Director Derick Cabrido Reveals Explosive Details About BARDA—Plans to Bring It to the Big Screen

Philippine cinema may be on the verge of another groundbreaking moment, as award-winning director Derick Cabrido reveals shocking behind-the-scenes stories about the viral hit BARDA—and announces his intention to direct a full-length film adaptation that promises to challenge norms and electrify audiences.

Cabrido, known for his fearless and visually striking films, made the announcement during a recent press conference following the massive online success of the BARDA short. His statements left fans excited, industry veterans buzzing, and netizens speculating about what secrets the film version might expose.

“This isn’t just a story about a fight,” Cabrido told reporters. “It’s about identity, society, survival—and what happens when we’re pushed to the edge.”

From Viral Chaos to Cinematic Potential

BARDA, a term derived from the Filipino word “bardagulan,” originally caught the public’s attention after a heated confrontation between two women in a salon went viral on social media. The clip, full of raw emotion, humor, and unfiltered exchanges, became a sensation—spawning memes, commentary videos, and even dramatic reenactments.

Cabrido saw something deeper beneath the chaos: a reflection of Filipino society’s repressed emotions, interpersonal tensions, and the line between performance and authenticity.

“People laughed, sure. But they also saw themselves. The pain, the competition, the desire to be heard—it was all there,” he explained.

Seeing its impact, Cabrido took the concept and reimagined it into a scripted short film, blending satire, realism, and social commentary. The short, released on YouTube and TikTok, quickly gained millions of views and sparked serious discussions about women’s roles, class dynamics, and Filipino culture.

The Film Version: Bigger, Bolder, Darker

Now, Cabrido wants to take BARDA even further—with a full-length feature film.

According to the director, the planned movie will not be a simple retelling of the viral event or the short film. Instead, it will dive into the psychological and emotional layers of the characters involved. The goal: to create a disturbing, eye-opening, and deeply human narrative that reflects the social tension simmering beneath Filipino society.

“We’ve seen teleseryes and dramas that touch on jealousy or gossip,” Cabrido said. “But BARDA is about the real emotional warfare happening in everyday lives. And it’s going to be raw.”

The feature film will also explore themes like performative femininity, online culture, toxic family dynamics, and the blurred line between victim and villain.

Casting Clues and Fan Speculation

While Cabrido has yet to announce an official cast, rumors are already flying.

Fans are hoping for the return of the original viral personalities who inspired the short, while others suggest that A-list actresses like Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban, or even Nadine Lustre might take on the complex female leads if the project is greenlit by a major studio.

“We’re still in the casting stage,” Cabrido teased. “But I want actors who aren’t afraid to go to very dark, uncomfortable places.”

He hinted that the film might feature non-traditional casting choices, possibly blending real influencers, theater actors, and established stars.

Social Media Reacts: “This Will Break the Internet Again!”

As soon as Cabrido’s announcement spread, Filipino netizens took to social media to express their reactions.

The hashtag #BardaTheMovie trended within hours, with fans speculating about the plot and ideal casting choices. Some even posted AI-generated posters and fake trailers, showing how deeply invested the public already is.

“If Derick Cabrido is directing it, you know it’s not going to be just a comedy. It’s going to make us cry and think,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“I hope it’s rated R. I want the full chaos,” another joked.

Others expressed how much they related to the themes of confrontation, survival, and self-worth.

A Director Known for Grit and Vision

Derick Cabrido is no stranger to emotionally intense stories. His past films—like Children’s Show, Tuos, and Clarita—have earned praise for their bold direction, psychological depth, and haunting visuals. He is known for tackling controversial subjects with empathy and style.

Industry peers describe him as a visionary unafraid of breaking traditional rules of Filipino filmmaking.

“Derick’s films make you uncomfortable—in a good way,” said film critic Lisa Llamanzares. “He makes you confront what you try to avoid. BARDA, in his hands, will not be just a meme. It will be a movement.”

What Can Audiences Expect?

While many details are still under wraps, Cabrido promises that the film will feature:

A powerful female-led cast
Minimalist yet intense set pieces (think tight, suffocating spaces that enhance tension)
Heavy dialogue and confrontational scenes shot in long takes
A nonlinear narrative, jumping between reality and social media perception
Unexpected plot twists that blur the lines between truth and performance

The film, Cabrido adds, will challenge audiences to examine their own roles as viewers, judges, and sometimes even aggressors.

“In this digital world, we don’t just watch bardagulan—we fuel it,” he said. “This movie is a mirror.”

Funding, Production Timeline, and Release

Cabrido confirmed that talks are ongoing with several major production companies and streaming platforms. He revealed that he’s leaning toward a theatrical release, followed by international streaming, to allow the film to reach both Filipino and global audiences.

If all goes according to plan, shooting will begin in early 2026, with a possible release in late 2026 or early 2027.

He emphasized that quality will not be rushed.

“This has to be done right. I’m not chasing trends—I’m chasing truth.”

Final Thoughts

With BARDA, Derick Cabrido isn’t just turning a viral moment into entertainment—he’s building a cinematic exploration of modern Filipino identity, emotion, and power. As excitement builds and details slowly emerge, one thing is certain: this isn’t just going to be a film—it’s going to be a cultural event.

And when it arrives, it just might shake Philippine cinema to its core.