Xyriel Manabat and Sassa Gurl face off for Puregold CinePanalo 2026 Best Actress Award

Seasoned dramatic star Xyriel Manabat faces off against rising breakout lead Sassa Gurl for top festival honors.

The race for the Panalong Aktres award at the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is shaping up to be a compelling awards-season showdown, pitting seasoned dramatic actress Xyriel Manabat against rising film star Sassa Gurl.

Both performers lead official festival entries that push them beyond their established screen personas, creating a contrast between deep industry experience and explosive momentum.

Manabat enters the competition in Mikko Baldoza’s “Stuck on You,” playing Sheryl Bunga, a heartbroken manicurista entangled in a dangerous plot involving a man, played by River Joseph, whom she may ultimately have to kill.

The role requires Manabat to blend comedy, romance, action, and drama.

Manabat brings a formidable acting resume to the festival. As a former child star, she earned FAMAS Best Child Actress awards for “Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na ’To!)” and “A Mother’s Story.” She later solidified her transition into mature dramatic roles with critically acclaimed performances in television series such as “Dirty Linen” and “Senior High.” “Stuck on You” gives her a platform to showcase versatility in a multi-genre narrative.

Standing opposite her is Sassa Gurl, who headlines Rodina Singh’s “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa ’Yo).” Sassa plays Marcel, a queer college student who dies before confessing love to a longtime crush, played by Joao Constancia. Marcel returns as a ghost to settle this unfinished business.

While the project leverages Sassa’s background in comedy, the character demands an exploration of grief, rejection, and emotional vulnerability.

Sassa Gurl’s inclusion in the lead acting conversation reflects rapid momentum in mainstream cinema. Following appearances in “The Entitled” and “Balota,” she recently won Breakthrough Actress of the Year at the 2026 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards for her work in “Bar Boys: After School.” Her role in “Multwoh” presents an opportunity to establish her capabilities as a lead actor capable of anchoring an emotional narrative.

The matchup presents two distinct paths to the festival’s top acting honor.

Manabat carries the credentials of an established performer taking on an unpredictable mix of genres, while Sassa Gurl enters as a wildcard candidate capable of delivering an upset. The winner will join previous full-length Panalong Aktres recipients Shamaine Buencamino and Ruby Ruiz.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 runs from Sept. 23 to Oct. 4 across selected venues, including Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Market! Market!

Regular tickets are priced at ₱250, with a discounted rate of ₱200 for students, senior citizens, PWDs, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders. A festival pass covering all seven full-length films and 19 student shorts costs ₱2,000. Festival passes go on sale Sept. 22 at Gateway Cineplex 18, and from Sept. 23 onward at both Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma.

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