Fans of Filipino horror and fantasy have something thrilling to look forward to, as GMA Pictures officially announced the animated film adaptation of ‘Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko’ during Komikon Grande 2025 held today, October 25, 2025, at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig City.
The announcement was led by GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, who also unveiled the film’s first teaser trailer to the delight of fans and comic book enthusiasts.
Joining her at the event were GMA Senior Vice President for Public Affairs Nessa Valdellon, GMA Public Affairs Senior Assistant Vice President and GMA Pictures Producer and Screenplay Writer Angeli Atienza, GMA Public Affairs Senior Program Manager Kristian Julao, “Ella Arcangel” creator Julius Villanueva, film director and lead animator Mervin Malonzo, and producers Manny Angeles and Avid Liongoren.
Adapted from the acclaimed 2017 horror-fantasy comic series by Julius Villanueva, ‘Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko’ follows Ella, a young mambabarang (witch) who uses her powers to protect her community from corrupt humans and mythical monsters lurking in the shadows of the city.
The film is directed by National Book Awardee Mervin Malonzo, best known for his graphic novel ‘Tabi Po’, and produced by Manny Angeles and Avid Liongoren, the creative duo behind the hit animated feature ‘Hayop Ka! The Nimfa Dimaano Story.’
Described as a dark, gritty, and emotionally charged story rooted in Filipino folklore, ‘Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko’ aims to bring local comic artistry and storytelling to a global audience through world-class animation.
The animated film is set to premiere in Philippine cinemas in 2026, with GMA Pictures and Twenty Manila spearheading the production.
