Joross Gamboa plays a struggling father who receives ₱1,000 from the newly elected mayor he supported. Planning to use the money to buy food for his son’s birthday, he embarks on an errand that soon becomes a comic and unexpected test of his values, resourcefulness and wit.

Zion Cruz, Rita Daniela and Alwyn Uytingco join Joross in the cast.

Together, the seven films make Puregold CinePanalo 2026 a showcase not only of compelling Filipino stories but also of performers taking creative risks—from established stars stepping into unexpected roles to emerging actors taking on major characters.

“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 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 for regular admission and ₱200 for discounted tickets, while a ₱2,000 festival pass gives moviegoers the opportunity to experience 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 all participating malls starting September 23.

Seven films. A stellar cast. And seven unique stories ready for the big screen. This September, the stars come together as Puregold CinePanalo 2026 brings another exciting celebration of Filipino storytelling to moviegoers.The Puregold CinePanalo Film Fest 2026 is gearing up for its biggest and most spectacular edition yet, bringing together acclaimed actors and exciting new talents across its seven full-length films.

Leading this year’s stellar lineup are John Arcilla, Zanjoe Marudo, Xyriel Manabat, Khalil Ramos, Agot Isidro, Joross Gamboa, Rochelle Pangilinan, Juan Karlos, Ian Pangilinan, Rita Daniela, and many more.

From extraordinary journeys and accidental hitmen to first love, family struggles, moral dilemmas, and stories about life and mortality, this year’s films promise a diverse collection of stories that showcase Filipino talent both in front of and behind the camera.

“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 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 also introduces young actor Zion Cruz.

The film follows Apol, a boy standing at the threshold of manhood. As he develops feelings for his choir teacher and faces a painful decision involving his father, Poli, their relationship becomes strained. Amid the challenges, music becomes a way for father and son to rediscover and rebuild their bond.

Mads Nicolas, Kat Galang and Jacob Kawagdan also star.

JOHN ARCILLA TAKES AN EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY WITH A CARABAO IN “BEAST”

Internationally acclaimed actor John Arcilla takes on an unusual road trip in Lawrence Fajardo’s “Beast.”

Arcilla plays Lolo Omeng, an aging farmer who sets off for Manila with his loyal carabao, Pepe. What begins as a journey connected to a final harvest soon transforms into a magical adventure shaped by memory, loss, and Lolo Omeng’s connection to his 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 festival’s most intriguing and unexpected stories comes from Mikko Baldoza’s “Stuck on You,” starring Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph.

Manabat plays a heartbroken manicurista who accidentally accepts a hitman’s job, pulling her into a dangerous 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 STAR IN “PATAY GUTOM”

A grumpy shut-in who eats something he probably shouldn’t sets off the unusual story of “Patay Gutom,” directed by Carl Joseph E. Papa.

Khalil Ramos and Ian Pangilinan lead the cast alongside acclaimed actors Agot Isidro and Cris Villanueva.

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 encounters an elderly widower living alone. When the old man asks for one final favor before he dies, their meeting develops into an intimate story about grief, family, companionship, and learning to accept life’s impermanence.

Momoko Kobayashi joins Paolo O’Hara, Kentarou Furuyama, Aika Higashimori, Kaname Nagamori and Tadashi Watanabe in the cast.

JOROSS GAMBOA FACES A MORAL DILEMMA IN “WANTAWSAN”

A simple birthday errand turns into something much bigger in Joseph Abello’s “Wantawsan.”

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