Joseph Abello's CinePanalo Comeback: The Essence of Home
CMB Film Services Inc.’s Jim Baltazar, director Joseph Abello, Puregold’s Chris Cahilig at CinePanalo Film Fest 2026 media event.
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While the spotlight is currently on controversial filmmaker Rodina Singh's film "Multwoh" and actor Ian Pangilinan's directorial debut "Patay Gutom" for the CinePanalo Film Fest 2026, there is another director who deserves recognition: Joseph Abello. His work has quietly made an impact on Philippine cinema, and his return to full-length filmmaking with "Wantawsan" is a moment worth celebrating.
Abello first captured audiences with "What Home Feels Like" (2017), a poignant family drama featuring Bembol Roco and Irma Adlawan in one of the most emotionally powerful scenes in Philippine cinema. This was followed by "Double Twisting Double Back" (2018), a film that showcased the intense realities of men's gymnastics through the performances of Tony Labrusca and Joem Bascon. These projects demonstrated Abello's ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with viewers.
After these two major projects, Abello took a step back from the limelight, focusing instead on short films and television series. However, he never stopped working as a filmmaker. Now, with his new feature film "Wantawsan" set to debut at the CinePanalo Film Fest 2026, he is excited about this fresh chapter in his career.
“I haven’t really disappeared,” Abello shared. “I’ve been making shorts and series, working with other directors. But I’m definitely excited to create a new feature. I hope it will be really good.”
Sometimes, comebacks aren't planned; they just happen when the timing is right. For Abello, the right time has arrived. When asked about what "Wantawsan" brings to the table, he teased, “The focus is on a poor Filipino father during this time.” This glimpse into the story suggests a powerful narrative that could resonate with many.
Abello received a P5-million production grant for his project, which led to questions about whether big stars are always necessary for a successful film. He responded thoughtfully, “It depends. For indie projects, it's not always the case. At the end of the day, it's about who is perfect for the role. Sometimes, having an actor with commercial appeal is a bonus, but serving the story is the main factor.”
Being part of the CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 alongside directors like Lawrence Fajardo ("Beast") and Thop Nazareno ("Apol Of My Ai") is a significant achievement for Abello. He also spoke about the importance of the festival, particularly its support for independent filmmakers.
“I believe the festival provides opportunities for filmmakers to express their artistry well. We had our first meeting recently, and it's not just about the P5 million. The support they offer is huge,” he said. “All the assistance, connections, and suggestions they can provide are available. And the P5 million is a big grant for an indie filmmaker, especially now when some mainstream movies have similar budgets.”
Abello emphasized that the festival's production grant is a significant milestone for independent filmmakers. “It's a big deal for an indie production or filmmaker to have the opportunity provided by Puregold. You can make your movie with a proper budget and artistic freedom. Plus, you get almost half of the movie rights! It's a win-win situation.”
Although the CinePanalo Film Fest has only been around for three years, it has already earned a solid reputation within the film industry. With the guidance of festival director Chris Cahilig, a supermarket chain is now showcasing inspiring stories of every Filipino. The festival has also created opportunities for both established and emerging filmmakers whose work deserves to be seen on the big screen.
“Puregold has always believed in the power of supporting and nurturing Filipino artists,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s senior marketing head and festival chair. “It is one of Puregold's greatest prides that CinePanalo has grown to this level and given so many Filipino filmmakers the chance to produce world-class movies. We have no doubt that the seven films competing next year will be no exception.”
The 2026 Puregold CinePanalo will be hosted by Ayala Malls and Gateway Cineplex 18.
