Horror exposes us to some of society’s most disturbing truths in ways other aspects of pop culture can’t. And this Halloween, we’re championing these reflections of Filipinos’ deep-seated struggles through an iconic franchise we can’t put down.
Photo: Regal Entertainment, Inc./YouTube
Our preferences for horror and its diverse subcultures may change over time, but we can all agree on one thing: Shake, Rattle & Roll is an unstoppable force in local entertainment. Whether you’re in for a good scare or not, the franchise’s legacy is undeniable, and we reckon future generations will keep its iconic status for years to come. If our parents, grandparents, and maybe even great-grandparents can recall each installment’s signature anthological storytelling, who are we to say these classic films will be a mere afterthought over time?
Shake, Rattle & Roll never does horror simply for horror’s sake. Despite its campy, comical moments, the franchise goes beyond the genre’s typical shock factor, tapping into the grave injustices portrayed by the country’s vivid history, myths, and folklore. You start one of its three-part anthologies expecting jump-scares and over-the-top frights, and finish with a newfound outlook on the true horrors behind a system that drains us of our dignity.
Love them or hate them, the creatures of Shake, Rattle & Roll have also stolen the show with their spine-chilling contributions to the franchise’s prominence. From vengeful mutants to toilet-dwelling monsters, they’ve become vital parts of pop culture, and we’ll never get tired of paying tribute to them through imaginative retellings, visual art, and Halloween extravaganzas.
Here’s how these household names from Shake, Rattle & Roll keep us utterly entertained and give us nightmares without fail:
The Undin from Shake, Rattle & Roll III: “Nanay” (1991)
If you lift your toilet seat to find a slimy water nymph that seems hell-bent on wreaking havoc in your household, don’t be alarmed. It’s probably just in distress after getting lost on its way home. The undin and her grotesque antics may have become the subject of many Filipinos’ childhood trauma, but beneath her vindictive demeanor lies a poignant testament to motherhood and a plea for a peaceful life. Messing with nature begets harrowing consequences, and Maloy (Manilyn Reynes) and Dezzie Rae (Ai-ai delas Alas) learned this the hard way throughout their squabbles with the reckless sea-dweller.
The Eyeless Mutant from Shake, Rattle & Roll 8: “LRT” (2006)
Talk about a commuter’s worst nightmare. Armed with brute force and spikes that pierce its prey, this merciless monster roams the railroads every night to devour its last passengers for dinner. “LRT” remains one of the franchise’s most terrifying episodes to date—not just for the chases that keep us on our toes, but also because of the underlying power dynamics that make this creature so polarizing. In a plot twist nobody saw coming, this vicious mutant forces us to confront the living nightmares that unfold when authorities leave us helpless.
The Half-human, Half-snake from Shake, Rattle & Roll XV: “Ahas” (2014)
Even our go-to malls aren’t safe from this slithering siren waiting for the right moment to strike. Erich Gonzales did a phenomenal job portraying this mighty entity in the grimy corners of an upscale shopping center. Nothing could compare to the sheer thrill of watching this urban legend come to life on the big screen.
The Evil Elderly Spirit from Shake, Rattle & Roll III: “Yaya” (1991)
The late Lilia Cuntapay brought an inimitable energy to Shake, Rattle & Roll that set the tone for the franchise and Filipino horror stories at large. In a phenomenal role that still gives us goosebumps today, the “Queen of Philippine Horror Movies” plays a lingering spirit who captures the newborn daughter of a family who just moved into a new neighborhood. We’ll never forget the moment she scared the living daylights out of Tanya, Kris Aquino’s character, making everyone scream at the top of their lungs, too.
Sister Maria Belonia from Shake, Rattle & Roll X: “Class Picture” (2008)
Any fan of this spine-chilling segment knows better than to underestimate the sinister presence that plagues the San Selino College halls. Multitudes of pain, agony, and unjustified harm come to light when the seething spirit of a nun teacher exacts revenge on a group of students for the pain she had endured decades ago. “Class Picture” left a mark on Filipinos from all walks of life as it tackled institutions’ rigid beliefs and core values that dated back to Spanish colonial rule.
ALSO READ: Spine-Chilling Reads: 11 Filipino Horror and Speculative Fiction Authors You Should Read
What are your favorite “Shake, Rattle & Roll” episodes? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message on WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team, join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated on the latest from the Philippines and beyond!
