The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 recently brought together some of Philippine cinema’s most exciting filmmakers and performers as it unveiled this year’s lineup of original full-length films during a lively media conference at Quantum Skyview in Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City.
Hosted by TV personality Migs Almendras, the mediacon gave audiences and members of the press a closer look at the seven full-length films competing in this year’s festival. From coming-of-age stories and fantasy to supernatural romance, comedy, and socially relevant drama, the lineup reflects the diverse storytelling and creative voices shaping contemporary Filipino cinema.
“Apol of My Ai”
Director Thop Nazareno appeared at the mediacon alongside actors Zion Cruz and Rochelle Pangilinan for the coming-of-age film Apol of My Ai.
The film stars Zanjoe Marudo, Zion Cruz, and Rochelle Pangilinan.
Logline: Bata lang si Apol pero binata na ang tingin niya sa kaniyang sarili. Masusubok ang kaniyang pagbibinata nang ma-inlove siya sa kaniyang choir teacher, at nang gumawa ang kaniyang tatay Poli ng isang desisyon na maglalayo sa kanilang loob. Kaya ba silang hilumin at muling paglapitin ng musika?
“Beast”
Representing the fantastical Beast was producer Meg Bryan Bermudez, together with supporting cast members Candy Pangilinan, Karl Medina, Ruslan Jacob, and Dax Alejandro.
Directed by Lawrence Fajardo and starring John Arcilla, the film follows an extraordinary journey involving a farmer and his loyal carabao.
Logline: After a final harvest forced upon him by the landlord, a farmer and his loyal carabao embark on a magical road trip to Manila, chasing the ghost of a niece the years stole from him.
“Mono No Aware”
Director BC Amparado, producer Patricia Salic, and lead actor Juan Karlos Labajo represented the quiet drama Mono No Aware.
The film stars Juan Karlos Labajo and Perry Dizon.
Logline: In a quiet apartment in Japan, a Filipino kodokushi cleaner meets an elderly widower who asks him for one final favor before he dies. What begins as a promise becomes a quiet story of grief, family, and accepting life’s impermanence.
“Multwoh (Patay Na Patay Sa’yo)”
Director Rodina Singh took the stage with actors Sassa Gurl, Joao Constancia, Phi Palmos, Gaia Poly, and Inah Evans for the supernatural and proudly queer film Multwoh (Patay Na Patay Sa’yo).
The film stars Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia.
Logline: When a college queer dies suddenly in their dorm, they return as a ghost—not to seek revenge, but to say the one thing they never found the courage to say in life: “I love you.” A haunting, hilarious, and tender story about fear, desire, and the kind of love that refuses to die.
“Patay Gutom”
The otherworldly love story Patay Gutom was represented by actors Khalil Ramos, Cris Villanueva, and Alwyn Uytingco, together with co-directors Carl Joseph Papa and Ian Pangilinan.
The film stars Khalil Ramos, Ian Pangilinan, Agot Isidro, and Cris Villanueva.
Logline: The story follows a grumpy shut-in whose third eye is accidentally opened after eating an offering meant for a charming but lonely ghost. Now bound together, they discover family secrets, shared heartaches, and a love that blurs the line between life and the afterlife.
“Stuck on You”
Director Mikko Baldoza joined lead stars Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph to introduce Stuck on You, a romantic comedy with a deadly twist.
The film stars Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph.
Logline: A heartbroken manicurista accidentally takes on a hitman’s job, leading her to a deadly conspiracy where she must choose between saving her family or killing the man of her dreams.
“Wantawsan”
Rounding out the full-length lineup is Wantawsan, presented by director Joseph Abello.
The “slice of life” comedy stars Joross Gamboa, Rita Daniela, and Zion Cruz, and brings a political dilemma into an otherwise humorous and relatable story.
Logline: A cash-strapped father receives money from the newly elected mayor he supported, but when he sets out to buy food for his son’s birthday that day, he’s thrust into a comical adventure that tests his wit and his values.
Celebrating Filipino Storytelling
The diverse full-length lineup demonstrates the range of stories that Filipino filmmakers continue to bring to the screen—from intimate stories about family and grief to fantastical adventures, queer narratives, supernatural romance, and comedy grounded in everyday Filipino life.
“Every film in this year’s CinePanalo carries the passion of its creators,” said Ivy-Hayagan Piedad, festival chair of Puregold CinePanalo. “Giving these stories a platform where audiences can experience and celebrate them is our way of supporting Filipino artistry and contributing to the continued growth of Philippine cinema.”
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 runs from September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls 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 access to 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 September 22 and at TriNoma beginning September 23.
With seven original full-length films bringing together established names and emerging talents, Puregold CinePanalo 2026 continues its celebration of Filipino filmmaking and the stories that connect audiences across generations.
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