Could Xyriel Manabat and River Joseph become the next silver-screen pair moviegoers cannot stop talking about?
It is a match few predicted, which is precisely why Stuck On You feels so intriguing.
For the first time, Manabat and Joseph take center stage as romantic leads in a sexy romantic comedy directed by Mikko Baldoza. The film stands out as one of seven full-length entries competing in the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.
On one side stands Manabat, a seasoned actress whom audiences have watched mature from a child star into a powerhouse dramatic performer. On the other is Joseph, a rising actor stepping confidently into leading-man territory.
When these two stars collide in a narrative packed with electric attraction, sharp humor, and real danger, sparks are bound to fly—especially when a woman receives orders to eliminate the man who might just steal her heart.
A Pairing with ‘Killer’ Kilig Potential
Manabat steps into the role of Sheryl Bunga, a cheerful manicurist who lives a simple life dedicated to supporting her family.
Opposite her, Joseph plays Max De Dios, an outrageously charming man marketed as the “most handsome man in the Philippines.”
At first glance, the setup follows classic genre tropes: a grounded, working-class girl meets an impossibly handsome bachelor, chemistry builds, and complications ensue. However, a wild twist upends the entire plot.
Sheryl is assigned to kill Max.
While the film’s trailer reveals this bizarre setup, it carefully conceals how Sheryl lands such a dangerous contract. More importantly, it leaves viewers wondering what happens when a target becomes a love interest. This balance of kilig and impending danger elevates Stuck On You far beyond standard romantic-comedy formulas.
Xyriel Gets Her Rom-Com Moment
In Stuck On You, Manabat’s long-time supporters will see a lighter, playful side of an actress known for heavy dramatic roles.
Interestingly, Manabat easily connects with Sheryl’s character traits. Both are hardworking breadwinners, fiercely loyal to their families, and grounded in the daily realities of ordinary Filipinos working to build a future.
As Sheryl, Manabat embraces comedic timing, romance, and playful charm—with a slightly lethal edge. The sheer absurdity of her dilemma gives her ample room to showcase her range. Naturally, fans can anticipate plenty of onscreen chemistry between her and her new leading man.
River Joseph Enters His Leading-Man Era
Taking on that co-star role is River Joseph.
As Max, Joseph plays a character crafted to win over audiences: charismatic, handsome, and guarded by just enough mystery to throw Sheryl’s world into chaos.
This project marks one of Joseph’s most prominent feature-film roles to date, and starring alongside an experienced actress like Manabat makes the pairing even more compelling.
Director Mikko Baldoza has teased the duo’s charming and kilig-inducing chemistry, leaving festival audiences to judge the dynamic for themselves. After all, iconic onscreen pairings often begin this way: two unexpected actors joining forces and making viewers wonder why they were never cast together sooner.
This Is Definitely Not Your Typical Rom-Com
Stuck On You delivers romance and humor, yet underlying tension keeps the audience guessing.
The filmmakers have kept core plot twists under wraps, offering trailer glimpses of a lovable manicurist, a striking male lead, instant attraction, and a mysterious assignment that could end in tragedy. This tension makes the setup irresistible, transforming the romance itself into a source of suspense.
Will Sheryl carry out the hit? Who ordered the contract in the first place? Is Max really who he claims to be?
Whether Stuck On You unfolds into a sweet romance, a sexy comedy with action elements, or an unpredictable thriller, this fresh pairing offers plenty of reason to watch.
Catch Stuck On You at CinePanalo
Stuck On You will screen as an official entry in the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, running from September 23 to October 4. Screenings will take place at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Market! Market!
Regular tickets are priced at ₱250. Discounted tickets are available for ₱200 for senior citizens, PWDs, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders.
Film enthusiasts can purchase a ₱2,000 festival pass for access to all seven full-length feature films and 19 student short films. Festival passes will be available starting September 22 at Gateway Cineplex 18, and from September 23 onward at Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is presented in partnership with Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Cream Silk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack ‘N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, M.Y. San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins, and Zonrox.
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