ANIMA Studios proudly announces the debut of the long-awaited queer barkada series, “Marahuyo Project,” premiering this June 24. Launching just in time for Pride Month, this series is a celebration of queer stories, highlighting ANIMA Studios’ commitment to empowering diversity and inclusivity in Philippine mainstream media.

The Filipino QueerKada Series of 2024

Inspired by the nostalgia from the 90s barkada shows that accompanied the adolescence of this current generation, ANIMA Studios presents the first Filipino barkada series that places multi-faceted queer narratives front and center. The series presents layers of relevant themes about the community’s fight for representation, equality, and safe spaces enveloped in relatable and heart-warming story plots that underscore the importance of forming connections, embracing our true selves, and understanding that life becomes more bearable when we let people in.

“We’re overjoyed to finally unveil Marahuyo Project during Pride Month, after two years of anticipation since its announcement. It’s truly an honor to bring this series to the world, as it aligns perfectly with ANIMA’s mission to champion queer narratives and ensure they’re shared far and wide. By releasing it on YouTube, we can reach our intended audience, including those seeking community but who might not have the means or live far away from places where they can find it. Making the series freely accessible ensures everyone has the opportunity to experience and connect with these stories,” said Bianca Balbuena, general manager of ANIMA. ANIMA Studios, the entertainment production studio under Kroma Entertainment, has been bringing Filipino talent to the global stage since 2016. ANIMA is dedicated to telling elevated yet relatable stories that reflect the regular Filipino audience who is resilient in this ever-changing world across various mediums – films, television, series, and podcasts.

The series features an amazing cast, led by Adrian Lindayag, who recently finished his acclaimed performance as Angel in the musical Rent. The story of Marahuyo Project, set in the eponymous traditional town of Marahuyo, follows the journey of King, a vocal and feisty transferee, who lobbies to create the first LGBTQIA+ org in their campus. As he champions his mission, he will be supported by his newly-formed barkada, while encountering friction from faculty and students alike, including student council president Ino, played by Neo France Garcia. Rounding out the cast are Nour Hooshmand, content creator Yani Villarosa, AJ Sison, and Ian Villa.

Director JP Habac shared, “Bilang isang millennial na lumaki sa mga youth oriented shows tulad ng Gimik, TGIS, G-mik, Click, Tabing Ilog, at marami pang iba, sobrang laking bagay for a filmmaker like me ang makagawa ng isang barkada series na makaka-relate ang mga kabataang hinahanap pa ang kanilang truth and identity. Sabi nga namin nung dine-develop pa lang namin itong project na ito, Marahuyo Project ‘yung palabas na sana meron kami nung lumalaki kami. So sana, makatulong ang barkada ng Marahuyo Project sa pagtuklas ng kanilang mga sarili.

Hindi naging madali ang process ng paggawa ng Marahuyo Project — from development hanggang sa paghahanap ng platform kung saan ito maipapalabas. Dahil dito, mas minahal pa namin lalo ang project na ito. Hopefully, mahalin niyo ang buong pamilya ng Marahuyo Project tulad ng pagmamahal namin sa kanila!” Marahuyo Project consists of eight episodes, each running for 30 minutes. Episodes will be released on the ANIMA Studios YouTube channel following this schedule:

June 24 – Episodes 1 and 2
June 26 – Episodes 3 and 4
June 28 – Episodes 5 and 6
June 30 – Episodes 7 and 8

Stay tuned and subscribe to ANIMA Studios’ official Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@ANIMAStudiosPH .