MANILA - Filmmaker Rico Ilarde, who is known for directing local horror movies, has gladly accepted the "horror director" label.

In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Ilarde said he does not mind if he becomes known as the director who loves doing horror films.

"Hindi ba you always try to get the easiest to digest na concept. So if I'm label as 'horror director' okay lang sa akin iyon. I don't see it as insult or anything," Ilarde said.

Ilarde added that the label helps in terms of marketing his movies to film producers.

"Kasi ang hirap i-market kapag sinabi mong mix genre, mix story ba yan? So, mas madaling ibebenta kapag sinabing horror project and then iyong sarili mo horror director ka. In a way, spoon feeding siya pero it's easier in terms of marketing," Ilarde added.

Ilarde started his directing career in 1999 with Regal Film's "Dugo ng Birhen." He was also behind horror movies "Ang Babaeng Putik," "Shake, Rattle & Roll: Aquarium" and Cinema One's "Altar."

The “Villa Estrella” director, however, said he is open to trying other genres like drama.

"My last three films kasi sobra din pong horror and drama. This film (Villa Estrella), I think, kung hindi 50-50 ay parang 60-40 ay drama din ito," he said.

Written by Joel Mercado, Adolf Alix Jr. and JP Abellana, "Villa Estrella" revolves around the mysteries surrouding a popular resort. The film stars four of today’s hottest young actors -- Jake Cuenca, Geoff Eigenmann, Maja Salvador and Shaina Magdayao.