Not all monsters are born. Some are made.

Sigbin is a Philippine indie horror film rooted in one of the most chilling legends of the Cebu province — and it carries within it a story far more human, and far more haunting, than any creature of myth.

The Story

Somewhere in southern Cebu, in an isolated settlement called Sitio Sambag, residents are plagued by what they believe to be monster attacks. They believe that a Sigbin belonging to a local orphan and farmer of considerable temperament, Degul, is the source of the problem.

Degul lives remotely atop Sambag's mountain, ever since his abusive foster parents passed away. No one has seen the Sigbin — but everyone believes it exists.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent barrio, newlywed Pia is left alone by her husband due to an emergency work assignment in another province. The Sigbin rampage continues in the succeeding days, moving toward her home. Without anyone's help and without any knowledge of what she is truly dealing with, Pia is forced to face the threat by herself — when she becomes the prey.

But this is not simply a story about a monster.

The film explores themes of abuse — an act committed behind closed doors that is commonly ignored and has overbearing consequences. It seeks to tell a story that shows the long-term effect on victims, how it can spill over to others, and how it effectively destroys bonds when it is not prevented.

Production Details

  • Genre: Horror · Folklore · Drama

  • Director: Ramie Balbuena (Direk Ramie)

  • Setting: Cebu Province, Philippines

  • Production: A Direk Ramie Production / Bluedragon Film Production

  • Status: In Production · Festival Circuit

  • Festival Submission: Submitted to the Show Low Film Festival in Arizona, USA and other international film festivals

The Creature — What Is a Sigbin?

The Sigbin is a horror film based on a creature that is a local legend in the Philippines, specifically in Cebu province's southernmost towns. Though it remains a monster of myth, many still find themselves astonished to hear stories — old and present — from people who claim to have encountered the creature.

Equal parts terrifying and deeply cultural, Sigbin brings one of Southeast Asia's most mysterious legends to the international stage — told by a Filipino filmmaker who grew up in its shadow.

Why This Story

DarMar believes in independent film without borders. Sigbin is exactly the kind of project that reminds us why — a story rooted in a specific place and culture, carrying universal truths about fear, survival, and the quiet violence that hides in plain sight. Horror at its most meaningful.

Get Involved

Sigbin is an indie production actively welcoming producers and supporters.

🌐 sigbinthemovie.com
📘 Follow on Facebook
🎬 Watch the Teaser on YouTube

The legend is real to those who've lived near it. Now the rest of the world will see why.

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