MANILA, Philippines — Philippine entertainment’s biggest names are taking on unexpected roles in seven films at the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026, which runs from Sept. 23 to Oct. 4.
John Arcilla, Zanjoe Marudo, Xyriel Manabat, Khalil Ramos, Agot Isidro, Joross Gamboa, Rochelle Pangilinan, juan karlos, Sassa Gurl, Ian Pangilinan, Rita Daniela and other established and emerging performers headline this year’s full-length films.
From ghosts and hitmen to magical road trips, first love and complicated families, the lineup explores a range of stories while giving its stars opportunities to portray characters outside their usual roles.
“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.”
‘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 of 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.
‘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 as 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.
‘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.
‘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 lead the cast 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.
‘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.
‘Multwoh (Patay na Patay sa ‘Yo)’
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.
‘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 films showcase not only Filipino stories but also 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.”
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 runs from Sept. 23 to Oct. 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, Trinoma, Fairview Terraces, Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!
Tickets are priced at P250 regular and P200 discounted, while a P2,000 festival pass gives moviegoers another way to take in 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 Gateway Cineplex 18 beginning Sept. 22 and at all participating malls starting Sept. 23.