Seven films. Seven wildly different stories. Each with a cast that brings together some of the biggest names and most exciting new faces in Philippine entertainment.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is gearing up for its most spectacular edition yet, with John Arcilla, Zanjoe Marudo, Xyriel Manabat, Khalil Ramos, Agot Isidro, Joross Gamboa, Rochelle Pangilinan, juan karlos, Sassa Gurl, Ian Pangilinan, Rita Daniela, and more in the lead for its seven full-length films.
From ghosts and hitmen to magical road trips, first love, and complicated families, this year’s lineup features a constellation of stars in roles disparate from audiences’ expectations.
“This year’s seven full-length films show that Filipino stories can be both deeply meaningful and compelling to a wide audience,” said Festival Chair and Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “We hope to give these audiences films that not only entertain but also resonate with the experiences, values, and dreams that make us proudly Filipino.”
ZANJOE MARUDO, ROCHELLE PANGILINAN AND ZION CRUZ FIND MUSIC AND FAMILY IN “APOL OF MY AI”
Zanjoe Marudo and Rochelle Pangilinan lead Thop Nazareno’s “Apol of My Ai,” which introduces young actor Zion Cruz.
The film follows Apol, a boy teetering on the threshold to manhood. His growing feelings for his choir teacher and a painful decision by his father, Poli, strain their relationship, leaving music as a way to restore their bond.
Mads Nicolas, Kat Galang and Jacob Kawagdan also star.
JOHN ARCILLA GOES ON A MAGICAL JOURNEY WITH A CARABAO IN “BEAST”
Internationally acclaimed actor John Arcilla takes an unusual road trip in Lawrence Fajardo’s “Beast.”
Arcilla plays Lolo Omeng, an aging farmer who sets out for Manila with his loyal carabao, Pepe, played by rising actor Ruslan Jacob. What begins with a final harvest turns into a magical journey driven by the lingering memory of Lolo Omeng’s niece.
Candy Pangilinan, Karl Medina, XY Martillo, Raul Morit, Dax Alejandro, Onyl Torres, Marvin Yap, John Arceo, Neil Tolentino, Jemuel Satumba, and Sol Samodio complete the ensemble.
XYRIEL MANABAT BECOMES AN ACCIDENTAL HITMAN IN “STUCK ON YOU”
One of the lineup’s wildest premises belongs to Mikko Baldoza’s “Stuck on You,” starring Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph.
Manabat plays a heartbroken manicurista who accidentally accepts a hitman’s job, plunging her into a conspiracy where saving her family could mean killing the man of her dreams.
Roger Naldo, Bob Jbeili, Bombi Plata, Viggo Franco, JM Salvado, Joel Saracho and Renzie Aguilar also star.
KHALIL RAMOS AND IAN PANGILINAN CROSS THE LINE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH IN “PATAY GUTOM”
A grumpy shut-in eating something he shouldn’t sets off the supernatural story of “Patay Gutom,” from Carl Joseph E. Papa and Ian Pangilinan.
Khalil Ramos and Ian Pangilinan are cast in the lead alongside Agot Isidro and Cris Villanueva. After accidentally eating an offering intended for a charming ghost, the shut-in suddenly acquires a third eye.
What follows is an unlikely relationship shaped by family secrets, heartbreak, and a connection that straddles the realms of the living and the dead.
JUAN KARLOS AND PERRY DIZON CONFRONT MORTALITY IN JAPAN IN “MONO NO AWARE”
Singer-songwriter juan karlos takes on a dramatic role opposite veteran actor Perry Dizon in BC Amparado’s “Mono No Aware.”
Set in Japan, the film follows a Filipino kodokushi cleaner who meets an elderly widower living alone. When the old man asks for one final favor before he dies, their encounter becomes an intimate story about grief, family, and accepting life’s impermanence.
Momoko Kobayashi joins Paolo O’Hara, Kentarou Furuyama, Aika Higashimori, Kaname Nagamori, and Tadashi Watanabe in the cast.
SASSA GURL AND JOAO CONSTANCIA PROVE LOVE CAN TRANSCEND DEATH IN “MULTWOH”
What if you died before you could tell someone you loved them?
This question powers Rodina Singh’s “Multwoh (Patay na Patay sa ‘Yo),” starring Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia.
A college queer suddenly dies in their dorm and returns as a ghost—not for revenge, but for unfinished romantic business: finally saying “I love you.”
The sprawling ensemble includes John Lapus, Iyah Mina, Phi Palmos, Mae Paner, Buboy Villar, Pipay, Gaia Poly, Yani Villarosa, Migs Almendras, Kaladkaren, Inah Evans, Christian Antolin, Lui Manansala, Sofia Trazona, Arman Salon, Chino Liu, Tart Carlos and Eric Fructuoso.
JOROSS GAMBOA GETS ₱1,000—AND A MORAL DILEMMA—IN “WANTAWSAN”
A simple birthday errand spirals into something much bigger in Joseph Abello’s “Wantawsan.”
Joross Gamboa plays a struggling father who receives cash from the newly elected mayor he supported. Planning to use it to buy food for his son’s birthday, he sets out on an errand that becomes a comic test of his values, resourcefulness, and wit.
Zion Cruz, Rita Daniela and Alwyn Uytingco join Joross in the lead cast.
Together, the seven movies make CinePanalo 2026 a showcase not only of Filipino stories but of performers taking chances—from established stars tackling unexpected characters to emerging actors stepping into major roles.
“We are happy that Puregold CinePanalo has become a festival that today’s brightest actors want to take part in,” Hayagan-Piedad said. “It gives them the opportunity to be part of quality stories with heart and purpose.”
Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 runs September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, Trinoma, Fairview Terraces, Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!
Tickets are priced at ₱250 regular and ₱200 discounted, while a ₱2,000 festival pass gives moviegoers another way to take on the entire lineup. PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders qualify for discounted tickets.
Festival passes will be available at the Gateway Cineplex 18 beginning September 22, and then all participating malls starting September 23.
Seven movies are coming. The stars are ready. And this September, their Panalo stories finally hit the big screen.
9/03/2026 05:32:00 AM
JENG
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