Jan Angelo Batongbakal

Charo Santos, Manny Jacinto shine in trailer of Filipino animated series ‘Sun Chaser’

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p><em>Sun Chaser,</em> the newest Filipino animated fantasy adventure series, officially unveiled the trailer for its first episode ahead of its June 22 premiere, with Charo Santos leading a star-studded voice cast. </p><p>Produced by Toon City Animation, Playlab Animation Studio, and Funny Face Films, with soundtrack and sound effects by HIT Productions, the series is rooted in Filipino mythology and tradition while celebrating identity through storytelling, language, and striking cultural representation. </p><p>In the newly released trailer, Charo voices the wise and warmhearted <em></em>Lola<em></em>, whose role carries a powerful legacy she is preparing to pass on to her <em>apo</em>, Jordan. </p><p>“Hay naku, Jordan!” Lola tells Jordan.  </p><p>Jordan, voiced by Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto, is introduced as an introverted teenager who constantly second-guesses himself, whose ordinary summer in the Philippines takes a dramatic turn after he accidentally discovers a mystical portal. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/movies-series/2026/4/24/-sun-chaser-creator-bernard-badion-reflects-on-journey-behind-upcoming-filipino-animated-series-1830" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ:  &#x27;Sun Chaser&#x27; creator Bernard Badion reflects on journey behind upcoming Filipino animated series</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>As danger begins to unfold, Lola reveals Jordan’s destiny. </p><p>“That evil portal, only one force in the world can close it, Spirit Guardians. The portals have opened. Guardians protect the realm of whatever comes through. That duty is yours now, Apo. I&#x27;m leaving you,” she tells Jordan, formally passing down the responsibility of becoming the next Spirit Guardian. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1124" height="632" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/palHGA7Jc9M" title="Sun Chaser - Episode 1 Official Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>Beyond its fantasy storyline, <em>Sun Chaser </em>immediately captured attention for the way it proudly embraces Filipino identity. </p><p>The trailer features several distinctly local elements, including the iconic <em>tsinelas </em>and <em>arnis </em>used in combat, traditional Filipino houses with wooden furniture, locally inspired clothing designs, and even the mythical creatures Duwende and Manananggal, all serving as vi<em></em>sual reminders of the country’s rich culture. </p><p>According to Toon City Animation, <em>Sun Chaser </em>is a &quot;fantasy adventure rooted in Filipino mythology and magic. It follows Jordan Santos, an unassuming teen whose chill summer in the Philippines takes a wild turn when a supernatural threat plunges his island into chaos. As ancient powers awaken and long-buried family secrets come to light, Jordan must rise to the call of a legacy he never knew he had—protecting the rift between the human and spirit worlds.&quot; </p><p>&quot;<em>Sun Chaser</em> is a story about discovering who you are, and what you’re meant to become,&quot; they added.  </p><p>Following the trailer’s release, netizens quickly expressed excitement online, praising the series for authentically highlighting Filipino roots through both visuals and language. </p><p>“Lola pulled out the tsinelas, she&#x27;s surviving,” one wrote. </p><p>“I really love the English with Filipino words phrase like Hay naku and apo,&quot; another added.  </p><p>“Filipino indie animation? Lola with tsinelas? Manananggal? PEAK!!&quot; one commenter expressed.  </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZuZUw0Jb_n/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=708&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A22648648.699999988%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="511" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Charo also shared her excitement over joining the project, with fans immediately gushing over her animated character. </p><p>“I&#x27;m so excited to be part of <em>Sun Chaser </em>and lend my voice to this beautiful story. Watch the trailer now and join us on this unforgettable journey. 💖,” she wrote on Instagram. </p><p>Apart from Charo and Manny, <em>Sun Chaser</em> boasts an impressive lineup of Filipino talent, further reinforcing the project’s strong commitment to Filipino representation in animation. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZG4OOECSll/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=708&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A22687647.899999976%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="542" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div> </div><p>The voice cast includes Liza Soberano as Angie/Queen Mirasol, Dingdong Dantes as Necrofrost, Eugene Cordero as Archie, AC Bonifacio as Zoe, KD Estrada as La Bamba, Zia Dantes as Sessa, and JR De Guzman as JR. </p><p>Created and written by Bobby Pontillas and Bernard Badion, <em>Sun Chaser</em> marks another major step forward for Filipino storytelling in animation. Episode one premieres on June 22 (PST) or June 23 (PH Time) through <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SunChaserSeries">Sun Chaser’s official YouTube channel.</a></p>

<p>'Sun Chaser' is a new Filipino animated fantasy series premiering June 22 that brings together an all-Filipino cast and celebrates local mythology and culture. </p>

'Sun Chaser' is a new Filipino animated fantasy series premiering June 22 that brings together an all-Filipino cast and celebrates local mythology and culture.