MANILA — Joshua Garcia has started work on the film adaptation of the Bob Ong book “Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan,” where he will portray the main character Galo.

Producer Black Sheep on Thursday released the first look at Garcia in character as the student who is thrust into a mystery involving his grandmother, the titular Susan.

The behind-the-scenes footage also included a story conference with co-producer Regal Films and director Chito Roño (“Feng Shui,” “The Healing”), as well as the cast’s look test.

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Released in 2010, Ong’s “Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan” follows the story of Galo, who is studying in Manila, through his journal entries.

Returning home to an island where he was raised by his grandmother, after learning she is ill, Galo is confronted by unsettling mysteries that make him question his sanity.

Garcia’s foray into big-screen horror follows his genre debut via the recently released zombie flick “Block Z.” Prior, he was largely identified with romantic comedies and dramas.

A release date has yet to be announced for “Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan.”