The star of Mark Herras shines brighter as the dancing-acting sensation headlines “Tiyanaks,” a new horror film from Regal Entertainment. This is Mark’s fifth movie for Regal and first full-length horror for Regal or for any movie outfit, for that matter.

“Iba talaga gumawa ng horror movie ang Regal,” Mark says with a smile. “Lahat ng ginagawa nilang horror nagiging parang classic. Kaya nagpasalamat ako nang mapili ako ni Mother Lily para sa pelikulang ito. Patok sa mga kabataan ang horror. Natutuwa ako na may bago na naman akong mapapakita sa fans.”

Regal Entertainment executive producer Mother Lily Monteverde really made sure that Mark would be part of this big-budget project. “Mark is one of the most outstanding teen actors of his batch. He’s a very sensitive actor and ina-idolize siya ng mga bata,” Mother Lily reasons.

The veteran lady producer and star maker predicts that greater things are in store for Mark. “Para siyang Aga Muhlach. He will be a big star,” Mother Lily declares with utmost con

fidence.

In “Tiyanaks,” Mark is part of a barkada that is supposed to go on a Holy Week retreat. Instead, they get lost and run into encounters with three deadly tiyanaks. Mark and his co-stars Rica Peralejo, Jennylyn Mercado, JC de Vera, Ryan Yllana, Jill Yulo, Alwyn Uytingco, Karel Marquez, Andrei Felix, and TJ Trinidad go to caves, run through forests and swim across rivers in order to save themselves. They have a very difficult time because the creatures have greater strength and enhanced immortality. 

Mark’s physical prowess was truly challenged. He singles out a scene where he fell in a well and had a hard time coming up for air because of the very limited space. “Medyo malalim talaga ang tubig at lumulubog ako!” he recalls.

But the efforts of Mark and his co-stars were truly worth it. The movie is exciting and scary from the first scene to the last. The pacing is fast as the entire story takes place in only three days. Mark affirms, “Umpisa pa lang, nakakatakot na! Kami mismo, kahit nabasa na namin ang script at alam na namin ang mangyayari, nagkakagulatan pa rin kami pagdating sa actual na shooting.”   

“Tiyanaks” also stars MMFF 2006 Best Child Performer Nash Aguas, Mika dela Cruz (younger sister of Angelika dela Cruz) and Lotlot de Leon. The movie written is by Fairlane Raymundo and Benjie Vellena and directed by Mark Reyes.