Manu Respall Unveils “Ecean of the Crescent Realm,” A High Fantasy-Sci-Fi Epic Years in the Making

The Philippine fantasy and sci-fi scene is set to welcome a bold new universe as visionary creator Manu Respall officially launched his ambitious multi-platform series concept, Ecean of the Crescent Realm—a project born from years of imagination, perseverance, and world-building passion.

I had the opportunity to attend the launch, where Manu personally shared the long journey behind bringing Ecean of the Crescent Realm to life. According to him, the earliest seed of the story began when he was only 17 years old, after an experience that would shape the entire concept of his fictional world.

During the event, Manu recalled how his creative foundation started when he visited a mysterious place he referred to as “Therra.” He described this as a deeply mystical journey that eventually connected to what many Filipinos know in folklore—the legendary and mysterious city of Biringan.

That experience became a major influence in the series’ setting, lore, and emotional backbone—particularly the idea of stepping into a world hidden beyond human sight, rich with nature, spirits, and ancient forces.

Manu also shared that the concept and script for Ecean of the Crescent Realm have already been pitched to several producers both in the Philippines and in Hollywood. At one point, he revealed that a producer offered to buy the project for a huge amount—but only if he would step away from it entirely.

Despite the financial temptation, Manu refused.

For him, Ecean of the Crescent Realm isn’t just another story—this is his dream, his world, and his personal legacy. He emphasized that he wants to remain actively involved in mounting the project and ensuring that his original vision is executed the way it was meant to be seen on screen.

One of the most impressive highlights of the launch was the sheer depth of its world-building. Manu shared that enormous effort has already been invested into conceptualizing the universe of Therra—not only through visuals and storytelling, but through an entire culture system.

He revealed that the world even includes its own language and sign language, adding a layer of realism and authenticity rarely seen in early-stage series concepts. Attendees were also shown what can only be described as a “bible” of words—a reference guide created specifically for this new world.

It was a powerful reminder that this series is not being built lightly, but with meticulous detail and an almost mythological dedication to immersive storytelling.

Based on the press release, Ecean of the Crescent Realm is a High Fantasy / Sci-Fi Epic created by Manu Respall and developed as a multi-platform series concept.

Logline

Set in the year 3011, on a rehabilitated “second Earth” called Therra, a dark-horse Elven prince must rise against his own lineage to prevent humanity from repeating the ecological destruction of the past.

Synopsis

After the demise of the original Earth, humanity exists in the Crescent Realm of Therra—a world of arcane nature and ethereal beings. However, the realm is threatened by betrayals and growing conflict fueled by the wrath of King Journaelous, as well as Elven resentment toward humanity.

Amid this tension, a prophecy unfolds.

Ecean, an expert explorer and prince of the Kingdom of Ellidaur, must navigate a world of “Mad Rulers” and forgotten spirits to find the chosen one and restore the balance of nature’s mantle before the cycle of destruction repeats itself.

 

Creative Forces Behind the Project 

From L-R: August Lyle Espino, Lem Francia, Manu Respall, Paul Amerigo Pajo, Kent Ticson, Waxi

The launch also introduced key collaborators helping push the project into its next phase, particularly on the technical side of bringing Therra to life on screen.

Attending the event were August Lyle Espino and Lem Francia of Glitch Media Production, whose company is currently leading the creation of the series’ visuals and special effects. They shared that the project is now in the research and development stage, with early foundations already created to support the world-building and the execution of Manu’s vision.

Meanwhile, Waxi of Waxified Sound Productions is helming the sound and music design of the series, ensuring that the project will feature Dolby Atmos sound, along with an original musical identity created specifically for the world of Ecean of the Crescent Realm.

Also introduced during the event were other creatives involved in shaping the series:

• Paul Amerigo Pajo, Director of Benilde HiFi, who is in charge of building the overall ecosystem of the series.

• Kent Ticson, who will oversee character looks and help design the visual identity of the characters and the world.

  
  

  

  From L-R: Neili Holmes, Ada Escalante, Manu Respall  

  Adding excitement to the launch were the two lead cast members who were present at the event.

  • Neili Holmes will portray Anaia, the main character of the series.

  • Ada Escalante will take on the role of the main villain, setting the stage for a powerful clash between light and darkness within the Crescent Realm.

  Manu also revealed that he has already spoken to several actors he would love to include in the project. He shared that some of his dream cast choices are currently under negotiations, including:

  Nadine Lustre, Angel Aquino, Raymond Bagatsing, Eula Valdez, Gold Aceron, Mon Confiado, Marita Zobel, and Maricel Soriano.

  With its ambitious scope and detailed mythology, the series is already drawing attention beyond the local entertainment space. The project is currently positioned for high-level international collaboration, with significant interest coming from global investment circles and cultural figures who see its potential as a “world-class” entry in the fantasy genre.

  If the visuals, sound design, and storytelling come together as strongly as the launch promises, Ecean of the Crescent Realm could become a major new pillar in the growing wave of Filipino fantasy and sci-fi storytelling.

  Watch the video below as Manu Respall takes us deeper into the world of Ecean of the Crescent Realm, sharing his inspiration, his creative journey, and the dream cast he hopes to bring into Therra.