Trese Netflix Review: 9 Ups & 2 Downs
9. Up: Unique Culture And Mythology
Trese is a celebration of Filipino culture both modern and mythological, with the series brimming with references and nods to both real life places in modern-day Metro Manila in the Philippines, as well as Filipino folklore.
The most notable of these references is that of creatures from Filipino folklore, creatures of the magical underworld transplanted into grounded roles in the metro's criminal underworld. Trese's use of the phrase "tabi-tabi po" is taken directly from the superstitious Filipino practice of excusing oneself when passing dirt mounds or balete trees, so as to not offend the creatures living there.
The weapons seen in the series are based on real Filipino weapons, with Trese's iconic curved kris, and even the one-sided kampilan blade unique weapons only found in Southeast Asia. The writing seen in Trese's spells is a real ancient script called baybayin, which has regained popularity in recent years.
Even some names in the series have a cultural basis, with Trese's supernatural bodyguards, the Kambal (twins) Crispin and Basilio named after two important brothers in the revolutionary text Noli Me Tangere.
All these, mixed with the familiar yet new gritty noir Metro Manila setting, make Trese a fantastically unique viewing experience.