Behind every great horror film is an equally great soundtrack. When the pictures on screen are building up in tension, the sounds behind these these tension-filled scenes only continue to fuel these thrilling sequences. As such, Filipino horror movie scores remain distinct among others, as local sounds fill in the empty spaces – localizing this kind of fear into something entirely our own.
Of the many local horror films that continue to roll out throughout the year, a number of these movies have been solidified in their legacy as they’ve stood the test of time as icons of local cinema and popular culture. With this, take a stroll down memory lane with Billboard Philippines as we explore seven iconic Filipino horror movie scores.
Shake, Rattle & Roll 8
Courtesy of Regal Entertainment Inc., and Regal Multimedia Inc.
If there’s any Filipino horror series that stands the test of time, the Shake, Rattle & Roll series would definitely be on the forefront. As part of its long-running series of Filipino horror films, its eighth iteration in 2006 takes its place as one of the most iconic movies to come out, with its horrifying ’13th Floor’ and ‘LRT’ sequences. With a soundtrack engineered by Von de Guzman, they incorporate the classic teleserye drama sound into the horror medium, as well as adding chilling acoustic guitar riff.
Sundo
Courtesy of GMA Films
With daunting and jarring soundtrack with dim piano scores among thumping drum beats, the soundtrack of the 2009 horror film Sundo remains a classic over the years. Composed by Carmina Cuya, the film’s score is full and lush in scale, yet plays subtly into the story. As narrative elements of death and life come into question of the score, the soundtrack becomes channeled with grand string sequences.
Seklusyon
Courtesy of Reality Entertainment
Known for his meticulous approach to scoring, Francis De Veyra crafts a soundscape for Seklusyon (2016) filled with eerie choral arrangements, dissonant strings, and creeping silences that build tension with every scene. The film’s religious themes are heightened by its use of haunting hymns and ethereal voices, evoking a sense of divine horror that lingers beyond the screen.
Maligno
Courtesy of Rosas Production
The soundtrack of Maligno (1977) relies on eerie silence, unsettling synths, and sparse orchestration to build tension. Instead of booms to accompany jumpscares, the score lingers, creating an atmosphere of slow-burning dread. Its minimal yet effective use of sound heightens the film’s supernatural elements, making every moment feel unpredictable and eerie.
Feng Shui
Courtesy of Star Cinema
With a score also composed by Carmina Cuya, Feng Shui (2004) uses a chilling mix of traditional Chinese instrumentals, ambient drones, and sharp stingers to amplify its supernatural horror. The recurring sound of the these traditional instrumentals, paired with eerie atmospheric music, creates a sense of impending doom. Every creak and whisper in the score adds to the film’s tension, making even quiet moments feel unsettling.
Bliss
Courtesy of TBA Studios
With a soundtrack composed by the the film’s director and screenwriter Jerrold Tarog himself, Bliss (2017) blurs the line between psychological horror and reality, and its score follows suit. With its eerie minimalism, distorted melodies, and creeping silence, the score mirrors Jane’s unraveling mind. The music builds unease without relying on traditional horror cues, messing with the audience’s perspective on the typical scare build-up.
The Healing
Courtesy of Star Cinema
As a jumpscare-heavy film, The Healing (2012), music isn’t just an accompaniment — it’s a force that lingers heavily in the viewers’ minds. As the score was also composed by Jerrold Tarog, ominous chanting and eerie folk elements intertwine with sharp orchestration, amplifying the film’s supernatural dread. Sudden stingers jolt the audience, while stretches of silence make every pause feel like a warning.