There’s something genuinely exciting brewing at Vivamax as we head into 2026, and Bagong Tukso is shaping up to be one of the studio’s most intriguing offerings. Scheduled for release on January 27, 2026, this drama is still in production, which means we’re in that sweet spot of anticipation—where the project exists just beyond our reach, generating curiosity about what director Rodante Pajemna Jr. has in store. It’s the kind of pre-release buzz that reminds us why filmmaking matters; there’s genuine craft happening behind closed doors, and audiences are paying attention.
What makes this project particularly noteworthy is the collaboration Pajemna Jr. has assembled for the film. The cast features Margaret Diaz, Allison Ross, and Apphle Celso—three distinct talents who bring their own depth to whatever material they’re working with. Margaret Diaz, in particular, has been making waves in the streaming film landscape, and pairing her with Allison Ross and Apphle Celso suggests a deliberate creative choice. This isn’t just about star power; it’s about assembling actors who understand character work and dramatic nuance.
The title itself—”Bagong Tukso” (New Temptation)—signals something thematically complex. It suggests moral complexity, internal conflict, and the kinds of human struggles that make drama resonate. We’re not dealing with straightforward narratives here; Pajemna Jr. seems interested in the gray areas where people actually live.
The production details we do know paint a picture of thoughtful filmmaking in progress. While the budget and exact runtime remain undisclosed, the fact that Bagong Tukso is still in production heading into late 2025 suggests a deliberate creative process. This isn’t a rush job. Pajemna Jr. is a director working through Vivamax, a studio that’s become increasingly significant in Philippine cinema, particularly in exploring stories that mainstream multiplexes might shy away from.
Here’s what makes this collaboration compelling on multiple levels:
- Margaret Diaz’s proven ability to inhabit complex emotional terrain across different genres and platforms
- The dramatic weight suggested by the ensemble cast approach
- Vivamax’s track record of supporting experimental and boundary-pushing storytelling
- Pajemna Jr.’s directorial vision, which appears focused on character-driven narratives
The broader context matters too. In 2026, Philippine cinema will be entering a fascinating period creatively. You’ve got established players like TBA Studios pursuing ambitious biographical projects, and Vivamax is simultaneously launching multiple titles that speak to different audiences and sensibilities. Bagong Tukso exists within this ecosystem as something that feels intentional—not just another content drop, but a deliberate artistic statement.
What’s particularly interesting is how this film might spark conversations about temptation, morality, and choice in contemporary Philippine storytelling. The title suggests these aren’t abstract philosophical questions; they’re deeply personal, lived experiences. Drama works best when it explores what real people actually face, and the casting and directorial approach here signal that Pajemna Jr. understands this. He’s not making a film to lecture audiences; he’s making one that trusts them to grapple with complexity.
It’s worth noting that with a current rating of 0.0/10 and zero votes on aggregator sites—this is completely expected and meaningless. The film hasn’t been released. What this actually tells us is that we’re in genuinely uncharted territory. There’s no critical consensus, no audience verdict, just pure potential waiting to unfold on January 27, 2026.
The production timeline also deserves consideration. A drama with this cast configuration that’s still actively in production months before its release suggests care in post-production and finishing. Color grading, sound design, editing—these elements are crucial to how a film ultimately lands emotionally with audiences. Pajemna Jr. clearly has the luxury of thoughtful execution, which bodes well for the final product.
Consider also what Vivamax represents in the current Philippine film landscape:
- A platform for stories that deserve telling but might struggle with traditional theatrical distribution
- A commitment to diverse casting and perspectives that reflects real communities
- A willingness to invest in directors’ visions rather than solely chasing proven formulas
- An understanding that drama, particularly intimate character study, has genuine audience appetite
When Bagong Tukso arrives on January 27, it will be bringing these values with it. We can expect cinematography that serves story, performances that dig into emotional truth, and narrative choices that challenge rather than comfort. This is what we anticipate from Pajemna Jr.’s vision and from the collaborative ensemble he’s assembled.
The real significance of Bagong Tukso might ultimately be less about box office numbers (which are currently unknown and unknowable) and more about what it represents: a moment where Philippine cinema continues evolving, where filmmakers like Pajemna Jr. get resources to tell stories that matter to them, and where actors like Diaz, Ross, and Celso get roles that demand their full artistic presence. That’s the conversation worth having as we wait for its release—not speculation about commercial success, but genuine appreciation for craft and intention in motion picture storytelling.
