Rochelle Pangilinan expands acting range as music teacher learning kundiman for ‘Apol of My Ai’

“Kung magkakaroon bakit hindi, maraming maraming salamat,” she shared when asked about the possibility of receiving another award.

She also expressed her gratitude for finally being acknowledged for her work as an actress.

“Sobrang grateful ako, sa tagal ko nang umaarte ‘di ba? At least kahit papaano na-recognize,” she said.

While she remains open to receiving another acting award, Pangilinan stressed that her priority is the opportunity to showcase another side of her craft through the festival.

“Sana mayroon. Hindi naman ako umaasa, pero kung ibibigay sa akin bakit hindi?” she said.

“Apol of My Ai” marks Pangilinan’s first time portraying a music teacher on screen and her debut in the CinePanalo Film Festival.

Her character also required her to learn kundiman songs, adding another layer to her preparation for the role.

“Actually, music teacher so first time rin sa akin na mag-aral ng kundiman songs kaya inaral,” she explained.

Pangilinan said she was drawn to the project because of the people involved, particularly young actor Zion, her first-time co-star, as well as Zanjoe and director Thop Nazareno.

“Si Zion sobrang galing na bata. First time ko rin makatrabaho si Zanjoe Marrudo and ang napaka-galing namin na director. Kaya sana panoorin n’yo lahat ng pelikula kasi ang ganda-ganda rin ng lahat pelikula na entry ngayong taon na ‘to,” she said.

She was also intrigued by the film’s story and the different themes it tackles.

“Ang ‘Apol of My Ai’ nagulat ako maraming involved noong nabasa ko ang story nito, ang daming na-tackle na story talagang kakaiba,” she added.

Even with the success of the SexBomb Girls’ concert tour, Pangilinan continues to make room for acting opportunities. For her, pursuing projects she genuinely wants is a matter of finding a way to make them happen.

“Kapag gusto maraming paraan, kung ayaw maraming dahilan, ginagawan ko ng paraan kasi gusto ko,” she said.

The 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will feature seven full-length films and expand its cinema reach this year. “Apol of My Ai” will screen from September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, Trinoma, Fairview Terraces, Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Market! Market!

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