Joross Gamboa takes the Lead Role in Puregold CinePanalo Film WANTAWSAN

After years of seeing Joross in supporting and best-friend roles, Wantawsan puts him front and center as Chito, a struggling father trying to give his son a memorable 8th birthday. The film gives him the solo spotlight to show his range as an actor.

"Mas higit sa akin ang istorya. It doesn’t matter kung mag-support ako, mag-lead ako. So all glory to God, and lahat ’to naka-base sa istorya. ‘Yong nabasa ko yung script talagang nagustuhan ko. Pero ’yong shinoot namin, mas nag-grow pa siya sa akin. Hindi ako magsisisi sa pag-yes ko rito.

Lahat naman ng role challenging, depende naman ‘yan kung paano mo titimplahin. Ang mahirap lang sa kaniya ay makeup, kasi ilang oras rin kasi sa pagkulay pa lang ng buhok at pagkulay ng katawan, matagal na. Bukod doon, lahat ng scene namin kinuhanan tanghaling tapat.

Sa mga bulag na supporters ng mga corrupt na politicians, ito ‘yong journey nila para doon sa realizations nila. Subtle, pero deep inside magkakaroon ito ng impact sa kanila. Subtle ang storytelling dito, pero sumasalamin ’to sa buhay ng mga tao, lalo na ng mga mahihirap, kung ano ang pinagdaraanan nila," pahayag ni Joross Gamboa. 

After years of being seen in supporting and best-friend roles, Joross Gamboa takes center stage in Wantawsan, an official entry to the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, screening from September 23 to October 4, 2026.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Joseph Abello, Wantawsan follows Chito, a poor father and former OFW who simply wants to give his son a memorable eighth birthday celebration. But what begins as an ordinary attempt to prepare for his child’s special day soon turns into a chaotic adventure involving money, politics, and a discovery that puts Chito in a difficult situation.

Following a chaotic election, Chito receives a “generous” gift of ₱5,000 from the newly elected mayor he supported. For a father struggling to make ends meet, the money arrives at the perfect time. He finally has enough to buy food and prepare a birthday celebration for his son.

But when Chito makes a major discovery, his simple birthday plans take an unexpected turn. He finds himself juggling one mishap after another while trying to keep the discovery a secret, avoid trouble, and still make sure his son gets the birthday celebration he deserves.

At the heart of the story is a question that feels especially familiar to many Filipinos: How much can a thousand—or a few thousand—pesos really do today? 

Through Chito’s journey, Wantawsan explores the realities of inflation, poverty, political patronage, corruption, disinformation, and blind loyalty. Rather than presenting these issues through a purely serious political drama, the film uses comedy to reflect on situations that ordinary Filipinos may recognize in everyday life.

For director Joseph Abello, the film was an opportunity to examine how political manipulation affects people, particularly those who have the least. According to his director’s statement, Wantawsan looks at how poor communities can suffer the most from bad leadership while encouraging audiences to value honesty, accountability, and informed choices.

Joross Gamboa, meanwhile, embraces the opportunity to carry the film as Chito. He shared that what ultimately drew him to the project was the story itself. While he has taken on challenging roles throughout his career, Wantawsan gives him a different kind of spotlight as a lead character whose personal struggles are closely tied to the film’s larger social commentary.

Gamboa also acknowledges that Chito’s journey can resonate with those who remain blindly supportive of corrupt politicians. He describes the film’s storytelling as subtle but deep, with the hope that it can eventually lead audiences toward realizations about the realities faced by ordinary people, especially those living in poverty.

Adding another layer to Chito’s story is his son Chester, played by Zion Cruz, who mysteriously stopped speaking a few days before his birthday. Chito’s desire to make his son’s eighth birthday special becomes more than just a celebration—it becomes a reflection of a father’s desire to make up for lost time and provide his child with something joyful despite their difficult circumstances.

Also part of the main cast are Rita Daniel as Rica, Chito’s frugal but thoughtful wife, and Alwyn Uytingco as Eman, Chito’s best friend. The film also features Raffy Tejada, with the project having originated from the screenplay “Chester’s Eight Birthday Party,” which won second place in BLVCK Entertainment’s nationwide scriptwriting competition in 2024.

While Wantawsan tackles serious realities, its birthday-centered story gives the film a more personal and emotional entry point. As Abello explains, birthdays are not only about food, gifts, and celebrations—they can also represent growth, hope, and new beginnings.

That balance between humor and social commentary makes Wantawsan more than a comedy about a father trying to stretch his money. It becomes a story about what people are willing to tolerate, believe, and accept when they have very little—and whether realizing the truth can become the first step toward change.

Wantawsan is one of seven full-length films competing in the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, running 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!.

Regular tickets are ₱250, while discounted tickets are ₱200 for PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders. A ₱2,000 festival pass provides access to all seven full-length films and 19 student shorts. Festival passes will be available starting September 22 at Gateway Cineplex 18, and from September 23 onwards at Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma.

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