Discover the incredible talents behind this year’s anticipated films and their inspiring narratives!
Hold onto your popcorn, film buffs! The excitement is palpable as the upcoming 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival gears up to take the Philippine cinema scene by storm. Recently, a press conference was held at Artson Events Place in Quezon City, showcasing fresh new filmmakers ready to shine after last year’s stunning festival success.
One major highlight fueling the festival’s draw is the staggering production grants on offer! This year’s edition boasts a whopping ₱3 million each for eight winning filmmakers, not to mention the ₱150,000 grants awarded to twenty-four student filmmakers. Talk about making dreams come true!
With the theme “Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay,” this festival is a call to action for up-and-coming directors to craft inspiring narratives that celebrate life’s victories.
At the press conference, Puregold proudly unveiled the lineup of remarkable talents getting ready to take center stage. Among those present were industry representatives, festival organizers, and partners from renowned organizations including MTRCB, Gateway Cineplex 18, and more.
Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s senior marketing manager, couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. “After an intensely competitive application period, these directors came out on top of the heap,” she stated, promising audiences gripping stories that reflect the brilliance of Filipino artistry.
Tara Illenberger helms the film Tigkiliwi starring Ruby Ruiz in her second Puregold CinePanalo feature, Gabby Padilla, and Julian Paul Larroder. 
Mes de Guzman directs Sepak Takraw, starring Enzo Osorio, Nicollo Castillo, Ruby Ruiz, and Acey Aguilar 
JP Habac’s Olsen’s Day will feature Khalil Ramos, Romnick Sarmenta, and child actor Xander Nuda 
TM Malones will be working on Salum with stars Allen Dizon and Christine Mary Dimaisip. 
Dynamic duo Christian Paolo Lat & Dominic Lat are directing Journeyman, starring JC Santos and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. 
Dynamic duo Christian Paolo Lat & Dominic Lat are directing Journeyman, starring JC Santos and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. 
Baby Ruth Villarama’s Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea will mark the first-ever documentary to join the Puregold CinePanalo line up. 
Jill Singson Urdaneta’s Co-Love will showcase KD Estrada, Alexa Ilacad, Jameson Blake, and Kira Balinger. 
Another historic first sees noted producer Catsi Catalan making her directorial debut with the film Fleeting, starring Janella Salvador and RK Bagatsing.
This year’s festival features an impressive array of films! Mes de Guzman’s Sepak Takraw showcases stars like Enzo Osorio and Nicollo Castillo, while JP Habac’s poignant Olsen’s Day introduces talents such as Khalil Ramos and legendary actor Romnick Sarmenta. Tara Illenberger brings her vision to life with Tigkiliwi, starring the incredible Ruby Ruiz alongside Gabby Padilla.
And that’s not all! TM Malones takes a riveting approach with Salum, featuring Allen Dizon, while Jill Singson Urdaneta’s Co-Love promises a delightful ensemble cast including KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad.
Marking a first for the festival, Baby Ruth Villarama’s Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea will be the inaugural documentary, and we can’t forget Catsi Catalan’s directorial debut with Fleeting, starring the captivating Janella Salvador.
Also in attendance at the press event were twenty-four student filmmakers from universities across the country:
Adelbert Abrigonda (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Dan, En Pointe”
Allan M. Balance Jr. (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Cancer Din Ang Zodiac Sign Mo?”
Angel Allizon Cruz (University of Santo Tomas) – “Dito, Dati”
Roniño Dolim (University of Eastern Philippines) – “Sine-Sine”
Kenneth Flores (Far Eastern University) – “1… 2… Strike!!!”
Austine Rae R. Fresnido (FAITH Colleges) – “Sa Susunod Sisikat si Susan”
Clyde Cuizon Gamale (University of the Philippines) – “Champ Green”
Bjorn M. Herrera (Central Philippine University) – “Nanay’s Frankenstein”
Maria Eleanor P. Javier (University of the Philippines Visayas) – “Mother at Sixty”
Producer Ivan Gentolizo representing Mae Malaya (University of the Philippines) – “Sisenta!”
Ira Corinne Esquerra Malit (University of Caloocan City) – “SamPie”
Naiah Nicole Mendoza (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Taympers”
Vhan Marco B. Molacruz (Colegio de San Juan de Letran) – “Uwian”
Jadrien Morales (University of the Philippines) – “Let’s Go Somewhere Else”
Regene Narciso (Dalubhasaan ng Lunsod ng San Pablo) – “Papunta Ka Pa Lang, Naka-Bounce Na Ako”
Alexie Nicole Pardo (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Checkmate”
Kieth Earl B. Rebaño (University of the Philippines Visayas) – “Daeaura”
John Lester Rimorin (University of the Philippines) – “Japan Surplus”
Jose Andy Sales (University of San Carlos) – “G!”
Mark Joseph Sanchez (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Our One and Only Bab(o)y”
Aubrey Soriano (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Si Nadia at ang Kanyang mga Kuro-Kuro”
Jasper Tan (Far Eastern University) – “Sa Pagbunga”
Johannes Tejero (University of San Carlos) – “Daog, Pildi”
Sean Rafael A. Verdejo (National University Laguna) – “Dela Cruz, Juan P.”
The 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is slated for screening at Gateway Cineplex 18 from March 14 to 25, 2025. With such a fantastic lineup and significant support for local filmmaking, this festival is shaping up to be a must-see event for anyone passionate about cinema.
Stay connected for updates and prepare to celebrate the incredible talents of the Philippine film industry
The Chikkaness 