CinemaBravo

In Viva and Mavx’s latest horror-comedy film quirkily entitled ‘Pagpag 24/7,’ Jerald Napoles and Nicco Manalo team up to unravel the Filipino superstition of ‘pagpapagpag‘ — a cultural belief suggesting that making a stop somewhere before returning home from a wake can ward off vengeful spirits.

As Mitoy and Boying, Napoles and Manalo navigate the eerie consequences of ignoring this tradition, leading to a night of laughter and fright.

Here are some snapshots from their media conference hosted by Jean Kiley, which took place yesterday, March 14, at Viva Cafe. The duo were joined on stage by a talented ensemble cast including Wilbert Ross who plays as the resentful ghost Jimboy; Nikko Natividad as Pio, one of the trapped customer in the convenience store eerily called Heaven Eleven; Danita Paner as Leah, Mitoy’s long-time crush; with veteran actor Dindo Arroyo as the formidable Mang Kanor.

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Helming the project was their director JR Reyes, who currently directs the Kapuso sitcom ‘Open 24/7,’ starring Vic Sotto, Jose Manalo, and Maja Salvador.

The dynamic duo of Jerald and Nicco

When Jun Lalin from Abante inquired about their reactions to this new blessing in their careers, Jerald and Nicco responded openly and sincerely.

Nicco, the son of veteran comedian and TV host Jose Manalo, admitted to inheriting his father’s traits.

“Opo, wala po akong choice e! No’ng una, parang hindi ko napapansin pero habang tumatagal, parang sabi ko, yung nuances lang talaga, pati yung mga ugali, pati yung paggalaw, talagang sobrang nakuha ko sa kanya. Medyo nakaka-pressure nang konti, pero sa kanya talaga galing!”

(“Yes, I didn’t really have a choice! At first, I didn’t notice it much, but as time passed, I realized that I’ve really picked up his nuances, his habits, even his movements. It’s quite pressuring, but everything really comes from him!”)

Jerald, on the other hand, found it coincidental that he had consecutive projects in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

In January, his recent heartfelt film ‘Instant Daddy’ (based on the Mexican film ‘Instructions Not Included’), starring alongside child prodigy Althea Ruedas, debuted on Netflix after its theatrical release, reaching a wider audience.

And just this week, his latest TV show ‘Barangay Singko Panalo,’ an innovative sitcom-game show on TV5, premiered in the weekday pre-primetime slot.

READ MORE: ‘Barangay Singko Panalo’ offers new sitcom/game show format: ‘Palarong gaya sa parties, piyesta’

He also recently wrapped up shooting in South Korea for his upcoming film with real-life partner Kim Molina, directed by Darryl Yap.

“Nag-shoot kami ng Seoul Meyt with Direk Darryl Yap sa Seoul, Korea.”

(“We shot ‘Seoul Meyt’ with Direk Darryl Yap in Seoul, Korea.”)

Lalin then wondered if it’s fitting to call Jerald the King of Viva Films.

“Nagkataon lang talaga siguro na sabay-sabay. First quarter [pa lang]! Yun nga yung nakakakaba e! Nagsabay-sabay nang first quarter, may tatlo pang quarter.

(“It probably just happened that everything lined up at the same time. It’s only the first quarter! That’s what’s nerve-wracking! With everything happening in the first quarter, there are still three more quarters to go.”)

“Pero, ayon! Nagpapasalamat ako sa Viva, kasi taon-taon, meron silang—Hindi lang sa akin. Actually sa lahat ng Viva Artists at nakakontrata sa Viva Films, talagang naka-plot kasi yung movies ng Viva, lalo na ngayon, parang every week, every two weeks may nilalabas na pelikula ang Viva. So it’s an advantage for all of us under Viva Artists Agency and also under Viva Films, na lahat kami may trabaho. Yun yung hinahanap ng mga artista, lalo na sa panahon ngayon.”

(“But, I’m grateful to Viva because every year, they have—Not just for me. Actually, for all Viva Artists under contract, Viva Films always has their movies planned out, especially now, where it seems like Viva releases a film every week or every two weeks. So, it’s an advantage for all of us under Viva Artists Agency and also under Viva Films, that we all have work. That’s what artists are looking for, especially in today’s times.”)

The intriguing plot of ‘Pagpag 24/7’

Mitoy (Jerald Napoles) and Boying (Nicco Manalo) take center stage as childhood friends with contrasting personalities. While Mitoy embodies caution and responsibility, Boying exudes recklessness and rebellion. Their unwavering friendship faces a severe test when a crime tears them apart, sparking resentment and blame. However, fate reunites them, setting the stage for a hilarious and spine-chilling adventure.

As Mitoy and Boying find themselves working together at a funeral parlor, their roles seem to have reversed. Mitoy embraces a newfound rebelliousness, while Boying adopts a more amiable demeanor. This unexpected reunion culminates in a nightmarish encounter at a haunted convenience store, where past crimes and restless spirits await.

In theaters nationwide this March 20

Prepare for a sun-drenched season of laughter and thrills as ‘Pagpag 24/7’ hits cinemas nationwide starting March 20.

Also part of the cast are Janet Dancalan, Butchoy Ubaldo, Cherry Malvar, and Jyra De Guzman. 

Join Jerald and Nicco, together with the rest of the gang, in a laugh-out-loud plus supernatural escapade, redefining the meaning of friendship amidst ghastly encounters in ‘Pagpag 24/7’ from Viva Films and Mavx Productions.