Actor Ian Pangilinan fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming a filmmaker after Puregold named his and Carl Papa’s “Patay Gutom (Dead Hungry)” among the seven finalists of the 2026 CinePanalo Film Festival.
“First time po directing, writing, leading. Sobrang dream ko even as a kid. Sobrang na-overwhelm ako. Salamat sa lahat ng naniwala sa akin. Super exciting,” he said in an interview held in Quezon City, Saturday.
Pangilinan said the film is a “love letter” for his parents.
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“My inspiration is umaabot ako sa point tumatanda na parents. Yung hirap ako sabihin sa kanila, dito ko na lang papakita,” he explained.
Pangilinan said that he’s most excited about collaborating with the talented cast.
“Sobrang exciting yung actor na I've looked up to for so long. I'm so excited for them antayin niyo cast announcement.”