Ang Lihim ni Maria Makinang (2026) Review: Time, Love, and the Full Moon Girl

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source: tv.lk21

Published: January 16, 2026 | Edited: August 30, 2026

Synopsis:

Ang Lihim ni Maria Makinang (2026) is a Romance, Drama, Fantasy, Erotic film from the Philippines, produced by Vivamax / Cinesilip. Directed by Gian Arre, the film has a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It was released on October 24, 2025 for the initial version and on January 9, 2026 for the Uncut version.

"Ang Lihim ni Maria Makinang" translates to The Secret of Maria Makinang. It tells the story of Maria, a girl who only appears during the full moon. One day she saves a child named Danilo, a man who is an outcast in the town, and treats his wounds. As time passes, Maria falls in love with Danilo.

Each of their meetings brings them closer to the truth that destiny will tear them apart. Their love is tested by time, because for Danilo, decades have passed, but for Maria, it has only been a few moments. The story is inspired by the legend of Maria Makiling and carries themes of love, loss, and the burden of time.

The film received several positive notes. First, its poetic fantasy premise. The idea of a "full moon girl" + "love separated by time" feels magical. It gives off a The Classic meets Il Mare vibe. The concept is strong for the Filipino drama-fantasy genre. Aiko Garcia is a fairly iconic 90s actress. Seeing her act alongside Gold Aceron in a fantasy film like this brings a sense of nostalgia for Filipino viewers. Then in terms of visuals and atmosphere, Gian Arre also served as Director of Photography. So it’s likely that the film plays with night lighting, the moon, and a melancholic mood.

However, there are some caveats to this film. Because it was produced by Vivamax, it is labeled with the Erotic tag and an R rating due to nudity & violence. Don’t expect this to be a pure family drama. There are adult scenes that are characteristic of Cinesilip/Vivamax. Although the premise is considered a good idea, the "separated by time" premise can easily feel slow or dragged out if it isn’t executed strongly in the script. But for fans of Filipino fantasy dramas, this could be a bittersweet watch.

Reviews of this film are mixed. Some call it a masterpiece with strong acting and beautiful cinematography, while others feel that the film’s pacing is a bit slow and unengaging.

This film stars: Aiko Garcia, Gold Aceron, Micaella Raz, Christy Imperial and more.

In my opinion: 

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Before I give my opinion, I want to share my thoughts about film and their countries of origin.

If you mention Thailand, I think of fresh comedies and really terrifying horror films.

If you mention South Korea, I think of super romantic dramas, fresh comedies, and lines that really touch the heart.

If you mention India, I think of energetic dances and romantic stories, though their action films are a bit… well… weird.

And if you mention the Philippines, I think of erotic dramas. That’s what happens in this film hahaha..

To be honest, I don’t understand this story. First, Maria’s origin is not explained. Then why does she seem immortal, since several different people have taken care of her. Finally, what is the purpose of this film? Until the end, I didn’t get it.

The good things are the film’s peaceful atmosphere, the Philippine village that looks shady and serene. The soothing lighting and calm background music make the film pleasant to watch. And don’t forget, the adult scenes here are absolutely not recommended for under age! If you like melodramatic Filipino romance-fantasy films that are a bit dark and have adult elements, this film is worth watching. This is not an action film, but more of a tragic romance.

For me this one is 6/10.

Knowledge Center:

Carmen Rosales and Rogelio de la Rosa

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When talking about Southeast Asian cinema, the Philippines is one of the oldest. Their film industry has been running for over 100 years. No wonder they are now so good at making drama, horror, and romance films.

1910s - 1940s: The Birth of "Sine". The word "sine" comes from "cinema." The first silent film in the Philippines was titled Dalagang Bukid in 1919. When Hollywood arrived in the 1930s, major studios like LVN Pictures and SampaguitaPictures emerged. This was the time of the first "Golden Age." And who were the stars? None other than Rogelio de la Rosa and Carmen Rosales. Interesting fact, when Japan occupied the Philippines during WWII, all films had to be propaganda. That’s why many directors secretly made resistance films.

1950s - 1960s: The Second Golden Age and The Rise of Lino Brocka. This is when legendary directors Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal appeared. Films like Maynila: Sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (1975) became world classics. During this era, Philippine films won many awards at Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. The themes were heavy: poverty, politics, and corruption. That’s why it was called "Social Realism."

1980s - 1990s: The Era of Action and Comedy. During Martial Law, censorship was strict. So "Bomba" action films and slapstick comedies started to appear. The big names at that time were Fernando Poe Jr., also known as "Da King," and Dolphy, the king of comedy. Horror also began to rise through films like Shake, Rattle & Roll, whose anthology series is still running today.

2000s - Present: The Digital Indie Era & Global Horror. Entering the 2000s, digital cameras allowed young people to make cheap films. This gave birth to the Philippine "Indie Wave." Directors like Brillante Mendoza and Lav Diaz made films over 4 hours long that still won at Cannes. Today, the Philippines is strong in 3 genres, family drama (A Mother's Story), romance (Hello, Love, Goodbye) - the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, horror/fantasy (Feng Shui, The Healing).

Why did Filipino films rise so quickly? Turns out, language is one of the key factors. Many films are bilingual in Tagalog and English, making it easy to enter the global market including Netflix. Then there are the relatable stories, with themes about family, working abroad "OFW," and mystical beliefs. The most astonishing thing is their fast production. They can make a horror film from idea to release in just 3 months. Philippine cinema is like a roller coaster. From the propaganda era, to heavy realism, to action, and now to horror and indie. Its strength lies in stories that are "raw and bloody" but honest. No wonder Hollywood is now looking to Filipino directors to make horror films.