Seven films. Seven wildly different stories. And a cast featuring some of the biggest names and most exciting new talents in Philippine entertainment.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is set to return with its biggest and most diverse edition yet, bringing together John Arcilla, Zanjoe Marudo, Xyriel Manabat, Khalil Ramos, Agot Isidro, Joross Gamboa, Rochelle Pangilinan, juan karlos, Sassa Gurl, Ian Pangilinan, Rita Daniela, and more for seven full-length Filipino films.
From ghosts and accidental hitmen to magical road trips, first love, mortality, and complicated family relationships, this year’s lineup puts its stars in roles that challenge expectations while showcasing stories rooted in distinctly Filipino experiences.
“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
Thop Nazareno’s Apol of My Ai stars Zanjoe Marudo and Rochelle Pangilinan, alongside young actor Zion Cruz.
The film centers on Apol, a boy standing on the threshold of manhood. As he develops feelings for his choir teacher, his relationship with his father, Poli, is further strained by a painful decision. Amid the emotional distance, music becomes the unlikely bridge that could bring father and son back together.
Mads Nicolas, Kat Galang and Jacob Kawagdan round out the cast.
John Arcilla Embarks on a Magical Road Trip in Beast
Internationally acclaimed actor John Arcilla takes on an unusual role in Lawrence Fajardo’s Beast.
Arcilla plays Lolo Omeng, an aging farmer who travels to Manila with his loyal carabao, Pepe, portrayed by rising actor Ruslan Jacob. What begins as a journey following a final harvest gradually transforms into a magical adventure fueled by the 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 join the ensemble.
Xyriel Manabat Turns Accidental Hitman in Stuck on You
Mikko Baldoza’s Stuck on You offers one of the festival’s most unconventional premises, with Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph leading the cast.
Manabat plays a heartbroken manicurista who inadvertently accepts a hitman job, drawing her into a dangerous conspiracy. As the stakes rise, she is forced to confront an impossible choice: protecting her family could mean killing the man she dreams of being with.
Roger Naldo, Bob Jbeili, Bombi Plata, Viggo Franco, JM Salvado, Joel Saracho and Renzie Aguilar also star.
Khalil Ramos and Ian Pangilinan Bridge the Worlds of the Living and Dead in Patay Gutom
Supernatural romance meets family drama in Carl Joseph E. Papa’s Patay Gutom, starring Khalil Ramos, Ian Pangilinan, Agot Isidro and Cris Villanueva.
The story begins when a grumpy shut-in accidentally eats an offering meant for a charming ghost. The bizarre encounter leaves him with a third eye—and the ability to see what others cannot.
As he navigates his newfound supernatural gift, an unlikely relationship develops, uncovering family secrets, heartbreak and a connection that exists between life and death.
juan karlos and Perry Dizon Explore Life’s Impermanence 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 encounters an elderly widower living alone. When the old man asks him for one final favor before his death, their meeting develops into an intimate exploration of grief, family and the fleeting nature of life.
Momoko Kobayashi, Paolo O’Hara, Kentarou Furuyama, Aika Higashimori, Kaname Nagamori and Tadashi Watanabe complete the cast.
Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia Find Love Beyond Death in Multwoh
“What if you died before you could tell someone you loved them?”
That question lies at the heart of Rodina Singh’s Multwoh (Patay na Patay sa ‘Yo), starring Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia.
The film follows a college queer who suddenly dies in their dorm and returns as a ghost—not seeking revenge, but hoping to resolve unfinished romantic business and finally say the words, “I love you.”
The film features an expansive ensemble cast that 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 Faces a ₱1,000 Moral Dilemma in Wantawsan
Joseph Abello’s Wantawsan proves that even a simple birthday errand can turn into an unexpected test of character.
Joross Gamboa stars as a struggling father who receives money from the newly elected mayor he supported. Hoping to use the cash to buy food for his son’s birthday, he heads out on an errand that quickly becomes a comic yet revealing test of his values, resourcefulness and wit.
Zion Cruz, Rita Daniela and Alwyn Uytingco join Gamboa in the lead cast.
Seven Stories, One Panalo Showcase
Together, the seven films demonstrate the range of Puregold CinePanalo—not only through the stories being told but also through the performers bringing them to life.
Established stars take on unexpected characters, while emerging actors step into major roles, creating opportunities for fresh collaborations and new voices in Philippine cinema.
“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 will run from September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, Trinoma, Fairview Terraces, Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!
Regular tickets are priced at ₱250, while discounted tickets cost ₱200. Moviegoers who want to experience the complete festival can also purchase a ₱2,000 festival pass. PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders are eligible for discounted tickets.
Festival passes will be available at Gateway Cineplex 18 beginning September 22, followed by all participating malls starting September 23.
Seven films are coming. The stars are ready. And this September, seven distinctly Filipino Panalo stories are headed to the big screen.
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