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Rochelle Pangilinan returns to her musical roots as she plays a beloved teacher who becomes the object of a young boy's first crush.

Rochelle Pangilinan returns to music in Apol of My Ai, the upcoming CinePanalo feature where she plays a beloved music teacher who unknowingly becomes the object of a young boy's first crush.

Pangilinan portrays Teacher Ai, the warm-hearted teacher behind the Quiapo Elementary Chorale. She shares Apol's (Zion Cruz) passion for music and kundiman, quickly becoming the grade schooler's object of infatuation.

But Apol's innocent crush takes an unexpected turn when he notices that his father, Tatay Poli (Zanjoe Marudo), may also be falling for Teacher Ai.

ROCHELLE PANGILINAN RETURNS TO MUSIC

Long before becoming a familiar face in television dramas such as Encantadia, Onanay, and Lolong, Pangilinan rose to fame through the SexBomb phenomenon.

In Apol of My Ai, she reconnects with music while portraying a character who becomes central to Apol's first experience of love.

Teacher Ai introduces Apol to a deeper appreciation of singing and kundiman, unaware that her kindness and passion for music have made her the center of his young romantic world.

Directed by Thop Nazareno, the film explores first love, family, music, and the complicated emotions that come with growing up.

ZION CRUZ AND ZANJOE MARUDO

Cruz plays Apol, a grade schooler convinced that his feelings for Teacher Ai are real. The role allows the rising young actor to explore the innocence, jealousy, and heartbreak that come with his first crush.

Meanwhile, Marudo plays Tatay Poli, Apol's single father and best friend. When his feelings for Teacher Ai begin to develop, their close father-and-son relationship is put to the test.

Apol of My Ai is one of seven full-length films competing at the 2026 CinePanalo Film Festival, running from September 23 to October 4.

Tickets are priced at ₱250, with a discounted rate of ₱200 for eligible moviegoers. A ₱2,000 festival pass gives access to all seven full-length films and 19 student shorts.