YOUNG STARS PROUD TO BE PART OF 'THE CARETAKERS'

THE YOUNG CAST OF director Shugo Praico's "The Caretakers" are all proud to be part of the amazing suspense-horror project that stars Iza Calzado and Dimples Romana for the first time on the big screen.

- LEAH C. SALTERIO

The kids got immersed in the work when cast and crew shot in the lush yet eerie backdrop of San Miguel, Bulacan.

"Actually, 'yung experience ko po, medyo nakakatakot din po," said the eight-year-old Erin Espiritu, who was first seen in the 2023's Metro Manila Film Festival's horror entry, "Kampon," directed by King PalisoC.

"Medyo takot ako sa set, but with the help of our 'The Caretakers' director and my co-actors, hindi na po ako takot. Excited na akong mapanood ang movie."

Erin, however, cannot be admitted yet to the PG-13 classification of "The Caretakers" that's why she went out of the theater before the premiere started.

Althea Ruedas, who debuted on-screen in Marla Ancheta's critically acclaimed "Doll House" (2022), admitted "The Caretakers" is the most challenging role to date for her.

"Malayo po siya sa mga ginawa kong movies in the past," Althea said. "My last horror movie - Xian Lim's 'Kuman Thong' - natakot din po. Na-challenged din po ako sa 'The Caretakers.' For me, mas gusto ko po when I get challenged. Mas naexplore ko po ang acting ko.

"With the help of Erin, my director, Miss Dimples and cast namin, nagawa ko naman po ang role ko ng maayos. Nagawa po naming lahat ng maayos ang 'The Caretakers.' I think we did our best."

Ashley Sarmiento is really thankful to be part of the folk-horror film.