Puregold CinePanalo student filmmakers get extra boost with P100K grant from MFP Rentals

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The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival just announced another groundbreaking partnership set to support its student filmmakers participating in the Festival’s Student Shorts category.

MFP Rentals, an upstart local audiovisual equipment rental services company, has generously thrown its support behind the CinePanalo Film Festival, pledging to sponsor equipment rental services worth a total minimum value of PhP 100,000 free to use for all 25 student short film entries.

Puregold CinePanalo teams up with MFP Rentals to grant student filmmakers PhP 100,000 worth of free audiovisual equipment rentals. (L-R Puregold CinePanalo Festival Director Chris Cahilig, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan Piedad, MFP Rentals Tech Director Tristan Cua, MFP Rentals Co-Producer Zsara Laxamana)

The partnership is a first for the CinePanalo Film Festival, as the inaugural event did not feature any equipment subsidy for the participants in the student shorts category. Now, through the partnership between Puregold and MFP Rentals, the 25 student filmmakers no longer need to shell out a part of their P150,000 grant on equipment, and can, instead allocate their funding towards perfecting their cinematic vision.

On this collaboration, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad shared the company's gratitude for allowing student filmmakers to give their all without worrying about equipment funding.

“The student shorts category of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival was designed to give an opportunity to passionate young directors itching for a chance to show the world their panalo stories. Thanks to MFP Rentals, our student filmmakers now have significantly more resources to make that happen,” she said.

Meanwhile, for MFP Rentals owner Mark Tristan Cua, the lease of the audiovisual equipment was a no-brainer given the advocacy of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival in supporting the dreams of student filmmakers.

“After seeing the success of last year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, we knew that MFP Rentals needed to be a part of the next one, and we believed that supporting the entrants of the students’ shorts category was the best way we could lend a hand,” said Cua.

MFP Rentals' partnership enables CinePanalo student directors to focus their P150,000 grant on perfecting their cinematic vision.

The CinePanalo Film Festival empowers 25 student filmmakers from universities nationwide with equipment and production support, with the help of MFP Rentals.

For Cua, the opportunity to help aspiring filmmakers has always been his personal goal. Outside of MFP Rentals, Cua is the proud founder of the Mobile Filmmaking Philippines online community, where filmmakers can learn from each othe, allowing young and aspiring filmmakers to find affordable equipment services.

“It’s difficult to be a student filmmaker in the Philippines, and having more space in one’s budget can go a long way” added Cua. “We hope that through MFP Rentals’ assistance, these talented young artists can focus their budget on making the film of their dreams, instead of spending a lot of money just on equipment.”

In addition to the equipment rentals, MFP Rentals will also engage in a technical discussion with the Director of Photography of each student short film prior to the submission of any technical equipment requests. This serves the purpose of allowing MFP Rentals to tailor its assistance to the unique creative vision of each student short film project.

Puregold recently announced the list of 25 student filmmakers who will be receiving the P150,000 production grant, as well as the assistance by MFP Rentals and all of Puregold’s other official production partners for the CinePanalo Film Festival. The upcoming film festival will feature student filmmakers from universities across the country including the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, University of Caloocan City, and even universities from outside Metro Manila like Central Philippine University, Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo, the University of San Carlos, and Faith Colleges, and National University Laguna.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is set to begin in March of 2025, with the Awards Night set for March 19, 2025. Each of the student short filmmakers will have a chance to compete for the festival’s top awards including the awards for best film and best director.

Puregold CinePanalo best picture “Under A Piaya Moon” comes home to Bacolod

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Negrense director Kurt Soberano’s debut masterpiece Under A Piaya Moon, which bagged eight major awards at the 2024 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival including Best Picture, will have a commercial screening run in the province that inspired it.

The award-winning film, starring Jeff Moses, Pau Dimaranan, Chart Motus, and veteran actor Joel Torre will open in Ayala Malls Capitol Central and SM City Bacolod on May 29.

In its premiere at the recently concluded Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, Under A Piaya Moon captivated audiences and critics alike. It nabbed eight awards and numerous nominations including Pinakapanalong Mahabang Pelikula (Best Full-Length Film), Panalong Aktor for Jeff Moses (Best Actor), Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Joel Torre (Best Supporting Actor), a Mowelfund Special Citation, MTRCB Responsableng Paglikha, Panalo sa Cinematography, Panalo sa Editing, and Panalo sa Production Design.

Many critics praised the performance of veteran actor Joel Torre, who won the Best Supporting Actor Award at the 2024 Puregold CinePanalo

Many critics praised the film, with Marco Sumayao of Adobo Magazine calling it “meant for the global stage,” which “couldn’t have been told by other voices or in other settings.” Respected film critic Philbert Dy further opined on his personal Letterboxd, praising Joel Torre’s acting as ”such a fine performance that it practically makes the film worth recommending on its own.”

Under A Piaya Moon is Soberano’s beautifully crafted homage to his province Negros. Unlike many award-winning films dominated by Manileño culture, Piaya Moon is a defiant film, with its dialogue being spoken entirely in the local Negros language of Hiligaynon. Upon its release, it was adored by audiences and critics alike for its sincere display of Negrense culture, particularly its rich culinary tradition.

The award-winning film was also the very first feature directed by Kurt Soberano, a native of Negros Occidental

According to director Kurt Soberano, the choice to put Negros Occidental was a labor of love, as a Bacoleño himself. For him, few provinces have changed and grown the way Negros Occidental has throughout the years, which makes it a perfect backdrop for a story like Under the Piaya Moon, which is all about growth, exploration, and perseverance.

“It’s in the sweetness of piaya and the depth of muscovado sugar that this movie seeks to reflect the collective identity of Negrenses, and our indomitable, enduring spirit,” says Soberano. “I made this movie in part to celebrate Negros, both to celebrate how it’s progressed, and preserve the culture we can’t afford to lose.”

For his performance in the film, leading man Jeff Moses won the 2024 Puregold CinePanalo Best Actor Award.

Negros audiences are certain to fall in love with Under A Piaya Moon, which will run in Ayala Malls Capitol Central and SM City Bacolod beginning May 29

Outside of being a landmark film when it comes to Negrense culture, Under A Piaya Moon is also notable for being a heartwarming film about the delicate balance of professional success and personal growth, and how the breaking of bread can bind families. The film tells the story of Stephen, who arrives in town as the heir to his grandparents’ local panaderia, but finds himself caught between his professional aspirations, his family’s troubled past, and the irresistible pull of Negrosanon culture.

“We are proud to have premiered Under A Piaya Moon at the 2024 Puregold CinePanalo and are eager to see it run in the province that inspired it,” said Puregold President Vincent Co. “This film marks a significant milestone in representing the cherished province of Negros in cinema, and we are confident our audiences will appreciate and enjoy it.”.

Ms. Ivy Piedad, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager, concurs with this sentiment. “It’s very rare that Negros culture is celebrated in this way, with this much care and artistry put into it,” said Piedad. “We’re more than proud to be part of something as personal to the province.”

Under A Piaya Moon is a love letter to all aspects of Negrense culture - especially its cuisine!

Under A Piaya Moon tells a heartwarming story about the heir to a local Bacolod bakery, and the decisions he has to deal with when it comes to work, family, and preserving Negros culture

Starring alongside Jeff Moses and Joel Torre are Pau Dimaranan and Chart Motus, who both delivered stellar performances of their own

Under A Piaya Moon will be screening in Negros beginning May 29 at Ayala Malls Capitol Central and SM City Bacolod. All interested watchers are invited to partake in the cinematic event and buy their tickets before the screening run ends.

First time filmmakers talk about their Puregold CinePanalo experience

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There is little denying just how groundbreaking the recently concluded Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival was. The festival, held last March 15-19 at Gateway Cineplex 18, is a celebration of firsts. Not only does it mark the supermarket chain’s first foray into bringing original films to the silver screen, but it marks the debut pieces of six first-time filmmakers from all across the country.

During the Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night, the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation (Mowelfund) generously awarded a number of deserving filmmakers scholarships to continue pursuing their artistic goals.

The six debuting filmmakers–Rafaela Abucejo of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Dizelle C. Masilungan of the University of Sto. Tomas, Joshua Andrey A. Doce of Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology, Joanah Pearl Demonteverde of the University of the Philippines Visayas, Daniel Gil of Ateneo de Davao, and Jenievive Adame–bravely answered the call to let Puregold help bring their stories to life, and competed against each other as well as 19 other selections in the student short film category. Yet, for these new directors, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to release their stories into the world is a win in itself.

In addition to being debut films, the films were remarkable for bagging a number of prizes at the CinePanalo Film Festival. Rafaela Abucejo's film entitled "Saan Ako Pinaglihi?" won the Panalo sa mga Manonood Award (Audience Choice); Dizelle Masilungan, one of the recipients of the Mowelfund production scholarship, won Panalong Direktor, Panalo sa Cinematography, 3rd place for MTRCB's Responsableng Paglikha Award, and also saw one of his actors winning the Panalong Pangalawang Aktor Award. Likewise, Joshua Doce and Daniel Gil both received production scholarships from Mowelfund; while Jenievive Adame, who was also a recipient of the Mowelfund production scholarship, bagged a number of awards, including Panalong Ensemble, Panalo sa Musical Scoring, Always Panalo Film (brand choice), and 1st place for MTRCB's Responsableng Paglikha Award.

 Rafaela Abucejo shows off their Panalo sa mga Manonood Award. Abucejo directed “Saan Ako Pinaglihi?”, a coming-of-age story about the child of two lesbian parents.

Jenievive Adame’s story “Smokey Journey” bagged plenty of trophies, including the Always Panalo Film Award.

For two of the directors from the province–Joshua Doce from Bicol (“I am Mutya and I Thank You!”) and Joanah Demonteverde from Iloilo (“Kang Pagpuli Ko”)--getting to represent their province on a big stage was a massive motivating factor in completing their films. Doce, who speaks Bikolano, and Demonteverde, who speaks Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a, both believe in the power of their movies to represent the languages and cultures they love, especially amid the swath of mostly Tagalog and English-centric entries.

“As a kid who grew up in a town whose language is a hybrid of Kinaray-a and Hiligaynon, language has been a great element to me in representing my province through filmmaking, especially in Puregold’s CinePanalo Film Festival,” says Demonteverde, who also warns viewers for the possible waterworks that may ensue from her film.

“In our country, Filipino/Tagalog ang most dominant medium na ginagamit sa films and malimit tayong makakita o makarinig ng regional dialects/language sa mga pelikula,” says Doce, “I am so proud of our language and as a filmmaker, through our dialect that I used in my films, you get to see how ‘oragon’ (great) the Bicolanos are.”

Dizelle Masilungan was one of the ceremony’s breakout stars, winning Best Director for his very first film production, “Kung Nag-aatubili.”

Meanwhile, two of the six new filmmakers–Dizelle Masilungan (“Kung Nag-aatubili”) and Rafaela Abucejo (“Saan Ako Pinaglihi?”)--released LGBT-themed short films, drawing from their personal experiences with the daily struggle that queer Filipinos face, and the joy that comes from queer love.

For Masilungan, it was crucial for him to use his very first filmmaking experience to create the BL piece of his dreams, exclaiming that he has wanted to create a BL piece since “time immemorial,” as it was queer films and literature that gave him the inspiration to carry on.

Meanwhile for Abucejo, it was important to display the flipside of the queer experience, by also displaying the real pain that queer people go through, and the strength that can come out of those experiences.

“They were not good experiences-–they were a struggle,” said Abucejo. “But at least I was able to share my narrative through the film and hopefully inspire those who are currently going through the same things.”

In their speech, Abucejo stated that they hope their win in the Audience Choice Award shows filmmakers and film producers everywhere that audiences do choose queer stories, saying, “Yung kwento po ng ‘Saan ako Pinaglihi?’ is proof na meron pong clamor for queer stories, queer narratives at masasabi ko pong galing po talaga siya sa puso namin. Patuloy nating suportahan ang kwento ng mga bakla, tomboy, and everyone in between the spectrum.”

Abucejo and Masilungan both won big for their queer films, with Masilungan bagging Best Director. On his win, the filmmaker said, “Masaya, na di ko akalain, na wala po akong masabi. Sabi ko nga yung mapalabas lang pelikula namin sa Gateway Cineplex 18 sobrang saya na ako, na makita yung mga taong pumupunta sa sinehan para panoorin yung kwentong gusto namin ikwento at pinaghirapan namin. Pero yung makatanggap ng award bilang Best Director, para sakin isang malaking karangalan, really humbled and honored. Pero I really share this award with all the cast and crew ng Familea Films, kay Sir Nico at Lucca Creatives, and January Skies.”

Finally, the last two new directors–Daniel Gil (“Distansya”) and Jenievive Adame (“Smokey Journey”)--sought to use the platform to create more family-oriented and wholesome films that everyone can come to enjoy and reflect on the love that only family can offer.

In the words of Adame, viewers can expect her film to wrap the seemingly simple theme of family with layers of both hidden meaning and earnest sincerity.

“Since the festival itself is only for family-oriented, inspiring, and wholesome film concepts,” says Adame, “what you can expect from my film is the deep bond, love, and unity within a typical Filipino family na hindi namin pinakita literal pero mararamdaman mo.”

As for Gil, whose story was inspired by his father teaching him how to drive, he wanted to use his film as a vehicle for recognizing all the solo parent fathers who show up to raise their kids right, even when said fathers aren’t always understood from the start.

“I hope people will find this film nostalgic,” said Gil. “Especially to the kids who grew up with parents who had a hard time searching for their parenting skills and finding it as they get to know their children more as their family grows older.”

Ronjay-C Mendiola and his team won big at the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, racking up awards including Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelikula, for his film “Last Shift,” about two queer lovers forced to choose between their relationship and their diverging paths in life.

In addition to the debut filmmakers, the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival’s short film category also saw two big winners in neophyte directors Ronjay-C Mendiola and Kent Michael Cadungog. Mendiola nabbed the Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelikula Award (Best Short Film) for his film “Last Shift,” a story about two working-class queer lovers at a crossroads in their relationship, as one seeks to find better pastures. Cadungog, on the other hand, won the Special Jury Prize Award for “Text Find DAD and Send to 2366,” a tale about an uncharismatic teenage girl who must convince a voice to cast her in a reality TV show, in order to find her father.

On his historic win, Mendiola says the feeling still hasn’t sunk in.

“Sabi nga namin sa prod, pumasok kami ng awards night nang walang expectations pero sobra-sobra pa ang ibinigay sa amin,” said Mendiola. “Ang pinaka importante talaga sa amin nung mag-umpisa ang film festival ay hindi yung awards kundi ang mabitbit namin ang panawagan ng mga workers at maexpose ang kanilang kalagayan."

 Kent Cadungog won the Special Jury Prize for “Text Find Dad and Send to 2366,” a story about a teenager using reality TV to find her lost father.

Meanwhile, Cadungog is grateful to Puregold for allowing him to fully express his art which, according to him, has often been misunderstood.

"I got called “baliw” so many times for creating the kind of cinema I make, so I’m very grateful to Puregold for giving this niche comedy film a platform. Maraming salamat din sa jury sa pagkilala,” said Cadungog, who also takes pride in being one of the short films set in the province, using a regional language. “Yung pagrecognize sa isang munting Bisaya film galing sa Negros Oriental ay isa ring malaking panalo, in and of itself — true to the festival’s vision."

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“Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” Win Big at Inaugural Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night

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“Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” bagged the coveted Pinakapanalong Pelikula awards in the full-length and short film categories respectively at the inaugural Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night. Held on March 16 at the Gateway Cineplex 18, it was an emotional night as both established names as well as young up-and-comers received recognition for their exceptional efforts.

In the full-length category, Kurt Soberano’s debut feature “Under a Piaya Moon” left the biggest impact as it bagged six awards including the coveted Panalong Aktor and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor. Close behind was Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “Pushcart Tales” which left with four awards including Panalong Direktor and Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Mga Hurado.

Meanwhile among the student shorts, Ronjay-C Mendiola’s “Last Shift” achieved the most accolades, winning five awards through the night including Panalong Aktor and Panalong Pangalawang Aktor. Diezelle C. Masilungan’s “Kung Nag-aatubili” also impressed with a total of four awards including Panalong Direktor and a tie for Panalong Pangalawang Aktor.

Award winners were selected by an esteemed jury of judges. Victor Villanueva, Emmanuel dela Cruz, Lito Zulueta, served as the jury for the short film category while Jeffery Jeturian, Mae Cruz-Alviar, and June Kim served for the full-length category. Festival directors Ivy Hayagan-Piedad and Chris Cahilig alongside Republic Creative’s Lyle Gonzales served on both juries.

Representatives from festival partners MTRCB and Mowelfund were also in attendance to award special prizes to exceptional film entries.

“Smokey Journey,” “Tiil ni Lola,” and “Kung Nag-aatubili” received first, second, and third prize respectively in the MTRCB Responsableng Paglikha short-film category, while “Under a Piaya Moon” took home the award in the full-length category.

Mowelfund also gave out special citations for “Ka Benjie” in the short film category and “Under a Piaya Moon” in the full-length category. They also gave away scholarships to ten of the most promising student filmmakers to participate in the festival.

Screenings of the festival films will also have an extended run at Gateway 2 Cinemas starting on March 20, Wednesday.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

PINAKAPANALONG PELIKULA

Full-length: “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: “Last Shift”

ALWAYS PANALO FILM

Full-length: “A Lab Story”

Short Film: “Smokey Journey”

PANALONG DIREKTOR

Full-length: Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: Dizelle C. Masilungan, “Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALONG AKTRES

Full-length: Shamaine Buencamino, “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: Jade Mary Cornelia, “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366”

PANALONG AKTOR

Full-length: Carlos Siguion-Reyna, “Pushcart Tales,” and Jeff Moses, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Jules Azaula, “Last Shift,” and Cristmer Valencia, “May Kulay Rosas Ba sa Bahaghari?”

PANALONG KARANGALAN MULA SA MGA HURADO

Full-length: “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366”

PANALO SA MGA MANONOOD

Full-length: “A Lab Story”

Short Film: “Saan Ako Pinaglihi?”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTRES

Full-length: Nicole Omillo, “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: Maila Rediang, “Repeater si Peter”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTOR

Full-length: Joel Torre, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Vince Macapobre, “Last Shift,” and Aiskhylos Akiyama, “Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALONG KWENTO

Full-length: Raynier F. Brizuela, “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: Ronjay-C Mendiola, “Last Shift”

MOWELFUND SPECIAL CITATION

Full-length: “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: “Ka Benjie”

MOWELFUND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Kent Michael Cadungog, “Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366”

Jenievive B. Adame, “Smokey Journey”

Daniel Gil, “Distansya”

John Llever Sucaldito, “Tambal nga Sabaw”

Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima, “Till ni Lola”

Alexa Moneii Agaloos, “Ka Benjie”

John Pistol L. Carmen, “Repeater si Peter”)

Dizelle C. Masilungan, “Kung Nag-aatubill”)

Joshua Andrey A. Doce, “I Am Mutya and I Thank You!”

Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon, “May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?”

MTRCB RESPONSABLENG PAGLIKHA

Full-length: “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film

1st Place: “Smokey Journey”

2nd Place: “Tiil ni Lola”

3rd Place: "Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALO SA CINEMATOGRAPHY

Full-length: Nathan Bringuer, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Anton Acosta, “Kung Nag-aatubili”

PANALO SA PRODUCTION DESIGN

Full-Length: Kurt Soberano and Jed Sicangco, “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Mikaela Ganaden, “Remedy Soup”

PANALONG AWITIN

Full-length: “Mahal Kita” by VJ Mendoza, “Road to Happy”

Short Film: “Balik” by Dixzie Dione Cruel, “Tiil ni Lola”

PANALONG ENSEMBLE

Full-length: “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: “Smokey Journey”

PANALO SA MUSICAL SCORING

Full-length: Owa Marquez, “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: Bernie del Carmen, “Smokey Journey”

PANALO SA EDITING

Full-length: Kurt Soberano and Rodney Jarder Jr., “Under a Piaya Moon”

Short Film: Reutsche Colle Lima, Nyle Justin Bacolod, and Elj Seth Tababa, “Tiil ni Lola”

PANALO SA SOUND DESIGN

Full-length: Nioki Aquino, “Pushcart Tales”

Short Film: Kzee Flores, “May Kulay Rosas Ba sa Bahaghari?”

PANALO SA FILM POSTER

Full-length: “Boys at the Back”

Short Film: “Last Shift”

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival partners with MOWELFUND in supporting its Kwentong Panalo movies

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Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival proudly announces its partnership with Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND). This exciting collaboration aims to champion the Philippine film industry, particularly the young and emerging filmmakers, and narratives highlighting Filipino life and culture.

Puregold CinePanalo partners with MOWELFUND Inc. in supporting the local film industry, filmmakers, and movie workers. (L-R first row Joey Roa, MOWELFUND Vice President and COO Julius Topacio, MOWELFUND Film Institute Director Manrique D. Orellana, Jr., second row Res Cortez, Maria Elisa “Boots” Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Director Chris Cahilig, and Jim Baltazar of CIMB Films)

Founded in 1974, MOWELFUND is a non-stock, non-profit foundation focused on social welfare, education, and industry development, with a dedicated mission to support the diligent professionals within the Philippine movie landscape.

Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, Chairman of MOWELFUND, shares her gratitude. 

“Thank you, Puregold, for CinePanalo. [Through this initiative], Puregold offers assistance to filmmakers [in featuring] films that delve into wholesome family themes that define everyday Filipino slice of life.”

With Puregold CinePanalo and MOWELFUND’s partnership, the organization will promote the upcoming festival among professional, amateur, and student filmmakers.

The multi-awarded movie and television personality says this is a “win-win” for both MOWELFUND and Puregold. “Panalo ang Puregold for instilling family values through the potent medium of film. Panalo ang MOWELFUND Film Institute for offering logistics to young and enterprising filmmakers. Panalo ang aspiring film students and enthusiasts [because] CinePanalo helps them bring to life their dream projects through the magic of film.”

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival recently unveiled its list of grant recipients–six directors for the full-length films and 25 student filmmakers for the short films–carefully selected from over 200 pitches nationwide. Slated for a grand debut at the Gateway Cineplex 18, Araneta City, from March 15 to 17, the festival's selections embody the theme “Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay,” weaving stories of kinship, perseverance, and the Filipino spirit.

In a gesture of gratitude, MOWELFUND acknowledges Puregold's support for their 50th-anniversary medical and dental mission, where grocery gift bags will be bestowed upon the deserving members of the film community.

MOWELFUND will also have a representative in Puregold CinePanalo’s panel of judges, present special citations on the awards night, and award the top 10 student filmmakers a post-film festival workshop. 

As the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival approaches its zenith, Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad articulates, "With heartfelt appreciation, we recognize MOWELFUND and all our partners for their integral role in not just showcasing these inspiring Filipino narratives but also in fortifying our collective contribution to the flourishing Philippine movie industry.”

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Lights, Camera, Panalo: Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival introduces finalist directors

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Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, the much-awaited event that is set to hail a new generation of outstanding Filipino films, officially introduced the recipients of its coveted film grants during a press conference held at the Artson Events Place, Quezon City. 

The full-length filmmakers standing alongside Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, festival director Chris Cahilig, representatives from festival partners Optima Digital and Mowelfund, and the Selection Committee.

Attended by representatives from Puregold, the film directors, their respective producers, and other key members of their teams, the press conference highlighted Puregold’s primary objectives: to provide a platform for both well-known and emerging filmmakers, and to showcase narratives—collectively called Kuwentong Panalo—that can touch the heart and remind us of the indomitable Filipino spirit.

From hundreds of CinePanalo applicants, only thirty-one of the very best were selected as finalists. They were formally presented during the event, which also marked the beginning of the final stage of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

Among the full-length film finalists named during the press conference were Kurt Soberano, a newcomer with his entry, "Under the Piaya Moon," and Eugene Torres with "One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All". These earned the "Producer's Choice" title, expanding the initial five grant slots to six.

Accompanying them were renowned directors Sigrid Bernardo for "Pushcart Tales," Raynier Brizuela for "Boys at the Back," Joel Ferrer for "Road to Happy," and Carlo Obispo for "A Lab Story”.

Promising new student directors who were likewise introduced are as follows:

● Jenievive B. Adame - "Smokey Journey" (STI College Cubao)

● Ma. Rafaela Mae Abucejo - "Saan Ako Pinaglihi?" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Alexa Moneii Agaloos - "Ka Benjie" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Kent Michael Cadungog - "Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366" (University of the Philippines)

● John Pistol L. Carmen - "Repeater si Peter" (Bicol University)

● Chrisha Eseo Cataag - "Hallway Scholar" (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo)

● Patricia W. Dalluay - "Lola, Lola, Paano ba 'Yan?" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Joanah Pearl Demonteverde - "Kang Pagpuli Ko" (University of the Philippines – Visayas)

● Joshua Andrey A. Doce - "I Am Mutya And I Thank You!" (Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology)

● Neil M. Espino - "Sa Hindi Paghahangad" (De La Salle Lipa)

● Terrence Gale Fernandez - "Kaibigan ko si Batman" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Daniel Gil - "Distansya" (Ateneo de Davao University)

● Alexandra Lapid - "Queng Apag" (Mapúa University)

● Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima - "Tiil ni Lola" (University of San Carlos)

● Dizelle C. Masilungan - "Kung Nag-aatubili" (University of Santo Tomas)

● Jose Mikyl Medina - "Lutong Bahay" (De La Salle University)

● Ronjay-C Mendiola - "Last Shift" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Mark Terence Molave - "Paano po gumawa ng collage college?" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Jhunel Ruth A. Monterde - "Si Mary May Crush Kay Tess" (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde)

● Doxford D. Perlas - "Naduea Eoman Si Brownie (Brownie's Lost Again!)" (University of the Philippines – Visayas)

● Andrea S. Ponce - "Layag sa Pangarap" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Sta. Mesa)

● Edz Haniel Teñido Purificacion - "Dzai Dzai Dzai Delilah" (Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna)

● John Wilbert Llever Sucaldito - "Tambal nga Sabaw" (Far Eastern University)

● Tyrone Lean J. Taotao - "Abandoned Lullabies" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Sta. Mesa)

● Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon - "May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?" (University of the Philippines – Visayas)

The six full-length film directors received a substantial grant of Php 2,500,000 each, while 25 short film student directors were granted Php 100,000 each. On top of the film grants, all finalists also received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital for their respective films, as well as essential groceries from Puregold to further support them during the production phase.

The finished Puregold CinePanalo full-length and short films will be viewed at a premiere to be held at the Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to 17, 2024, followed by potential regional screenings. Short films will also be available on Puregold's official social media channels on YouTube and TikTok.

The distinguished selection committee, comprising veteran film and television director Jeffrey Jethurian; film critic Tito Valiente; award-winning filmmaker Victor Villanueva; Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad; Lyle Gonzales of Republic Creative; and Puregold CinePanalo festival director Chris Cahilig, played a crucial role in shaping the festival's trajectory.

With the CinePanalo Film Festival, Puregold further strengthens its commitment to fostering local talent, bridging gaps, and bringing authentic Filipino stories to the forefront of the cinematic landscape. The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people.

Full-length film directors Kurt Soberano, Raynier Brizuela, Sigrid Bernardo, and Eugene Torres; producers VJ Mendoza, Mina Cruz, and Thirdy Rivera; and actor Elora Espano before the official press conference.

 Several of the lucky student directors together before the start of the event.

Some other student directors posing for a photo with festival director Chris Cahilig before the program started.

 Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, senior marketing manager of Puregold, shared inspirational opening remarks to begin the day.

25 student directors were selected from all over the Philippines to participate in the first-ever Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

Puregold CinePanalo’s student filmmakers along with Puregold senior marketing manager, Ivy Hayagan-Piedad; festival director Chris Cahilig; representatives from the festival’s partners Optima Digital and Mowelfund; and members of the festival’s Selection Committee.

Direk Sigrid Bernardo, whose feature length film “Pushcart Tales,” will be part of the Puregold CinePanalo.

Direk Raynier Brizuela will be joining the festival with his film “Boys at the Back.”

Producers Mina Cruz and VJ Mendoza came on behalf of Direk Joel Ferrer, whose film “Road to Happy” will feature at the Puregold CinePanalo.

 Direk Carlo Obispo secured a spot in the festival by pitching his film, “A Lab Story.”

Direk Kurt Soberano’s “Under a Piaya Moon” is part of the inaugural Puregold CinePanalo line up.

Direk Eugene Torres’ film “One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All” was added to the line up as a Producer’s Choice selection.

Left to right: Raynier Brizuela, Carlo Obispo, Sigrid Bernardo, VJ Mendoza, Mina Cruz, Kurt Soberano, and Eugene Torres, representing the full-length productions participating in the Puregold CinePanalo.

 Left to right: Chris Cahilig, festival director; Ivy-Hayagan Piedad, senior marketing manager for Puregold; Direk Emmanuel Dela Cruz, Sir Tito Valiente, and Direk Victor Villanueva of the Selection Committee; Bianca Francisco and Ruel Yap of Optima Digital; and Direk Ricky Orellana of Mowelfund at the presentation of Puregold CinePanalo filmmakers.

Ivy Hayagan-Piedad alongside the student filmmakers who received financial grants from Puregold to fund their film projects.

Full-length directors Raynier Brizuela, Sigrid Bernardo, Carlo Obispo, Kurt Soberano, and producers VJ Mendoza and Mina Cruz, taking a selfie with Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Chris Cahilig, Victor Villanueva, Emmanuel Dela Cruz, and Tito Valiente.