Homegrown anime franchise SOLEMN VOW recently inked multiple partnerships at the Sugbo Entertainment Expo (SEE Cebu). Conceptualized as an anime series with a strategy for spinoffs into manga, games, music, merchandise and more, the new creative franchise has formed partnerships with prominent international and local partners.
SEE Cebu is an annual conference that brings together the various stakeholders of the entertainment industry. The event hosted government agencies, private enterprises, international partners and local professionals in a 2-day event where many ideas and discussions for creative collaborations were exchanged. SOLEMN VOW’s announcement showcased Cebu’s potential in creating world-class creative intellectual properties.
A 13-episode anime series built around a fictional universe of magic and mystical creatures, SOLEMN VOW is an action-packed adventure that revolves around a legendary hero family. Lawrence Panganiban, creator of the multimedia franchise enthuses, “SOLEMN VOW is a story that is inspired by the myths and legends of the Philippines, it will be told through the popular Japanese art form – anime, and it will be made for global audiences. Our dream is to bring the best of Philippine creativity to the world, and we are excited to collaborate with the best partners to help us fulfil this vision.”
The producers of SOLEMN VOW include Cebu-based studio Enigma Kai, Manila-based media company Fire and Ice, and Singapore-based companies Anito Studios and Silver Media. Animation giant Toei Animation Philippines will handle production and veteran music producer Alexander Lim will be consulting on the opening theme for the series.
A veteran in championing the Philippine media industry and fostering international co-productions, Liza Dino, CEO of Fire and Ice, explains why she joined SOLEMN VOW as a producer, “I’m excited to join the esteemed team behind SOLEMN VOW. This franchise is poised to take the animation world by storm. With a rich history of animation talent in the service industry, it’s time we showcase our homegrown content on a global scale. SOLEMN VOW is not just a project; it has the elements needed to become a globally viable franchise. Partnering with passionate experts in the audiovisual industry, we aim to transform it into its best version. This journey is a thrilling narrative of creativity, ambition, and innovation.”
Mr. Nestor Palabrica, Vice President of Toei Animation Philippines was unable to participate in the event, but delivered an address via a video, “We are happy to announce that we will be handling the in-betweens and digital ink and paint for SOLEMN VOW. We hope that you can join us in supporting this project as we embark on this exciting journey on SOLEMN VOW.”
Mr. Alexander Lim has decades of experience in producing music and is also the head of A&R for Warner Music Philippines. He says, “I am happy to lend my expertise as a key consultant for the opening song of SOLEMN VOW. Looking forward to an exciting
collaboration.”
SOLEMN VOW is in advanced development and a brand new teaser will be unveiled at Content Tokyo 2024.
