John Arcilla, Sassa Gurl, Xyriel Manabat, and Juan Karlos Lead CinePanalo 2026
- September 1, 2026
From supernatural stories to heartfelt dramas, CinePanalo 2026 brings seven Filipino films and a star-studded cast to the big screen.
The cameras are rolling and the stories are ready to unfold as Cinepanalo Film Festival 2026 brings seven Filipino films to the big screen, backed by an exciting mix of stars, rising talents, musicians, and fresh faces.
This year’s lineup explores everything from family and love to supernatural encounters, comedy, mortality, and the complexities of everyday life. With the official trailers now giving audiences a glimpse of what’s in store, here’s a closer look at the films and the celebrities bringing each story to life.
Apol of My Ai stars Zanjoe Marudo, Rochelle Pangilinan, and Zion Cruz together with Mads Nicolas, Kat Galang, and Jacob Kawagdan. The film follows a young boy on the verge of adulthood whose relationship with his father becomes strained, with music eventually becoming a bridge between them.
John Arcilla leads Beast as Lolo Omeng, an aging farmer who travels to Manila with his carabao, Pepe. What begins as a simple journey turns into a magical adventure filled with memories, family, and unexpected encounters. Arcilla will be joined by Ruslan Jacob, Candy Pangilinan, Karl Medina , XY Martillo, Raul Morit, Dax Alejandro, Onyl Torres, Marvin Yap, John Arceo, Neil Tolentino, Jemuel Satumba, and Sol Samodio.
Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph headline Stuck on You, a story that combines romance, comedy, and action. The film follows a heartbroken manicurista who unexpectedly becomes involved in a dangerous situation after accepting a hitman’s job. Also starring Roger Naldo, Bob Jbeili, Bombi Plata, Viggo Franco, JM Salvado, Joel Saracho, and Renzie Aguila.
The supernatural comedy Patay Gutom stars Khalil Ramos, Ian Pangilinan, Agot Isidro, and Cris Villanueva. Its story follows a shut-in who accidentally eats an offering meant for a ghost and suddenly gains the ability to see the dead.
Singer-songwriter Juan Karlos steps into a dramatic acting role alongside veteran actor Perry Dizon and in Mono No Aware. Set in Japan, the film follows a Filipino cleaner who develops an unexpected connection with an elderly widower and is asked to fulfill one final request. The casts wouldn’t be completed without Momoko Kobayashi, Paolo O’Hara, Kentarou Furuyama, Aika Higashimori, Kaname Nagamori, and Tadashi Watanabe.
Rounding out the lineup is Wantawsan, starring Joross Gamboa, Zion Cruz, Rita Daniela, and Alwyn Uytingco. The film follows a struggling father who receives a thousand pesos and sets out to buy food for his son’s birthday, only for the simple errand to become an unexpected moral dilemma.
From magical journeys and supernatural chaos to stories about family, love, and difficult choices, the seven films showcase the range of Filipino storytelling that CinePanalo continues to champion.
With their trailers offering the first look into these different worlds, audiences can get a taste of the stories, performances, and personalities waiting on the big screen. The CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 runs from September 23 to October 4.
PHOTOS: PUREGOLD CINEPANALO FILM FESTIVAL (via Facebook)
