MANILA, Philippines (March 11, 2026) — Acclaimed actor Rocco Nacino and seasoned performer Floyd Tena have been cast to portray the central duo in the film ‘TIRIK’ (To Set Upright), an official full-length finalist for the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
Directed by May-i Guia Padilla (“Tanabata’s Wife,” 2018; “The Wedding Dance,” 2024; and “Dad-aan na,” 2020) from an original story written by renowned fictionists and playwright Charlson Ong, TIRIK centers on the complex bond between two men pushed to their limits.
Rocco Nacino stars as Paring Bert, a weary but steadfast priest whose faith is pushed to its breaking point. Opposite him, Floyd Tena takes on the role of Santos Mira, a rough taxi driver haunted by a turbulent past.
The gritty drama between Paring Bert and Santos Mira begins when a routine act of compassion—a simple funeral visit—spirals into a day-long journey through urban chaos and rural silence as the two men desperately elude an assassination attempt.
“The chemistry between Rocco and Floyd captures the soul of this story,” says Director May-i Guia Padilla. “Paring Bert and Santos represent two different sides of the same moral coin. As they traverse this ‘confessional of conscience,’ these two actors bring a profound humanity to the fragile lines between sin and salvation, justice and vengeance.”
TIRIK explores the heavy toll of repentance and redemption. While set against a backdrop of intense social unrest, the story remains deeply focused on the personal internal battles of its protagonists. Through moments of grim humor and quiet dread, TIRIK asks a universal question: How far will a man go to set things upright—and at what cost?
As an official finalist in the Main Competition, TIRIK will premiere during the Cinemalaya Film Festival in August 2026 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and select cinemas.
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