QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival has officially revealed its slate of acting nominees, setting up a competitive race across both full-length feature and student short film categories.
Festival Director Chris Cahilig announced the contenders during a livestream on the festival’s official Facebook page, showcasing a mix of industry veterans, mainstream stars, and rising talents.
Leading the full-length Panalong Aktor category is veteran actor John Arcilla for his role in Beast. He faces stiff competition from Joross Gamboa (Wantawsan), Ian Pangilinan (Patay Gutom), Khalil Ramos (Patay Gutom), Joao Constancia (Multwoh [Patay na Patay Sa’yo]), Perry Dizon (Mono No Aware), and Juan Karlos Labajo (Mono No Aware).
In the Panalong Aktres category, Xyriel Manabat (Stuck on You) and Sassa Gurl (Multwoh [Patay na Patay Sa’yo]) are competing for top honors.
The complete list of nominees across categories includes:
FULL-LENGTH CATEGORY
- Panalong Aktres: Xyriel Manabat (Stuck on You); Sassa Gurl (Multwoh [Patay na Patay Sa’yo])
- Panalong Aktor: Joross Gamboa (Wantawsan); John Arcilla (Beast); Ian Pangilinan (Patay Gutom); Khalil Ramos (Patay Gutom); Joao Constancia (Multwoh [Patay na Patay Sa’yo]); Perry Dizon (Mono No Aware); Juan Karlos Labajo (Mono No Aware)
- Panalong Child Performer: Zion Cruz (Wantawsan); Ruslan Jacob (Beast); Zion Cruz (Apol of My Ai)
- Panalong Pangalawang Aktres: Rita Daniela (Wantawsan); Rochelle Pangilinan (Apol of My Ai); Agot Isidro (Patay Gutom); Momoko Kobayashi (Mono No Aware)
- Panalong Pangalawang Aktor: Paolo O’Hara (Mono No Aware); Roger Naldo (Stuck on You); Zanjoe Marudo (Apol of My Ai)
STUDENT SHORT FILMS CATEGORY
- Panalong Aktres: Pau Baluyan (Kun Hain, Bisan Diin); Mariella Cuerpo (Miss Intrams); Jonalyn Mateo (Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan); Belle Francisco (Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen); Kyrie Samodio (12 Shots)
- Panalong Aktor: Soliman Cruz (Nakabinbin); Arjhay Mangulabnan (No Mad Is an Island); Jay Gabriel Cañada (The Sound of K); VR Relosa (Starfish); André Miguel (When Heaven Inched Towards Earth); Chino Alfonso (Nang Matakasan ang Tagay)
- Panalong Child Performer: Van Jordan Gacayan (Pulis Dunggab); Don Rishmond Cerbito (Alumahan); Zoey Madison Lim (Limlim); Kenneth Mendoza (Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!)
- Panalong Pangalawang Aktres: Nour Hooshmand (Starfish); Ma. Christina Simon (Alumahan); Angela Salga (Limlim); Karla Pambid (12 Shots); Mika Hamajo (Miss Intrams); Diana Palma (Miss Intrams)
- Panalong Pangalawang Aktor: Jeremy Mayores (Alumahan); Nor Domingo (12 Shots); Elj Seth Tababa (Pulis Dunggab); Kaleb Ong (When Heaven Inched Towards Earth); Alfredo Montano (Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen); Vic Romano (No Mad Is an Island)
Winners will be announced on Wednesday, September 30, during the Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night at Gateway Cineplex 18.
Festival screenings will run through Sunday, October 4, at select cinemas including Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Market! Market!