Award season usually means tension. This one starts with a hug. Xyriel Manabat and Sassa Gurl are rivals on paper, and best friends on stage.
Photos: PEP.phWho are the Best Actress nominees?
Xyriel stars in Stuck on You, directed by Mikko Baldoza, opposite River Joseph. She plays a heartbroken manicurista who accidentally takes a hitman's job. Sassa Gurl leads Multwoh: Patay Na Patay Sa 'Yo, directed by Rodina Singh, opposite Joao Constancia. Her character is a queer college student who returns as a ghost to say "I love you." Rochelle Pangilinan, Rita Daniela and Agot Isidro are in the Best Supporting Actress race.
What did Xyriel say about Sassa Gurl?
When asked if the fight is tough, Xyriel said she and Sassa both worked from the heart:
Grabe kaming mag-cheer up for each other ni Sassa. With or without the award, grabe naming bigyan ng 'award' ang isa't isa!
She was also asked about Sassa competing in the Best Actress category as a trans lead actress. Xyriel replied that she believes people are more open now, and that gender should not be a hindrance to recognition or awards.
How did Sassa Gurl react?
Sassa said she is the only trans lead actress in this year's CinePanalo, and that whatever happens, she is proud to offer a Best Actress nomination to her "nakshies." When Xyriel's words were relayed to her, she was touched:
Hala! Hala… na-touch ako, ate, sa totoong buhay lang!
She called it a friendly competition, "walang ligwakan, walang asiman," and said she will respect Xyriel no matter what because Xyriel has been in the industry longer.
When can you watch the films?
Puregold CinePanalo 2026 runs from September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, Trinoma, Fairview Terraces, Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market! Regular tickets are PHP250 and discounted tickets are PHP200. The awards ceremony is on Wednesday, September 30.
Why this rivalry feels refreshing
We are used to headlines about awards season drama. Here are two actresses openly rooting for each other, and that is a nice change. It shows that you can want to win and still clap loud for the other person. Who has the edge for you? Vote in the comments: Team Xyriel or Team Sassa?
Quick answers
Who is competing for Best Actress at Puregold CinePanalo 2026?
Xyriel Manabat for Stuck on You and Sassa Gurl for Multwoh: Patay Na Patay Sa 'Yo.
When is Puregold CinePanalo 2026?
The festival runs from September 23 to October 4, 2026, with the awards ceremony on September 30.
How much are CinePanalo 2026 tickets?
Regular tickets are PHP250 and discounted tickets are PHP200, according to PEP.ph.
Updated September 19, 2026. Sources and photo credits: PEP.ph | Philippine Daily Inquirer | CinemaBravo. All photos belong to their respective owners.