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Sassa Gurl and Xyriel Manabat for Puregold CinePanalo. Handout
Following the release of film snippets, Xyriel Manabat and Sassa Gurl have entered the conversation, with netizens rallying behind the two artists to win best actress at this year's Puregold CinePanalo.
Manabat has acting experience and credentials, whereas the internet sensation is riding high on momentum and a role that has the potential to defy expectations. Could this be the showdown to watch?
The Kapamilya star competes in Mikko Baldoza's "Stuck on You," while the social media star leads in Rodina Singh's "Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa 'Yo)," two well-crafted films in which both actresses are pushed beyond their best-known screen personas.
Manabat boasts a more impressive acting background. A celebrated child actress who won FAMAS Best Child Actress for “Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na ’To!)” and “A Mother’s Story,” she later exhibited her dramatic range in “Dirty Linen” and “Senior High.”
"Stuck on You," however, puts this to the test. She plays Sheryl Bunga, a heartbroken manicurista who becomes entangled in a deadly conspiracy and falls for a man (River Joseph), whom she may have to kill.
Comedy, romance, action, and drama combine to give Manabat the opportunity to showcase a lighter but more challenging side of her acting.
The controversial internet personality, meanwhile, could be the race's biggest surprise.
In "Multwoh," she plays Marcel, a queer college student who dies before confessing her feelings to longtime crush Miguel, played by Joao Constancia. Marcel returns as a ghost with unfinished business: finally saying "I love you." The premise capitalizes on Sassa Gurl's comedic strength, but Marcel also carries loneliness, regret, and heartbreak.
Following appearances in "The Entitled" and "Balota," Sassa Gurl was recently named Breakthrough Actress of the Year at the 2026 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards for "Bar Boys: After School."
"Multwoh" could be the performance that cements her status as a serious big-screen contender.
These elements suggest a potentially compelling showdown. Manabat must demonstrate her ability to surprise audiences even after years on screen. Sassa Gurl must showcase that charisma and comedy can translate into an emotionally powerful performance.
One has a pedigree. The other person has the ability to cause an upset.
The 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival takes place September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Market! Market!