#HayopKa. It's not everyday that you encounter a locally-produced animated feature on a streaming platform as big as Netflix so when you do, you watch it! And so I did! Hayop Ka tells the story of Nimfa Dimaano and her struggles in love, her family, and her future. Let's get one thing straight first -- Nimfa is no hero as she is flawed, which makes her character and story realistic and whole. Right off the bat, the film is filled with various Filipino stereotypes be it the characters or the story, definitely making it easier to understand the context. Nimfa's the typical big sister who's struggling to make a living just so she has money to send to her family in the province and support her sister's education. This goes on top of her expenses living in the city, while also figuring out how she can achieve a bright future for herself. That alone is enough material for a melodramatic story. While it somewhat is, the treatment and script made it lighter, more comedic, and more entertaining. The storytelling, though fast-paced, was quite progressive and even the side characters were whole with their own implied motivation. There was proper build up and the resolution was very reminiscient of the Filipino's culture of family. And to top it all off, an end-credits song performed by the one and only Larry, este Jerry the frog. Many praise the film for its art and production and I certainly agree. The attention to detail not just on the characters, but on the setting -- from the busy streets and different locations to the store signages, billboards, ads, and posters, everything was well-made and well-thought out. If you have high expectations of the story, don't. It's filled with local tropes so if you're not a fan of those, then best not to expect anything. BUT, if you're into comedies that are more slapstic and witty than smart-shaming, then Hayop Ka is for you! While you're at it, why not watch #SavingSally since it's also from #RocketsheepStudios. https://www.instagram.com/p/CHC-2QXl4gM/?igshid=1nzio6giesk43