Just as shocking and intense as the original

Ever since “Squid Game” graced our screens, we can’t help but wonder what it would be like if the Korean series took place in the Philippines. From trying out recipes for honeycomb to creating their own obstacles inspired by local games, to say that Filipinos are obsessed with the Korean series is an understatement. So to give us an idea of what a Pinoy version could look like, one local animator shares a short clip of his anime version of the “Squid Game” in the Philippines—and netizens want to see more.

Known online as Kwek Kwek, the artist worked on the animated clip titled “Palosebo” for four months. In the process, the animator collaborated with voice actors, Amally at Messtamia, to complete the project. Believe it or not, when he released it earlier this month, it was meant to be an April Fools’ content.

“Noong kasagsagan po ng kainitan ng ‘Squid Game,’ naisip ko paano kung sa Pilipinas gaganapin o magkakaroon ng Filipino adaptation ang nasabing serye? Since naglipana ang mga memes at fan arts tungkol sa ‘Squid Game,’ naisipan ko na ring gumawa ng sariling fan animation pero Pinoy version. (When ‘Squid Game’ was trending, I got curious about what it would be like if it took place in the Philippines or if it had a Philippine adaptation? Since there are already many memes and fan arts spreading online about the show, I decided to create my own fan animation, a Pinoy version),” Kwek Kwek tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle.

Themes from the series such as gambling and gore are present in the animated clip but in different forms. Betting on horse racing is replaced by an underground sabong, for example. Gong Yoo’s character becomes a man in a barong slapping a future player. Among the things that remained the same as with the original is the giant piggy bank holding the ultimate cash price.

“Though tingin ko po marami na ring nakaisip noong pinakakonsepto, inumpisahan ko rin yung laro na naka-base sa human error ‘yung elimination at ang pinakamalapit ay ‘Nanay, Tatay' (Though the concept has been brought up before, I started the games based on human error and the closest thing I thought was ‘Nanay, Tatay’ ),” the animator says. “Binase ko rin yung manika kay Juan Dela Cruz. Naglagay din po ako ng ilang flashes ng iba pang laro kagaya ng 'Luksong Tinik,' 'Tumbang Preso,' at 'Pitik Bulag.' Naisip kong pamagatan siyang 'Palosebo' since redundant na kung 'Patintero.' At kung magkakaroon man ng final death game, 'Palosebo' ang pinakabuwis buhay (I based the doll on Juan Dela Cruz. I also added some clips of the other games like Luksong Tinik, Tumbang Preso, and Ptik Bulag. I thought of using ‘Palosebo’ as the title since Patintero is becoming redundant. And if ever there will be a final death game, Palosebo is more risky).”

As for the fuller version of “Palosebo,” chances are we won’t be seeing any. According to Kwek Kwek, since releasing the video, people have been asking for one but the artist confirmed that it will not be happening. “Matagal din siyang gawin at baka magalit din ang Netflix at si Mr. Hwang Dong-hyuk (Its takes too long to finish and Netflix and Hwang Dong-hyuk might get angry,” the artist jokes. “Gusto ko rin po palang magpasamat sa mga sumoporta at tumangkilik ng gawa namin, sobrang naapreciate ko po (I also want to thank those who supported and patronized our work. I really appreciate it)”

Earlier this year, Netflix announced that “Squid Game” will be having a season two. News about its cast and its premiere date is yet to be confirmed.

Watch Kwek Kwek’s “Palosebo” below:

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