Manila’s Animated Version in ‘Trese’ Is Too Good and These Scenes Prove It

From a cinema and television standpoint, I have always been drawn to visuals first. Before plot twists, character arcs, or overarching themes, it is the imagery, colour palette, and overall atmosphere that pull me in. A single frame can often tell me if a film or series is worth watching.

That was exactly the case with Trese on Netflix. Even before pressing play, I was already hooked by the screenshots and short clips circulating online. The animated series immediately stood out for its moody take on Manila, blending familiar cityscapes with a darker, more mythical edge. Curiosity eventually led me to watch it, and from the very first episode, it was clear that the show’s version of Manila deserved a closer look.

Also read: 10 Filipino Movies That Will Inspire You to Travel the Philippines First

Trese on Netflix setting and visual portrayal of Manila

For those who don’t know, Trese is a Filipino animated series adapted from Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo’s 2005 comics series of the same name. It’s the first of its kind to stream on Netflix.

Like all things Filipino making it big in the international scene, including virtually, there was much hype over the Netflix adaptation. That’s other than the fact that it comes with a fascinating storyline about Filipino folklore and a fictional side of Manila that will even leave anyone already living in the city breathless.

Behind everything else that goes on on-screen led by Filipina protagonist Alexandra Trese (who Liza Soberano voices in Filipino), it’s a great way to look at the bustling Philippine capital in true animated form. This was made possible by Lex + Otis Animation with Tiger Animation, Trese’s animation studios.

From the first episode alone, Trese didn’t disappoint with scenes inspired by real-life locations in Manila. Whether you’ll agree with their accuracy or not, the painstaking process involved in creating them is beyond impressive. To others, it would even remind one of countless Japanese anime, particularly the films of Studio Ghibli.

Warning: There may be spoilers.

Ortigas skyline with Rizal in the background

As seen on Trese

In real life

Image credit: Hero Wilson

One of the country’s biggest commercial centers, Ortigas is known for its skyscrapers. One of them is the Atlantic Center building, which people easily recognise for its emblematic pointed rooftop. The same area is seen in Trese’s opening scene, where an airplane flies over the site with Rizal mountains in the distance.

The buildings of Roxas Boulevard across Manila Bay

As seen on Trese

In real life

Image credit: Oliver Mercader

Manila’s charm lies in its historic Spanish-era buildings, busy street food scene, and waterfront attractions like the Manila Bay. In Trese, a couple of shots from the pilot episode portray the iconic Philippine attraction, but in a much more subdued manner. This, of course, honours the story’s darker theme, and it’s eerie yet captivating at the same time.

De la Rosa Avenue in Makati and its elevated walkway

As seen on Trese

In real life

Image credit: Sailko

To an outsider, De la Rosa Avenue is like any other road in Makati — congested yet full of life. To those who ply the area regularly by working in the Philippines’ top financial district, it’s much more than that. It’s briefly seen in the first episode, but Trese’s version of the avenue shows how its allure comes alive even without people and cars.

The corner of 13th Street and Balete Drive in Quezon City

As seen on Trese

In real life

Image credit: Judgefloro

Having gained prominence as one of the most haunted places in the Philippines, Balete Drive certainly deserves screen time in a show like Trese. Thankfully, the first few minutes of the series have given us that. This Quezon City road is particularly notorious for being home to a white lady, who also made an appearance in the Netflix adaptation.

A broken MRT on EDSA with a Kathryn Bernardo billboard nearby

As seen on Trese

In real life

Image credit: Judgefloro

When animators and editors pour this much care into recreating real-world spaces, it is hard not to pause and simply take everything in. Trese turns Manila into a character of its own, presenting the city in a way that feels both recognisable and otherworldly.

Also read: My Japan Pilgrimage: Visiting the Real-Life Locations of Kimi No Na Wa

Beyond the scenes mentioned above, there are also animated nods to places like Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa and the streets of Malate, adding even more layers for viewers familiar with Metro Manila. For anyone who enjoys spotting real locations in animated worlds, Trese offers plenty of moments that make you look twice and appreciate the city from a whole new perspective.

All images of Trese are credited to Netflix.