'Kuman Thong' stars believe they are being 'guided, watched over'

(From left): Althea Ruedas, Cindy Miranda and Emmanuel Esquivel

Since upcoming movie "Kuman Thong" is based on Thai folk religion about amulets that could bring bad or good luck, we asked the stars of the upcoming Pinoy movie if they actually believe in lucky charms.

Cindy Miranda, Althea Ruedas and Emmanuel Esquivel said they do. From unseen entities that watch over her (for Cindy) to rosary bracelet (Althea) and dearly departed family (Emmanuel), all are one in saying they feel being guided and watched over, thus, safe and protected.

Even "Kuman Thong" director Xian Lim has his amulets---a collection of Kuman Thongs' he had bought from Thailand. This was revealed by Cindy who said Xian told her about the collection which served as his inspiration for the movie.

Then again, it was pointed out at the press conference that even though Kuman Thong is of Thai basis, the belief in amulets is widespread in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, we call them "anting-antings" and these are used for love, financial fortune and even protection from ghosts and ghouls.

Showing in cinemas nationwide on July 3, "Kuman Thong" is about a mother’s desperate attempt to reunite with her deceased son that unleashes dark spirits and secrets.

The horror film, whose title literally means “golden young boy,” features a cast of Filipino and Thai actors also including Max Nattapol Diloknawarit and Jariya Therakaosal.

The story follows Clara (Cindy), who travels to Thailand with daughter, Katie (Althea), to seek the blessing of Namfon (Jariya), the mother of her fiancé Sai Chon (Max). However, Namfon isn’t enthused about the idea of her only son migrating to the Philippines, believing that the couple is not yet ready, especially with Clara still grieving the loss of her son, Isaac (Emman). Clara even carries around the urn bearing Isaac’s ashes. 

Clara’s visit to Thailand leads her to a shaman who performs a ritual with Isaac’s ashes. The shaman hands Clara a Kuman Thong, promising that it can help bring back Isaac if she takes proper care of it. 

Despite Namfon’s disapproval, Clara keeps the Kuman Thong with the hope she can reunite with Isaac. Shortly after Clara began making offerings to the Kuman Thong, eerie occurrences plague their once peaceful household. 

Clara’s behavior also begins to change as she starts to sense Isaac’s presence. Even though Isaac’s spirit is putting the family in danger, Clara and Katie are thrilled by his apparent return. Things take a darker turn when Isaac is seemingly not the only spirit posing a threat to their family, leading to sinister secrets being discovered that will change their lives for good. 

Filmed in Thailand, "Kuman Thong" is also written by Xian. “My goal is to do justice to the Thai mythology and capture its authenticity,” he shared in an interview.

‘Kuman Thong’ is his first full-length horror film as a director. The movie is from Viva Films and Studio Viva.