MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Horror fans, aspiring writers, and storytellers across the country are invited to bring their terrifying tales to life as ABS-CBN and CreaZion Studios officially open submissions for the upcoming six-episode iWant horror anthology, True Manila Encounters.
Filipinos’ fascination with horror storytelling continues to thrive in the digital age, with eerie encounters, urban legends, and paranormal accounts gaining massive traction across social media and online reading platforms. What began as haunting threads shared online eventually evolved into a growing phenomenon on Wattpad, where readers became captivated by stories rooted in Filipino folklore, myths, and unexplained encounters.
Tapping into this enduring love for all things mysterious and supernatural, True Manila Encounters is now searching for original horror stories inspired by true experiences. Writers and horror enthusiasts from all regions of the Philippines are encouraged to submit stories involving ghosts, urban legends, local myths, folklore, unexplained events, and terrifying encounters with supernatural beings such as Aswangs, Kapres, Diwatas, and more. Stories based on real-life haunting incidents and unexplained experiences are also welcome.
“Filipino horror storytelling has always been rich with culture, mystery, and deeply personal experiences passed down through generations. What makes True Manila Encounters even more exciting is the collaboration between ABS-CBN iWant, and CreaZion Studios to create a platform where fresh voices and authentic Filipino stories can be discovered and brought to life on screen. We’re proud to work with partners who share the same passion for championing local storytellers and showcasing the unique horror stories that resonate with Filipino audiences everywhere.”
— Real Florido, Chief Content Officer, CreaZion Studios
All submitted entries will undergo an internal review process. Shortlisted stories will be contacted by ABS-CBN and later posted on the ABS-CBN website for public voting. Final selections for the anthology will be determined through a combination of audience votes and internal evaluation.
Through True Manila Encounters, ABS-CBN and CreaZion Studios hope to spotlight authentic Filipino horror stories while giving aspiring storytellers the opportunity to see their chilling encounters adapted for the screen.
Interested participants may submit their entries through the official True Manila Encounters submission form http://www.abs-cbn.com/truemanilaencounters
For updates and announcements, follow ABS-CBN and CreaZion Studios on their official social media platforms.