Actor Xian Lim was a no-show at the press conference for his upcoming horror-drama film Kuman Thong at Viva Cafe on June 19.

Showbiz media men who covered the event only interviewed two stars of the film: Cindy Miranda and child star Althea Ruedas. 

Asked about Xian, Cindy said: "I think meron siyang prior commitment."

Kuman Thong is a new movie from Viva Films and Studio Viva, written and directed by Xian Lim. It tells about a mother's desperate attempt to reunite with her deceased son, which unleashes dark spirits and secrets and turns a hopeful journey into a nightmare.

The horror film, whose title means “golden young boy,” features a cast of Filipino and Thai actors: Cindy, Max Nattapol Diloknawarit, Jariya Therakaosal, Emman Esquivel and Althea, the star of Netflix hit movies Doll House and Instant Daddy.

Opening in cinemas this July 3, Kuman Thong is based on a Thai occult tradition in which a figurine housing a child’s spirit brings luck if properly revered… and harm if not cared for.

The story follows Clara (Cindy), who travels to Thailand with herdaughter, Katie (Althea), to seek the blessing of Namfon (Jariya), the mother of her fiancé Sai Chon (Max). However, Namfon isn’t enthused about her only son migrating to the Philippines, believing that the couple is not yet ready, especially with Clara still grieving the loss of her son, Isaac (Emman). Clara even carries around the urn bearing Isaac’s ashes.

Clara’s visit to Thailand leads her to a shaman who performs a ritual with Isaac’s ashes. The shaman hands Clara a Kuman Thong and promises that if she takes proper care of it, it can help bring back Isaac.

Despite Namfon’s disapproval, Clara keeps the Kuman Thong, hoping she can reunite with Isaac. 

Shortly after Clara began offering to the Kuman Thong, eerie occurrences plague their once peaceful household. Clara’s behavior also changes as she starts to sense Isaac’s presence. Even though Isaac’s spirit is putting the family in danger, Clara and Katie are thrilled by his apparent return. 

Things take a darker turn when Isaac is seemingly not the only spirit posing a threat to their family. Sinister secrets are discovered that will change their lives for good.

"My character in this movie from the start to the ending is heavy. Sana magustuhan ito ng Pinoy kasi ibang atake ito sa horror," Cindy said. 

Filmed in Thailand, ‘Kuman Thong’ is also written by Xian, drawing inspiration from Thai mythology. “My goal is to do justice to Thai mythology and capture its authenticity,”  Xian shared in an interview.

‘Kuman Thong’ is Xian’s first full-length horror film as a director, though it is not his first foray into a role behind the scenes. He made his directorial debut in the thriller ‘Tabon,’ which was part of Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2019. Last year, his comedy movie featuring Janno Gibbs and Benjie Paras, Hello, Universe! hit the Philippine theaters.

Thai actor Max, the film’s leading man, shared that it was “a pleasure” to share the screen with beauty queen-turned-actress Cindy for his first Filipino movie project. Max is known for his Thai projects such as ‘Manner of Death’ and ‘Bangkok Love Stories: Innocence’, while Cindy was part of the films ‘Martyr or Murderer’ and ‘Reroute.’

Witness the power of the ‘Kuman Thong’ when it hits cinemas nationwide on July 3.