Postcards from writer-director Darryl Yap's travels Very few writers-directors of his age (that’s 37) are as prolific as the controversial Darryl Yap, whose wildly successful films on the Marcos family ( Maid in Malacanang and Martyr or Murderer ) are among the biggest box office hits of Philippine cinema. While he became a household name for those two movies, Darryl, who only started making films in 2019, has already helmed 16 movies, two of which are Netflix top streamers. He has 8 million followers on Facebook, and 4.
6 billion total of content views. His other love—traveling—takes him to some of the most beautiful places in the world to shoot iconic scenes. The filmmaker shares his top picks.
Favorite film location you've ever shot at: I’m a bit of a local enthusiast so I fell in love with our own. Siquijor is something special. I shot Ang Manananggal na Nahahati ang Puso there during the pandemic, and although it was only released on streaming, 50 percent of the film was dedicated to capturing the island’s breathtaking beauty.
It’s like a secret paradise begging to be discovered. Bucketlist locations you want to make a movie in: I’m dreaming of shooting in China’s Avatar mountains—there’s something otherworldly about that place, like stepping into a dreamscape. And then there's Las Vegas, which would be an exciting challenge with its contrasting lights, energy, and hidden stories beneath the glitz.
First trip out of the country: My first international .