CREEPY ROAD. The Balete Drive is a main thoroughfare connecting Eulogio Rodriguez Sr. Avenue and N. Domingo Street in Quezon City. The road's name was derived from the numerous "balete" trees lined along it. According to urban legends, a white lady ghost is roaming around this street. This was the subject of the 1988 movie "Hiwaga sa Balete Drive". (Screenshot from PTV)
MANILA — Some Filipinos' commemoration of All Saints and All Souls days will not be complete without watching the usual bloody and hair-raising horror films designed to scare the wits out of its viewers.
Regardless of whether these films will be watched on large screen format like the movies, Internet, or more common and affordable DVD and TV connections, horror flicks have became a time-honored traditions for friends and relatives observing the above-mentioned holidays coupled with drinks and tasty finger foods.
For 17-year-old student Christian Doctolero, a resident of Makati, watching horror films is an affirmation of the Filipinos' strong penchant for the occult and supernatural.
"Because people usually believe in paranormal activities (and watching horror films) give them excitement and (a chance) to relate (with the characters," he added.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Juny Tirado, of West Rembo, Makati, said excitement has something to do with the Filipinos' desire to watch horror films.
"Well, for me, people tend to watch horror films, as it is more thrilling than the other film genre," he added.
Karl Josef Villarosa, 36, from Quezon City, said watching scary films is a way for some Filipinos to overcome their fear of the unknown.
"Psychologically, we watch scary movies because we want to overcome fear," he added.
While his 30-year-old sister, Karla Maria, said watching horror flicks is more of an adrenaline rush and a sense of control.
"Ang sabi nila adrenaline rush, para ma-overcome yung fear at dahil alam mong movie lang, more of being control (ang) effect ng film sa 'yo (They say it is about the adrenaline rush, for you to overcome fear and because you know it is just a move, the effect of the film to you is controlled)," she added.
Camaraderie also plays a role when people, even if they don't want to, wheb they watch horror films together.
"I usually watch horror films only when I have company. I think think some of these people love to watch these kinds of film because they want to experience something new," said 17-year-old Justin Villafuerte of Makati City.
These views were also shared by Gil Santos, resident of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
"I myself don't like watching horror films but when I'm with a group like my friends, I don't mind watching a scary movie because we (can) always get a good laugh after watching it. Nothing odd with 10 men screaming while in the movie house," he added. (with reports from Christopher Lloyd C. Caliwan/PNA)
