‘Wantawsan’ director Joseph Abello impressed by Joross Gamboa's professionalism

“Wantawsan” director Joseph Abello praised Joross Gamboa for his professionalism and collaborative approach during a talkback session after the film’s screening.

“For me sobrang thank God na tinanggap ni Joross kasi I couldn't imagine other actors doing it,” Abello said. Abello also praised Joross, 41, for his performance, including his ad-libs.

“Sobrang great maka-work si Joross. Sobrang professional. Sobrang good. Di ko alam kung napansin ninyo ang dami ng ad lib dito,” he shared. 

“Even si Rita, iyong, ‘ano ba ‘to hindi masara tong tumbler mo,’ ay ad lib. Ang dami ng ad lib. Bago nila makuha ‘yung sardinas, adlib lang [ni Joross] ‘yung narinig ba niya tayo?’ Tapos parang I thought it's so brilliant.”

Abello also explained that he wanted the actor and comedian to bring some lightness to a story that deals with heavier themes.

“We chose Joross kasi I really want this to be light. Kasi feeling ko mabigat na sya as is. So gusto ko na may certain lightness,” he said.

Joross’ experience as a director also came into play during production. Abello noted that the actor previously directed the film “Allergy in Love” and brought his own ideas about shots and other aspects of the project.

“May director's mind din siya na may mga shots din siya na inisip and all.” 

“I told Joross, masyado malaki ang acting mo. Masyadong malaki. Kasi sanay tayo kay Joross sa Star Cinema, ‘di ba malaking acting,” he recalled.

Joross agreed to adjust his performance but explained why he felt a bigger approach suited the character.

“‘Sige direk babaan ko. Pero direk, ang mga mahihirap, normally malaki talaga silang kumilos,’” Abello recalled Joross telling him.

For Abello, the exchange reflected Joross’ understanding of the Filipino characters and experiences he was portraying.

Asked whether Joross effectively portrayed the struggles of people trying to make ends meet with only ₱1,000, Abello had nothing but praise for the actor.

“Yes. Joross is a very good actor. He's a very good actor and sobrang collaborative niya.”

“Wantawsan” is one of the seven official full-length entries in the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, alongside “Patay Gutom (Dead Hungry),” “Multwoh (Patay na Patay sa ’Yo),” “Stuck on You,” “Apol of My Ai,” “Beast,” and “Mono No Aware.”

Joross leads the dramedy and slice-of-life film alongside Rita Daniela, Alwyn Uytingco, and child actor Zion Cruz. He plays Chito, a cash-strapped family man who receives sardines and a sum of money from a newly elected local mayor whom he supported during the election.

What starts as a quick trip to buy food for his son’s eighth birthday becomes a chaotic moral obstacle course, touching on poverty, political loyalty, everyday corruption, and the lengths a parent will go to provide for his family.