Inspired by '90s barkada series such as Click, Tabing Ilog, and Gimik, director JP Habac brings to our screens Marahuyo Project. Produced by Anima Studios, the show follows a group of queer adolescents finding one another and fighting for their space in a rigid community.
Like many of his works, the eight-episode series is Direk JP's love letter to the LGBTQIA+ community. Filming for the show finished in 2022, and after two long years, Marahuyo Project is finally out for audiences to see.
What Is "Marahuyo Project" About?
"Marahuyo" is a Filipino word that directly translates to "to be enchanted." In the show, Marahuyo is the name of a seaside provincial town where a free-spirited King goes home to from Manila. There, he meets the likes of Ino, Venice, Lorie, Lili, and Archie.
The clique lobbies to establish their university's first LGBTQIA+ organization, which meets the ire of its rather religious administration. As King's eyes are opened to the conservative practices and beliefs in Marahuyo, he finds solace in Ino, who is also in the process of discovering his true identity. A potential romance blossoms between the two, as well as other members of their group.
Who Stars in "Marahuyo Project"?
Adrian Lindayag, who has acted in Kadenang Ginto and Becky and Badette, and has starred in 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival entry The Boy Foretold by the Stars, takes the lead in Marahuyo Project as King. Playing his love interest, the dutiful student council president Ino, is Neo France Garcia.
Each character in the show represents a different facet of the LGBTQIA+ community, each at unique stages of their journey as a queer person. Rounding out the central barkada are Yani Hatesu, who plays Lili, Nour Hooshmand, who plays Lorie, and Iann Villa, who plays Venice. In supporting roles throughout the show are AJ Sison, Tommy Alejandrino, and Lance Reblando.
Where Can I Watch "Marahuyo Project"?
Direk JP and Anima Studios intentionally released Marahuyo Project online as a way to make it more accessible to audiences in far-flung regions of the country. The series is streaming for free on the Anima Studios YouTube channel, which you can subscribe to here.
Watch the trailer of Marahuyo Project below:
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