Sun Chaser
| Sun Chaser | |
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| Country of origin | Philippines |
| Original languages |
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| No. of episodes | 1 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 12 minutes |
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| Release | June 22, 2026 |
Sun Chaser is a Philippine animated web series created by Bernard Badion and Bobby Pontillas.[1] The pilot episode was released on June 22, 2026 with further episodes planned.
Premise
[edit source]Inspired by Philippine mythology, the series revolves a teenager Jordan Santos, whose summer break takes a wild turn when a supernatural curse strikes his family and transforms his island home into a battleground of mythical creatures. With the help of quirky beings like a dwende and a manananggal, Jordan embarks on an epic quest rooted in vibrant Filipino mythology as he discovers his role as the Spirit Guardian.[2]
Characters
[edit source]- Jordan Santos (voiced by Manny Jacinto); a self-absorbed teen visiting his grandmother’s island in the Philippines.[3]
- Angie (voiced by Liza Soberano);[4] a fierce and protective manananggal.[5]
- Archie (voiced by Eugene Cordero);[4] an old grumpy duwende.[5]
- Lola (voiced by Charo Santos);[6] Jordan's grandmother.[5]
- JR (voiced by JR De Guzman)[4]
- Zoe (voiced by AC Bonifacio)[4]
- Sessa and La Bamba (voiced by Zia Dantes and KD Estrada respectively)[4] Jordan's twin cousins.[5]
- Necrofrost (voiced as Dingdong Dantes)[4]
- Queen Marisol (voiced by Liza Soberano)[4]
Production
[edit source]Conception
[edit source]The series was created by Pontillas with Bernard Badion, together with Toon City and Playlab animation studios. Pontillas revealed his inspiration for a passion project, stating "came from a personal place of wanting to tell a story rooted in Filipino mythology and identity, through the eyes of a young Filipino American trying to reconnect with his roots."[7]
Production
[edit source]Sun Chaser was reportedly made to have a "hand-crafted" feel with the animatic made through Storyboard Pro and the animation made through Toon Boom Harmony.[8]
Release
[edit source]Sun Chaser premiered on YouTube with the 12-minute pilot released on June 22, 2026.[6][9] A Kickstarter for the series was launched on June 23, 2026 to potentially fund the production of further episodes.[10] However, the Kickstarter was cancelled on July 11, 2026. At the time of its cancellation, it made $18,184 out of its $100,000 goal.[11] The creators stated that their partner which funded the pilot has committed to support the release of a second episode.[11]
Reception
[edit source]Awards and nominations
[edit source]| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Annecy International Animation Film Festival | MIFA Animation du Monde Prize | Sun Chaser | Won | [7] |
References
[edit source]- ↑ Zahed, Ramin (June 23, 2025). "Exclusive: Disney Veteran Bobby Pontillas Details His Fun New Filipino Series, 'Sun Chaser'". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 28, 2025.
- ↑ Posadas, Andrea (June 9, 2025). "New Filipino Animated Series "Sun Chaser" Is Making Waves Globally Ahead of Its Release - When In Manila". When in Manila. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- ↑ Tangcay, Jazz; Jacob, Arushi (April 21, 2026). "'On the Road (En El Camino)' Tops Winners at 43rd Miami Film Festival – Film News in Brief". Variety. Retrieved April 22, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Milligan, Mercedes (June 17, 2026). "'Sun Chaser' Filipino Animated Adventure Launches Trailer". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 "Sun Chaser". Toon City Animation. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- 1 2 Deveza, Reyma (June 19, 2026). "'Sun Chaser' trailer highlights Charo Santos ahead of June 22 premiere". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- 1 2 Nepales, Janet Susan (June 19, 2025). "Fil-Am animator Bobby Pontillas talks of his new TV project, 'Sun Chaser,' and winning at Annecy Film Festival". GMA News. Retrieved June 21, 2025.
- ↑ Zahed, Ramin (June 23, 2025). "Exclusive: Disney Veteran Bobby Pontillas Details His Fun New Filipino Series, 'Sun Chaser'". Animation Magazine. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
- ↑ De Guzman, Alyana (June 19, 2026). "Charo Santos, Manny Jacinto shine in trailer of Filipino animated series 'Sun Chaser'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 20, 2026.
- ↑ Nepales, Janet Susan R. (June 23, 2026). "Manny Jacinto and creators talk about their new all-Filipino TV series 'Sun Chaser'". Asian Journal. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
- 1 2 Sun Chaser Kickstarter Update- Creators Bernard and Bobby. July 11, 2026 – via YouTube.