The 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is set to be another landmark event for Philippine cinema, bringing fresh talent, compelling stories, and millions in production grants to the spotlight. In a recent press conference at Artson Events Place in Quezon City, this year’s roster of filmmakers was officially introduced, further fueling excitement for the festival.
Building on last year’s massive success, Puregold CinePanalo has become a must-watch event in the local film industry. One of the biggest draws? The generous production grants—with eight winning filmmakers receiving P3 million eachand twenty-four student filmmakers granted P150,000 each to bring their stories to life.
The festival champions uplifting narratives under the theme “Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay”, inspiring both veteran and emerging filmmakers to craft stories that celebrate resilience and triumph.
A Prestigious Gathering of Industry Leaders
The press conference welcomed festival organizers and representatives from key industry partners, including MTRCB, Gateway Cineplex 18, Mowelfund, Terminal Six, CMB Films, and MFP Rentals. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager for Puregold, expressed her excitement about working with this year’s filmmakers.
“After an intensely competitive application period, these directors came out on top. We know they will produce excellent, gripping work, and we can’t wait to share these with the viewing public at the upcoming festival.”
With a mix of seasoned directors, rising talents, and a star-studded lineup, the 2025 edition promises to showcase the depth and diversity of Filipino storytelling.
Feature Films & Directors
Here’s a sneak peek at the full-length films set to captivate audiences at the festival:
Mes de Guzman – Sepak Takraw
Starring: Enzo Osorio, Nicollo Castillo, Ruby Ruiz, Acey Aguilar
JP Habac – Olsen’s Day
Starring: Khalil Ramos, Romnick Sarmenta, Xander Nuda
Tara Illenberger – Tigkiliwi
Starring: Ruby Ruiz, Gabby Padilla, Julian Paul Larroder
Christian Paolo Lat & Dominic Lat – Journeyman
Starring: JC Santos, Jasmine Curtis-Smith
TM Malones – Salum
Starring: Allen Dizon, Christine Mary Dimaisip
Jill Singson Urdaneta – Co-Love
Starring: KD Estrada, Alexa Ilacad, Jameson Blake, Kira Balinger
Baby Ruth Villarama – Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea (First-ever documentary in CinePanalo history!)
Catsi Catalan – Fleeting (Directorial debut of noted producer Catsi Catalan)
Starring: Janella Salvador, RK Bagatsing
Spotlight on Student Filmmakers
In addition to these feature films, 24 student filmmakers from various universities across the country will showcase their short films:
Adelbert Abrigonda (PUP) – Dan, En Pointe
Allan M. Balance Jr. (PUP) – Cancer Din Ang Zodiac Sign Mo?
Angel Allizon Cruz (UST) – Dito, Dati
Roniño Dolim (UEP) – Sine-Sine
Kenneth Flores (FEU) – 1… 2… Strike!!!
Austine Rae R. Fresnido (FAITH Colleges) – Sa Susunod Sisikat si Susan
Clyde Cuizon Gamale (UP) – Champ Green
Bjorn M. Herrera (CPU) – Nanay’s Frankenstein
Maria Eleanor P. Javier (UP Visayas) – Mother at Sixty
Mae Malaya (Producer: Ivan Gentolizo) (UP) – Sisenta!
Ira Corinne Esquerra Malit (UCC) – SamPie
Naiah Nicole Mendoza (PUP) – Taympers
Vhan Marco B. Molacruz (Letran) – Uwian
Jadrien Morales (UP) – Let’s Go Somewhere Else
Regene Narciso (DLSU-SP) – Papunta Ka Pa Lang, Naka-Bounce Na Ako
Alexie Nicole Pardo (PUP) – Checkmate
Kieth Earl B. Rebaño (UP Visayas) – Daeaura
John Lester Rimorin (UP) – Japan Surplus
Jose Andy Sales (USC) – G!
Mark Joseph Sanchez (PUP) – Our One and Only Bab(o)y
Aubrey Soriano (PUP) – Si Nadia at ang Kanyang mga Kuro-Kuro
Jasper Tan (FEU) – Sa Pagbunga
Johannes Tejero (USC) – Daog, Pildi
Sean Rafael A. Verdejo (NU Laguna) – Dela Cruz, Juan P.
Festival Dates & Where to Watch
Screening Dates: March 14-25, 2025
Venue: Gateway Cineplex 18
With an impressive mix of new and seasoned talents, inspiring narratives, and historic firsts, the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is shaping up to be one of the biggest events in Philippine cinema.