After years of stealing scenes with his impeccable comic timing, Joross Gamboa finally gets to hog the spotlight.

The actor takes center stage in “Wantawsan,” one of seven full-length films competing at this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, with a role that gives audiences a chance to appreciate his prodigious acting talent.

In the film, Joross plays Chito, a struggling father who receives cash from the newly elected mayor he supported during the elections. He plans to use the money for his son’s birthday celebration, but things quickly unravel when most of it is taken away, leaving him with just ₱1,000.

What ensues is a story that turns the issue of everyday challenges into something funny, absurd and painfully familiar.

JOROSS GETS TO SHOW HIS RANGE

Comedy has always been one of Joross’ strongest suits, and “Wantawsan” takes full advantage of it. But behind the laughter is his character Chito’s desperate need to provide for his family, forcing him to traverse both humor and drama as he confronts increasingly difficult choices.

The result is an individual that audiences can laugh with one moment and feel for the next.

The role also puts Joross alongside Rita Daniela and young actor Zion Cruz, who plays Chito’s son. Their family dynamic gives the film much of its emotional weight, grounding its zany situations in a relationship that is recognizably Filipino.

Joross, in fact, discloses that he grew increasingly attached to his character Chito while making the movie.“Yong nabasa ko yung script talagang nagustuhan ko. Pero yong shinoot namin, mas nag-grow pa siya sa akin,” he said.

“Hindi ako magsisisi sa pag-yes ko rito.”

FROM SCENE-STEALER TO LEADING MAN

Joross has spent much of his career proving that a supporting actor can sometimes be the person audiences remember most.

“Wantawsan” flips that equation.

This time, the jokes, the heartbreak, and the moral dilemmas land squarely on his shoulders—and he finally gets the space to carry an entire film.

“Wantawsan” premieres at the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, running 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 ₱250 regular and ₱200 discounted. A ₱2,000 festival pass covers the festival lineup, while discounted tickets are available to PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders.

Festival passes will be available starting September 22 at Gateway Cineplex 18, and from September 23 onwards at Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is sponsored by Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Cream Silk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack 'N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, MY San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins, and Zonrox.

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