The second edition of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival has once again shone a spotlight on the incredible talent brewing in Philippine cinema, honoring compelling stories and innovative filmmaking. At a vibrant awards ceremony held at The Elements in Eton Centris, Quezon City, the festival celebrated the best and brightest in both full-length and short film categories.
The Hiligaynon film “Salum,” directed by TM Malones, emerged as a major winner in the full-length category, taking home the coveted “Panalong Pelikula” (Best Film) award, along with accolades for its exceptional Production Design, Sound Design, and Musical Scoring. This recognition, accompanied by a PhP 250,000 cash prize, underscores the film’s powerful storytelling and artistic execution.
In the student shorts category, the Mindanaoan film “Champ Green” truly impressed, securing the “Panalong Maikling Pelikula” (Best Short Film) title. The film also garnered awards for its compelling story, the performance of Sol Eugenio as “Panalong Pangalawang Aktor” (Best Supporting Actor), effective Brand Intrusion, and a special citation from the Mowelfund Film Institute. Beyond the PhP 100,000 cash prize, “Champ Green” also received valuable film equipment, a testament to the festival’s commitment to nurturing young filmmakers like director Clyde Cuizon Gamale.
Interestingly, the awards night saw a couple of ties, highlighting the high caliber of entries. The “Panalong Aktor” (Best Actor) award was shared between JP Larroder for his role in the Hiligaynon film “Tigkiliwi” and Khalil Ramos for his titular performance in “Olsen’s Day.” Similarly, both “Journeyman” and “Olsen’s Day” were recognized for their outstanding cinematography. JP Habac of “Olsen’s Day” took home the “Panalong Direktor” (Best Director) award.
Another standout in the full-length category was “Tigkiliwi,” which collected an impressive seven trophies, including a special Jury Prize (“Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado”) and recognition for its poignant story penned by writer-director Tara Illenberger. The film also swept the acting categories, with Ruby Ruiz winning “Panalong Aktres” (Best Actress) and Jeffrey Jiruma securing “Panalong Pangalawang Aktor” (Best Supporting Actor).
The sibling duo Christian Paolo and Dominic Lat’s “Journeyman” also had a successful night, earning a total of six trophies, including the International Jury Prize, a tie for Cinematography, Best Film Poster, the MTRCB Special Award for Responsible Filmmaking, recognition for Brand Intrusion, and the “Puregold Always Panalo Film” award, which it shared with the romantic-comedy “Fleeting.”
In the student shorts category, Vhan Marco Molacruz of Colegio de San Juan de Letran emerged as a strong contender with “Uwian,” winning five awards, including “Panalong Direktor” (Best Director), Best Musical Scoring, Best Production Design, “Panalong Aktres” (Best Actress) for Geraldine Villamil, and “Panalong Pangalawang Aktres” (Best Supporting Actress) for Uzziel Delamide.
Other notable student shorts included Sean Rafael Verdejo’s “Dela Cruz, Juan P.,” which received a special Jury Prize, and Ira Corinne Esguerra’s “SamPie,” which was honored with the “Puregold Always Panalo Film” award.
The selection of winners was entrusted to a distinguished panel of judges, including Festival Director Christopher Cahilig, Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, and representatives from various film and media organizations. Their expertise ensured that the most deserving films and talents were recognized.
This year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival demonstrated a significant commitment to supporting Filipino filmmakers, with increased grants provided for all participating entries. The festival’s success is also attributed to the generous support of its partner organizations within the film industry.
As Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad aptly stated, “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 its successful second edition, the festival clearly has a bright future ahead.
For those eager to experience these exceptional films, “Salum,” “Champ Green,” and all the other entries from the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 will continue their exclusive screenings at Gateway Cineplex 18 in Cubao, Quezon City, until the festival’s conclusion on March 25.
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:
- Dan, En Pointe by Adelbert Abrigonda
- Sine-Sine by Roniño Dolim
- 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
