The second edition of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival celebrated the brilliance of Filipino cinema with Hiligaynon full-length film “Salum” by TM Malones and Mindanaoan student short “Champ Green” winning the top prizes in their respective categories.
the full-length category at Puregold CinePanalo 2025.
Pelikula award in the student shorts category at Puregold CinePanalo 2025.
Salum and Champ Green Triumph
The awarding ceremony, held on March 19 at The Elements, Eton Centris in Quezon City, saw “Salum” sweeping four awards in the full-length category, including Panalong Pelikula, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalo sa Sound Design, and Panalo sa Musical Scoring. In addition to the trophies, the film also received a cash prize of PHP 250,000.Meanwhile, student short “Champ Green”, directed by Clyde Cuizon Gamale, emerged victorious with five awards in the student shorts category. These included Panalong Maikling Pelikula, Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Sol Eugenio, Panalo sa Kwento, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, and the Mowelfund Special Citation. The win also came with a PHP 100,000 cash prize and various film equipment from sponsors, supporting the development of young Filipino filmmakers.
conclusion of the Puregold CinePanalo 2025.
Other Notable Wins and Surprises
Another standout in the full-length category was “Tigkiliwi”, which garnered seven awards, including Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado, Panalo sa Kwento, and Panalong Aktres for Ruby Ruiz, and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Jeffrey Jiruma. The acting category also saw a rare tie in the Panalong Aktor award, shared by JP Larroder (Tigkiliwi) and Khalil Ramos (Olsen’s Day).
The cinematography award also resulted in a tie, with “Journeyman” and “Olsen’s Day” both receiving the Panalo sa Cinematography trophy. “Journeyman”, directed by siblings Christian Paolo and Dominic Lat, secured six awards, including Panalo Sa International Jury and the Puregold Always Panalo Film award, which it shared with “Fleeting” by Catsi Catalan.
On the student shorts side, “Uwian” by Vhan Marco Molacruz of Colegio de San Juan de Letran stood out with five wins, including Panalong Direktor, Panalo sa Musical Scoring, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalong Aktres for Geraldine Villamil, and Panalong Pangalawang Aktres for Uzziel Delamide. Other notable winners included “Dela Cruz, Juan P.” (Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado) and “SamPie”, which secured the Puregold Always Panalo Film award.
Esteemed Jury and Festival Growth
The winners were carefully deliberated by a distinguished panel of judges, led by Festival Director Christopher Cahilig and Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. They were joined by industry professionals such as Jeffrey Jeturian, Mae Cruz-Alviar, Moira Lang, and Estonian filmmaker Tiina Lokk.
The 2025 edition of Puregold CinePanalo featured increased grants for filmmakers, with PHP 3,000,000 allocated for full-length films and PHP 150,000 for student shorts. The festival received substantial support from partners such as Terminal Six Post, CMB Film Services Inc., Gateway Cineplex 18, MFP Rentals, MTRCB, and the Mowelfund Film Institute.
Puregold CinePanalo 2025 Awards Night.
“The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will always be fueled by a deep love for the art of cinema and an even deeper ambition to showcase Philippine talent and passion,” said Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “With this successful second edition, the possibilities are now endless. We can’t wait for the wonderful films yet to grace CinePanalo in the years to come.”
Festival Screenings
The award-winning films from the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 continue to screen exclusively at Gateway Cineplex 18, Cubao, Quezon City, until the festival’s closing on March 25. Tickets are priced at PHP 250, with discounts for students, PWDs, seniors, and Tindahan ni Aling Puring and Perks Card members at PHP 200. A festival pass for all screenings is available for PHP 2,000.
and Pinakapanalong Promosyon ng Pelikula share a picture with festival organizers.
Full List of Major Winners
Full-Length Category:
- Panalong Pelikula: Salum (TM Malones)
- Puregold Always Panalo Film: Journeyman (Christian Paolo & Dominic Lat), Fleeting (Catsi Catalan)
- Panalong Direktor: JP Habac (Olsen’s Day)
- Panalong Aktres: Ruby Ruiz (Tigkiliwi)
- Panalong Aktor: JP Larroder (Tigkiliwi), Khalil Ramos (Olsen’s Day)
- Panalo sa Cinematography: Journeyman (Dominic Lat), Olsen’s Day (Kara Moreno)
- Panalo sa Brand Intrusion: Journeyman (555 Sardines and Lucky Me!)
Student Shorts Category:
- Panalong Maikling Pelikula: Champ Green (Clyde Cuizon Gamale)
- Puregold Always Panalo Film: SamPie (Ira Corinne Esquerra Malit)
- Panalong Direktor: Vhan Marco Molacruz (Uwian)
- Panalong Aktres: Geraldine Villamil (Uwian)
- Panalong Aktor: Lucas Martin (SamPie), Jasper John (Dela Cruz, Juan P.)
- Panalo sa Brand Intrusion: Champ Green (Bear Brand), G! (Chuckie)
With the continued success of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, Filipino filmmakers—both seasoned and emerging—are given a platform to share their stories and showcase the rich storytelling tradition of Philippine cinema.
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