The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 has once again brought to the forefront Filipino filmmakers’ creativity, passion, and talent. Now in its second year, the festival continues its mission of providing a platform for emerging and seasoned storytellers to share their narratives with a wider audience.
A Platform for Filipino Filmmakers
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival was established to support and showcase Filipino filmmakers, particularly emerging talents and student creators. CinePanalo was established by Puregold as a way to support and uplift the local film industry. Through generous production grants, the festival enables promising directors and writers to bring their visions to life. This year, eight full-length and 24 short films received funding and made their way to the big screen, each showcasing unique and compelling Filipino stories.
Notable Films and Winners
The 2025 festival saw an impressive lineup of films, with entries coming from different regions of the Philippines. Among the most celebrated works was Salum, a Hiligaynon film directed by TM Malones, which won Best Picture for its poignant storytelling and cultural authenticity. Meanwhile, Champ Green, a Mindanaoan short film, received top honors in its category.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS:
Pinakapanalong Pelikula
Full-Length: Salum (TM Malones)
Student Shorts: Champ Green (Clyde Cuizon Gamale)
Puregold Always Panalo Film
Full-Length: Journeyman (Christian Paolo Lat & Dominic Lat), Fleeting (Catsi Catalan)
Student Shorts: Sampie, (Ira Corinne Esquerra Malit)
Panalong Direktor
Full-Length: JP Habac, Olsen’s Day
Student Shorts: Vhan Marco B. Molacruz, Uwian
Panalong Aktres
Full-Length: Ruby Ruiz as Nay Pansay, Tigkiliwi
Student Shorts: Geraldine Villamil as Remy, Uwian
Panalong Aktor
Full-Length:
Khalil Ramos as Olsen, Olsen’s Day
JP Larroder as Tata, Tigkiliwi
Student Shorts:
Lucas Martin as Sam, SamPie
Jasper John as Juan Dela Cruz, Dela Cruz, Juan P.
Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Mga Hurado
Full-Length: Tigkiliwi (Tara Illenberger)
Student Shorts: Dela Cruz, Juan P. (Sean Rafael A. Verdejo)
Panalo Sa Mga Manonood
Full-Length: Co-Love (Jill Singson Urdaneta)
Student Shorts: Sisenta! (Mae Malaya)
Panalong Pangalawang Aktres
Full-Length: Gabby Padilla as Marlin, Tigkiliwi
Student Shorts: Uzziel Delamide as Imang, Uwian
Panalong Pangalawang Aktor
Full-Length: Jeffrey Jiruma as Pol, Tigkiliwi
Student Shorts: Sol Eugenio as Tekbong, Champ Green
Panalong Ensemble
Full-Length: Tigkiliwi (Tara Illenberger)
Student Shorts: Sine-Sine (Roniño Dolim)
Panalong Kwento
Full-Length: Tara Illenberger, Tigkiliwi
Student Shorts: Clyde Cuizon Gamale, Champ Green
Panalo sa Cinematography
Full-Length:
Dominic Lat, Journeyman
Kara Moreno, Olsen’s Day
Student Shorts: Lance Lascano, Dan, En Pointe
Panalo sa Production Design
Full-Length: Kyle Fermindoza, Salum
Student Shorts: Andrea Jayne Perang, Uwian
Panalo sa Musical Scoring
Full-Length: Armor Rapista, Salum
Student Shorts: Len Calvo, Uwian
Panalo sa Editing
Full-Length: Vanessa Ubas de Leon, Co-Love
Student Shorts: Jose Andy Sales, G!
Panalo sa Sound Design
Full-Length: Fatima Nerikka Salim and Immanuel Verona, Salum
Student Shorts: Elian Idioma, Dela Cruz, Juan P.
Panalong Awitin
Full-Length: “DI KO PINILI” by Kiko Salazar, performed by KD Estrada, Co-Love
Student Shorts: “Suga, Camera, Saad” by Jonathan Rey Sartorio and Lloyd Martin Villacortes Arce, performed by Jonathan Rey “ROTT” Sartorio, Sine-Sine
Panalo sa Brand Intrusion
Full-Length: Journeyman (555 Sardines and Lucky Me!)
Student Shorts: Champ Green (Bear Brand), G! (Chuckie)
Panalo sa Film Poster
Full-Length: Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat
Student Shorts: Checkmate by Alexie Nicole Pardo
Pinakapanalong Promosyon ng Pelikula
Student Shorts:
Checkmate by Alexie Nicole Pardo
Taympers by Naiah Nicole Mendoza
Responsableng Paglikha
Full-Length: Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat
Student Shorts:
- Dan, En Pointe by Adelbert Abrigonda
- Sine-Sine by Roniño Dolim
- 1… 2… Strike!!! by Kenneth Flores
Mowelfund Special Citation
Full-Length: Olsen’s Day
Student Shorts: Champ Green
Panalo sa International Jury
Journeyman by Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat
A Showcase of Talent and Culture
The diversity of themes and storytelling techniques was one of the festival’s biggest strengths. Some films explored deep personal struggles, while others tackled pressing social issues. The festival also emphasized the importance of regional cinema, giving a voice to filmmakers outside Metro Manila.
Beyond the screenings, CinePanalo featured panel discussions, networking events, and workshops that provided valuable learning opportunities for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike.
Looking Ahead
As the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival continues to grow, it cements its place as an important event in the Philippine film industry. With its commitment to fostering new talent and promoting local cinema, CinePanalo remains a beacon of hope for aspiring storytellers.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival continues to grow, cementing itself as an essential platform for Philippine independent cinema and a launchpad for promising filmmakers.
All full-length and student short films from the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 will continue screening exclusively at Gateway Cineplex 18, Cubao, Quezon City, until March 25. Regular tickets are priced at ₱250, with discounts for students, PWDs, seniors, Tindahan ni Aling Puring members, and Perks Card holders at ₱200. Festival passes are also available for ₱2,000, granting access to all official movie entries.
