From Sheryl Bunga to Another

Film

Oct 6

When laughing is more than what it seems at the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival 2026 film ‘Stuck on You’.

Words Rica Mae Labbao
Art by Kirk Bertrand
October 6, 2026

*Art by Kirk Bertrand | Photo by Stuck on You*

Why do we keep on laughing at things hard enough to break us?

I don’t know. Maybe it’s because we know that the only way forward is to get through. So, we laugh. Because by laughing, we mask the sadness it entails to continue. Every broken laughter is a silent plea for a life free of worries and a soul tired of pushing through.

‘Stuck on You’ was never a serious film, it was actually the most unserious one you’ll ever watch on this lineup. Even the director, Mikko Baldoza, says, “just enjoy it, huwag i-overthink.”

Because it is more appreciated in a simpler way, yet the same film reminded me of this life lesson as emotional as it is funny.

In this lifetime, maybe we are all a Sheryl Bunga. A woman who always chooses to find a way and save her family even if the circumstances say no. Someone who keeps putting off herself because “kailangan ako ng pamilya ko eh.”

In the end, we ask why do we keep giving pieces of ourselves without leaving a part to ourselves?

And that is the hardest pill to swallow. Sheryl Bunga still lived on to do that but I am happy she chose to take Max De Dios’ advice: to make peace upon choosing herself without letting go of the family she loves.

The movie is really high on laughter, on turning a supposedly dramatic or intense scene into a hilariously comical one. That is one of its edges, because what do you mean the funniest scene is the hurried talk between Xyriel Manabat’s character, Sheryl, and her Kuya about their kidnapped father and brother.

Another highlight is Xyriel’s portrayal of the main character. She acted as Sheryl Bunga as if she lived her life, understood her pain, and owned her intense familial love. It is actually refreshing to watch Xyriel in a new perspective from her past roles and this one is match-made for her.

River Joseph’s casting as Max De Dios is a surprising one but it’s visibly understandable why. He has this good boy aura when he smiles so when it fades, he has that expensive cold demeanor fit for Max De Dios’ standard.

His supportive role on the latter end about Sheryl’s dreams is unexpected because who would’ve imagined for him to complete the overall push for Sheryl to actually choose herself.

In the end, ‘Stuck on You’ is a light watch for something sexily funny and familiar. It is closer to that of a long gag show with a plotline and cinematography with characters that remained familiar and appealing to the general public. The movie will surely catch you laughing, occasionally swooning, and sometimes feeling a deep empathy.