The movie Kontrabida Academy (2025) is a Filipino comedy-drama / fantasy directed by Chris Martinez, written by Chris Martinez, starring Barbie Forteza, Eugene Domingo, Jameson Blake, among others.
The story follows Gigi, a restaurant worker whose life takes a mystical turn when a strange TV transports her to a school that trains on-screen villains (kontrabidas).
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When and Where Was Netflix’s Kontrabida Academy Filmed?
| Movie Name | Kontrabida Academy |
| Genres | Comedy-Drama, Fantasy / Magical Realism |
| Filming Locations | Metro Manila; Villa DâEste, Tagaytay; San Agustin Convent Museum, Intramuros; Clark, Pampanga |
| Filming Dates | filming took place before September 2025 |
| Production Designed by | Veronica San Antonio |
| Release Date | September 11, 2025 (United States) by Netflix |
Filming for Kontrabida Academy took place entirely in the Philippines. Several scenes were shot in and around Metro Manila, which served as a primary location for urban exteriors and interiors.
Other notable locations include Tagaytay for more scenic or formal settings, the historic San Agustin Convent Museum in Intramuros for parts of the academyâs interiors, and Clark in Pampanga for outdoor and possibly modern architecture scenes.
đMetro Manila, Philippines
Many of the city-based scenesâstreet life, restaurants, interiorsâwere filmed in Metro Manila. Because much of the cast and production are based there, it functioned as a logistical hub. The urban look of Manila helps ground the fantasy elements.
Metro Manila, the bustling capital region of the Philippines, is a dynamic megalopolis comprised of 16 cities and 1 municipality. It’s the country’s economic, political, and cultural hub, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside historical sites like the walled city of Intramuros. The region is known for its vibrant street life, diverse culinary scene, and a complex transportation network that includes the iconic jeepneys and a growing metro system.
đVilla DâEste, Tagaytay
Address: 4WFV+5PH, Magallanes Dr, Tagaytay City, Cavite, Philippines
Villa DâEste in Tagaytay is used for both indoor and outdoor sequences. It stands out in the trailer as part of the schoolâs aesthetic: elegant architecture, grand halls, lush gardens. It helps bring a sense of style and escape from the city for the filmâs academy setting.
Villa DâEste in Tagaytay is an Italian-inspired events venue and luxury villa destination nestled amidst the serene rolling hills. It is a popular choice for weddings, corporate functions, and other special occasions due to its picturesque setting and lush gardens. The location offers various event spaces, including a glass house, pavilions, and open-air gardens, providing a beautiful backdrop for any celebration.
đSan Agustin Convent Museum, Intramuros, Manila
Address: HXQF+JXP, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines
This historic site in Intramuros was used for parts of the academyâs interiors. Its colonial architecture and stone halls, plus centuries-old religious art and craftsmanship, provided a dramatic, textured backdrop.
The San Agustin Convent Museum is a historical and cultural gem located within the walls of Intramuros, Manila, right beside the UNESCO World Heritage site, San Agustin Church. It houses an extensive collection of religious artifacts, art, and ecclesiastical treasures spanning over four centuries of Philippine history, offering a deep dive into the country’s Spanish colonial and religious past.
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Some outdoor scenes were shot in Clark, Pampanga. With its open spaces, modern complexes, and less congested environment compared to Manila, it serves well for scenes that need breath or scale.
Clark, Pampanga, is a vibrant hub for tourism, business, and industry in the Philippines. Formerly the site of a U.S. air base, the area has been transformed into the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, offering a range of attractions from world-class golf courses to theme parks like Aqua Planet and Dinosaur Island. It’s a key destination for leisure and entertainment in Central Luzon.
Behind the Scenes of Kontrabida Academy
To make your search for Netflix’s Kontrabida Academy filming even more interesting and enjoyable, we shared a behind-the-scenes photo here.
The movie stars and fans also shared some behind-the-scenes glimpses on their social media account, Instagram:-
FAQs
Q1: Where was Kontrabida Academy filmed?
A1: The movie was filmed entirely in the Philippines, including Metro Manila; Tagaytay; Intramuros (San Agustin Convent Museum); and Clark, Pampanga.
Q2: Which location is used for the school / academy scenes?
A2: Villa DâEste in Tagaytay and the San Agustin Convent Museum in Intramuros appear prominently for academy interiors and exteriors.
Q3: Were historic or colonial locations used?
A3: Yes â San Agustin Convent Museum is a colonialâera building with historic architecture.
Q4: Is any part of the film shot outside the Philippines?
A4: There is no public confirmation of any international filming; all known locations are within the Philippines.
Is there any Trailer available for Kontrabida Academy?
Yes, a month ago, Netflix Philippines’ Official YouTube Channel shared a trailer for Kontrabida Academy, which you can see here:-
Kontrabida Academy blends urban, historic, and scenic settings to match its mix of real-world struggle and fantasy redemption. The film was released on Netflix on September 11, 2025.
The choice of Manila for everyday scenes, Tagaytay and Intramuros for grandeur and history, and Clark for spacious outdoor shots creates a visually rich environment. For anyone interested in visiting or studying the filming spots, San Agustin Convent Museum and Villa DâEste are two of the most identifiable.