Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 27) — With people observing the Halloween season, the so-called “Queen of Philippine Horror Movies” takes the spotlight.
The provincial government of Ilocos Norte paid tribute to the late Lilia Cuntapay by holding several competitions as part of the 6th Semana ti Ar-aria Festival.
According to its Facebook page, Semana ti Ar-aria is “a festival created by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte that highlights the customs, traditions, and superstitions of Ilocanos in remembering their departed ones.”
The first event, the “Lilia Cuntapay Short Horror Film Competition,” showcases 19 entries from local filmmakers on its fifth year.
The short film entries are screened from October 26 to 29 at the Dap-ayan Food Park in Laoag City.
Another competition, the “Lilia Cuntapay Look-A-Like Contest” happens on October 31st at the Parada Iloca-Ilocana.
Cuntapay, who passed away in Ilocos Norte on August 2016 at age 81, rose to popularity after starring as an aswang in the third installment of the horror franchise “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” in 1991 directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes.
In 2011, the Antoinette Jadaone-directed independent film “Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay,” which recounted the actress’s fictionalized life in showbiz, won Cuntapay the “Best Actress” award in the Cinema One Digital Film Festival.
Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, in a statement, said she supports the celebration of Ilocano culture in the festival.
“Masaya iyon, sa kabila ng pagdadasal natin at pagdaraos ng mga nauna satin, importante rin na may kaunting saya at ligaya sa ar-aria, at sana lahat makilahok. Mami-miss natin si Lilia Cuntapay,” Marcos said.
The statement added since 2012, Cuntapay used to travel from her hometown Cagayan to Ilocos Norte to celebrate the Semana ti Ar-aria Festival.
Other festival events include the Capitol Trick or Treat on October 28 and the zombie-themed fun run “Taray ti Ar-aria” on October 29.
