‘Half-Sisters,’ neither half-baked nor half-hearted

Currently holding the No. 1 spot and airing on the iWant streaming platform, Julius Ruslin Alfonso’s Half-Sisters, with Des Garbes-Severino as head writer, is a campy supernatural series that serves as the maiden micro-drama series for Star Creatives and ABS-CBN Studios.

Headlining the show are Gen Z stars Bianca de Vera as Emily, whose very debut awakened and unleashed her manananggal persona; Esnyr Ranollo as Ramon, Emily’s half-sibling who, just like her, is a manananggal in the city; and Brent Manalo as Pancho, a young guard caught between “goodbye” and “I love you,” serving as the object of affection and the root of the siblings’ conflict.

The manananggal is a mythical, vampiric creature from Philippine folklore that detaches its upper torso from its lower body at midnight, sprouting bat-like wings to fly and prey on sleeping pregnant women.

Xyriel Manabat has a special participation in the vertical drama as Mema, while Petite adds more color and flamboyance as Verushka.

The director speaks

On the biggest challenge he faced in Half-Sisters, Alfonso said: “The framing of the camera and blocking the actors were the immediate challenges. Nakakapanibago (It felt unfamiliar) at first, but as the shoot progressed, it was fun to do.”

“I always love doing comedy, especially black comedy and camp,” Alfonso continued. “With the title alone, it already made me laugh. What a witty manner to refer to the manananggal. The characters of Bianca and Esnyr are half-sisters by blood, and when the full moon cycle happens, they literally become half-bodied.”

Regarding his Gen Z cast, Alfonso said: “I have worked with them in The Secrets of Hotel 88, so I already know what their capabilities are. They did not disappoint, as they were so into it. They were truly invested in their characters. They had comedic timing, which was a pleasant surprise, plus they had the right attitude and flair. They were tight, fun and comfortable with each other; that was why they were able to deliver the dynamics, energy and timing which are essential in a genre like camp.”

“Esnyr has always been versatile in terms of comedy,” Alfonso said. “He always has a pasabog (something explosive) to offer. He goes out of his comfort zone and is not afraid to explore and go beyond his usual box. He is also very collaborative.”

During the shoot, Alfonso discovered Ranollo’s depth: “He is engaging, and when he did the dramatic scenes, he was effective. He never faked it; he always played it for real and grounded.”

What about Manalo, the man torn between the siblings? Alfonso quickly replied: “Brent is intelligent and instinctive. He has depth and is able to showcase his acting talent in both dramatic and comedic scenes. He also has expressive eyes; they always speak volumes. There is no less or more of him when it comes to the sincerity he puts into his performance.”

On De Vera, Alfon so said: “The viewing public knew Bianca first as someone who can do dramatic roles well. They are in for a surprise because here, she showcases how good she is in comedy.”

“Kaya niyang sabayan si Esnyr (She can hold her own with Esnyr),” Alfonso added. “Their characters are a stark contrast. Esnyr as Ramon is sarcastic, while Bianca as Emily is frantic. Bianca is never self-conscious, and that shows in how she attacked the role. She gives her Emily major sincerity.”

Aside from being No. 1, the vertical series is receiving strong positive word-of-mouth and online praise. Regarding the reception, Alfonso said: “I was confident that fans of my cast and casual viewers would like it. The response to it after the streaming premiere is really overwhelming. The enthusiasm, excitement and love from the viewers, damang-dama naming lahat (we all felt it). I am grateful to all who watched and are spreading good words and vibes. My heart is full and happy.”