BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
AT A GLANCE
This six-part series is directed by Roni S. Benaid, the director of last year’s hit horror movies Mary Cherry Chua and Marita. We follow a group of friends on their trip to a faraway province.
We Filipinos believe that when we visit different places, we may unconsciously attract spirits and bring them home. Hence, our parents and elders remind us to be careful so that no one follows us.
A barkada’s quick semestral break trip leads to a series of terrifying events that they might not be able to escape.
Following the success of ‘Safe Skies, Archer’ of The University Series, Viva One and Studio Viva strengthen the bond among the “Univerkada” composed of Krissha Viaje, Jerome Ponce, Aubrey Caraan, Hyacinth Callado, and Gab Lagman in their latest project, “Sem Break," with Keann Johnson as a new addition to their circle.
This six-part series is directed by Roni S. Benaid, the director of last year’s hit horror movies Mary Cherry Chua and Marita. We follow a group of friends on their trip to a faraway province.
Krissha Viaje plays Mich. Her parents died in an accident, so she was raised by her Aunt Belen. At home, Mich doesn’t express herself much, but she is very lively and somewhat silly with her friends. She has a boyfriend, whom Aunt Belen approves of as long as she still prioritizes her studies.
Jerome Ponce plays Arlo. He comes from a wealthy family. Though an introvert and socially awkward sometimes, Arlo is fond of swimming. There are just a few people he can be open with – his girlfriend Mich, his best friend Tim, and the rest of their gang.
Keann Johnson plays Timmy. He’s into arts and he’s Arlo’s flatmate. He’s got that YOLO attitude. He acts annoyed with Mich’s best friend, Cora, but he has a crush on her.
Aubrey Caraan is Cora. She believes in horoscopes, feng shui, astrology, and charms. Her being kikay is why she and Tim banter a lot, but her best friends Mich and Arlo still ship them together.
Hyacinth Callado is Jessie. She’s the most responsible member of the group. She works part-time in a café, which has become their tambayan. Jess is superstitious, a trait she got from her parents.
Gab Lagman is Pipo, a university scholar. His parents work as caretakers at a beach resort in the province. He offers this place for their weekend getaway.
But it will turn out to be a wicked getaway.
They are told not to go to the lighthouse near the resort, but while the others are asleep, Mich, Arlo, Cora, and Timmy head to the lighthouse to do the 3 a.m. challenge. Things turn scary when they get lost in the maze-like structure of the lighthouse. Fortunately, they safely get out of the lighthouse and decide not to tell anyone what they experienced.
As they drive back to Manila, the barkada doesn’t know that they are not alone on their way home.
Catch the Univerkada as they fight for their lives in “Sem Break.” It premieres May 10, 2024, and a new episode airs every Friday exclusively on Viva One.
