Zion Cruz prays for an acting award after ‘Apol of My Ai’  teaser draws praise

“Siyempre, nakikita po ng mga tao ang excellence ko po, kaya po sana nga,” he said, explaining why he hopes to receive an acting award.

But while Cruz hopes his work will be recognized, he admitted that working alongside established actors such as Pangilinan and Marudo was also nerve-racking.

“Medyo na-starstruck po ako kay Sir Zanjoe and Ms. Rochelle. I mean, starstruck talaga. Medyo kinabahan ako mag-acting kasama po sila,” he shared.

The pressure was understandable for Cruz, who said he has great respect for both actors and their craft. Still, he found support from the people around him as he worked through his nerves and prepared for his role.

Cruz credited his faith, family and director #ThopNazareno for helping him gain confidence in his performance.

“Siyempre po, si Lord, and lagi po ako nagpe-pray na sana po maayos po palagi ang aking acting. And second po, my family—si Mommy and Daddy na lagi po naka-support sa akin—and si Direk Thop sa acting ko po para hindi po ako mahirapan,” he said.

For Cruz, the possibility of receiving an acting award is not just about having a trophy to take home. It would also mean that his hard work on the film has been seen and appreciated.

“Apol of My Ai” is one of the seven full-length films featured in the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, which runs from September 23 to October 4 in select cinemas.

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