What happens to a child can often begin at home.
This is one of the important messages that Mantsa, an upcoming psychological thriller and advocacy film, hopes to bring to audiences, especially parents.
For teen actress Shira Tweg, one of the film’s lead stars, the story highlights how important parents are in shaping their children. The way a child is raised, cared for, and guided can have a lasting effect on the person they become.
“I would say lesson talaga, especially for the parents,” Shira said.
She explained that children naturally look to their parents, or to the people who take care of them, for guidance. Because of this, she believes parents should be aware of how their actions and the way they raise their children can affect them as they grow.
“For me, I would say the film is more focused on the parents,” she added.
Through its story, Mantsa encourages parents to pay closer attention to their children and to the struggles they may be facing. It also looks at how a child’s family environment and upbringing can influence their emotions, behavior, and decisions.
The message became even more personal for Shira as she took on her challenging role in the film.
She admitted that she was initially nervous when she learned about the character, wondering if she would be able to handle the demands of the role. With the guidance of director Louie Ignacio, the film’s coaches, and her fellow actors, however, she gradually gained confidence.
Shira was particularly grateful to veteran actresses Gelli De Belen and Pilar Pilapil, who supported her throughout the filming of some of the film’s more difficult scenes.
“They really gave me advice. They made me feel like I was home, like I was comfortable with everything. It was surreal,” she recalled.
Despite the support she received on set, some of the heavier scenes remained in Shira’s thoughts even after she went home.
The experience made her wonder about people who might actually be going through similar situations in real life.
“What if there’s someone who’s actually going through that?” she said.
For Shira, that realization is one of the reasons why the film’s message is important. While Mantsa tells a fictional story, the issues it tackles can also happen in real life, making awareness and understanding especially important for families.
Ultimately, Mantsa hopes to encourage parents to look beyond what they see on the surface and become more aware of what their children may be experiencing.
It is a reminder that raising a child is not only about providing for their needs. It is also about being present, understanding them, and creating a home where they feel safe enough to speak about their struggles.
For Shira, the lesson is clear: a child’s roots matter, and so does the way those roots are nurtured.
Joining Shira in Mantsa are Gelli De Belen, Pilar Pilapil, Khai Flores, Lloyd Samartino, Dino Guevarra, Miles Poblete, Than Perez, RJ Ariar, Jass Dela Torre, Milli Marzo, Ghia Garcia, Bo Bautista, LA Santos, and Raine Barretto.
The film also features the special participation of Snooky Serna and Janice De Belen.
Directed by Louie Ignacio and produced by Bambbi Fuentes and Tine Areola of Dragons Talent Management and Productions, Mantsa opens in cinemas nationwide on October 7, 2026.
