Explore the Remarkable Achievements of This Year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Winners

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival has once again proven to be a powerful platform for Filipino storytelling, celebrating the rich tapestry of our nation’s culture and talent. During the star-studded awards ceremony held on March 19 at The Elements, Eton Centris in Quezon City, it was the Hiligaynon full-length film Salum directed by TM Malones and the Mindanaoan short film Champ Green that stole the spotlight, each capturing top honors in their respective categories.

In the full-length category, Salum proudly walked away with a remarkable four trophies: Panalong Pelikula, Panalo sa Production Design, Panalo sa Sound Design, and Panalo sa Musical Scoring. Not to mention, they pocketed a cash prize of PHP 250,000! Meanwhile, Champ Green didn’t leave empty-handed either; they earned a PHP 100,000 cash prize along with five trophies in the student shorts category, including Panalong Maikling Pelikula and a special citation from the Mowelfund.

For the young creators behind Champ Green, the rewards continued with essential filmmaking equipment such as filters and microphones—gifts aimed at nurturing the next generation of Filipino filmmakers. Director Clyde Cuizon Gamale received not only recognition but valuable tools for future projects, fortifying the festival’s commitment to supporting budding talents.

In addition to the standout performances of Salum and Champ Green, the festival also showcased other noteworthy films. The Hiligaynon film Tigkiliwi garnered seven awards, including Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado and Panalo sa Kwento, highlighting the eclectic talents of the filmmakers involved, such as writer-director Tara Illenberger.

The night was full of surprises, with two tie awards: the Panalong Aktor trophy split between JP Larroder of Tigkiliwi and Khalil Ramos from Olsen’s Day. Meanwhile, Journeyman, directed by siblings Christian Paolo and Dominic Lat, took home six awards, further underlining the high caliber and diversity of films presented this year.

The festival saw an increase in grants this year, with a total funding of PHP 3,000,000 for full-length films and PHP 150,000 for student shorts, further emphasizing their commitment to empowering filmmakers across the nation.

Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad noted the significance of the event: “The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will always be fueled by a deep love for the art of cinema, and an even deeper ambition to show what Philippine talent and passion has to offer.” With this successful second edition, the future of Filipino cinema looks promising, showcasing stories that resonate, inspire, and entertain.

Catch Salum, Champ Green, and other wonderful films at Gateway Cineplex 18, Cubao, Quezon City, until the festival closes on March 25. Regular ticket prices are PHP 250, while students, PWDs, seniors, and members of Tindahan ni Aling Puring can secure tickets for just PHP 200. And for those wanting the full experience, festival passes are available for PHP 2,000, granting entry to all official entries. Don’t miss out on these cinematic treasures!

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:

1. Dan, En Pointe by Adelbert Abrigonda

2. Sine-Sine by Roniño Dolim

3. 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