From Manifestation to Movie Magic: 'WilBea' Set to Breathe New Life into 'Pee Mak' Philippine Remake

The local cinematic landscape is bracing for a spooky, hilarious, and heart-tugging ride as Viva Films and Studio Viva officially finalize the core cast for the highly anticipated Philippine adaptation of Pee Mak, Thailand's highest-grossing film of all time.

At the center of this supernatural horror-comedy-romance are Wilbert Ross and Bea Binene—collectively known to legions of adoring fans as "WilBea". The duo will step into the iconic shoes of Mak and Nak, a devoted soldier and his beautiful, mysterious wife, bringing a distinctly Filipino flavor to a story that captured global box offices.

A Manifested Destiny

For leading man Wilbert Ross, landing the role of Mak is more than just a major career milestone—it feels like an eerie twist of fate. The actor recently revealed that he has been playfully teased with the nickname "Pee Mak" since his high school and college days due to his striking physical resemblance to Thai superstar Mario Maurer, who topbilled the original 2013 blockbuster."Sobrang crazy lang isipin," Ross shared during a recent press conference, noting that people called him by the character's name long before he ever entered show business. "Parang it's unreal, unknowingly nama-manifest ko 'yung isang bagay na hindi ko alam na mangyayari."(It's like it's unreal, I'm unknowingly manifesting something I didn't know would happen.)

The project serves as WilBea’s official big-screen launching movie as a love team. Fans are already buzzing with excitement, eager to see how their electric television chemistry translates to the cinema. The pair previously captivated audiences in the romantic hit Golden Scenery of Tomorrow and are currently lighting up screens in the ongoing series Love U Lots.

Assembling the Ultimate 'Barkada'

Guiding the production is acclaimed director Victor Villanueva, who also helmed both of WilBea’s hit television series. Known for his sharp wit and distinct approach to local comedy, Villanueva is uniquely equipped to weave together the film's delicate balance of genuine scares and absolute chaos.

Crucial to the story's comedic engine is Mak's loyal, easily terrified squad of soldier comrades. Viva Films completely unlocked the mystery of the barkada by unveiling a star-studded ensemble: comedy veterans Vandolph Quizon and TJ Valderrama, alongside former child star Jairus Aquino. Adding an extra layer of contemporary excitement is Gian Bernardino, the popular lead vocalist of the hit OPM band Cup of Joe, who is set to make his feature film acting debut.

A Transformed Journey to the Screen

The road to this local adaptation has seen its own share of behind-the-scenes drama and evolution. The remake was originally announced back in March 2025, with Alden Richards and Julia Barretto initially attached to headline the project under a joint venture with Myriad Entertainment. However, as scheduling parameters shifted, the production moved forward exclusively under Studio Viva, paving the way for Ross and Binene to be officially crowned as the new leads in April 2026.Rooted deeply in the famous Southeast Asian folklore of the Mae Nak ghost legend, Pee Mak follows a soldier who returns home from the battlefields to reunite with his wife and newborn child, completely oblivious to the terrifying local rumors that his family is no longer among the living.

With posters already sending waves across social media and a cast that perfectly blends seasoned comedians with fresh Gen Z energy, Pee Mak PH is shaping up to be a definitive theatrical event. The film is slated to hit theaters nationwide "coming soon," promising local audiences a ride that will make them jump, laugh, and cry all at once.

Courtesy: VIVA Films