiling. It’s also the last movie for her. Rumors had it that this movie caused her death. It is said that spirits got angry with her because of the use of Latin prayers on the scene.

Shake, Rattle and Roll Part 1 (1984)


Again, it’s a trilogy but the best is where Herbert Bautista played young Douglas. A manananggal is said to live within the vicinity and is out to eat people. He is given the task by his grandmother to kill this creature. Having to found a way to prevent it from rejoining the other half of its body, he must now survive the night to protect his family from the creature's ferocious attacks. This story is one of the most popular and suspenseful episodes of the entire series. Herbert Bautista's role won him the Best Actor award at the 1984 Metro Manila FilmFest.

So, friends, do you have a favorite scary movie? Why do you like it? Do you prefer slasher, suspense or comedy-horror movies? Are there any horror flicks that you just can't watch until now?