Why this film festival truly lives up to its name

Director Emmanuel dela Cruz, festival director Christopher Cahilig, National Artist Ricky Lee, Republic Creative’s Lyle Gonzales and festival chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedead

CinePanalo 2025 will feature 25 short films produced by student film

Bigger grants, bigger dreams

One of the festival's most notable features is its production grants. For 2025, Puregold is awarding 3 million to each of the eight main competition finalists and 150,000 to 24 student filmmakers. The latter is a particularly significant leap from last year's 100,000 grants for students, enabling even greater creativity and quality in the final output.

"Chris Cahilig, CinePanalo's festival director, who has consistently admired and valued Puregold's all-out support for the film industry, also credited the growing partnerships the festival has forged for this edition, made possible by last year's successful debut.

"With CMB Films [equipment rentals] providing access to top-of-the-line equipment and MFP Rentals [filmmaking support organization] offering extensive assistance, the results have been phenomenal for our filmmakers this year," he told The Manila Times Entertainment at CinePanalo 2025's grand launch and media conference in Quezon City.

"Last year, student filmmakers achieved impressive work with just 100,000. This year, with 150,000 and access to professional equipment, the difference in quality and scope is extraordinary."

This increased support underscores Puregold's commitment to nurturing the industry, genuinely giving both seasoned and emerging filmmakers the tools to succeed.

An advocacy beyond business

With many of CinePanalo's finalists making it to international film festivals following the maiden edition last year, the giant discount retail chain's commitment to the festival is driven by more than just recognition and publicity. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold's senior marketing manager, expressed that the festival — though an unexpected undertaking by the nature of their business — simply aligns with the company's values.

The festival’s principals with filmmaker Jill Singson Urdaneta and cast of his entry, ‘Co-Love.’

KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad arrive for the star-studded launch.

"At first, people didn't quite understand why we were doing this," she admitted. "We were known primarily for our titas of Manila, our moms, lolas and sari-sari store owners. But now, CinePanalo has allowed us to connect with students, artists and local communities, so this is very much a part of our advocacy to stay relevant to everyone's passions."

She added that this effort effectively reflects Puregold's tagline, "Panalo Lahat," which resonates through every initiative. "We're here to be part of our customers' lives in more meaningful ways — beyond the supermarket aisles," she conveyed. "By supporting filmmakers and telling these inspiring stories, we're contributing to Filipino culture and identity."

Star-studded

Evidently, the program's success and significant developments for the year have fueled the festival's ability to draw mainstream talent for CinePanalo 2025. Debuting director Jill Singson Urdaneta, whose movie "Co-Love" is part of the main competition, could not be happier to be collaborating with the most sought-after young actors of the day, namely Alexa Ilacad, KD Estrada, Jameson Blake and Kira Balinger.

"Even though CinePanalo is still relatively new, it wasn't hard to convince these popular actors to join," he explained. "They saw how strong last year's entries were and they're excited to be part of something so promising."

Asked what it meant for them to be part of Urdaneta's entry and CinePanalo, Alexa replied, "This is my first time participating in any festival, so I'm thrilled!"

She elaborated, "When I saw the cast I'd be working with and learned about the festival's mission to support both filmmakers and students, I immediately said yes. Students are the future of the industry, and it's amazing that Puregold is investing in them."

On the other hand, Jameson highlighted the importance of platforms like CinePanalo. "I started my career through festivals, so being part of this is an honor," he said. "It's a chance to showcase not just the talents of actors but also the creativity of directors and production teams."

A diverse and impressive lineup

With every need thoughtfully and generously provided for the participants, the 2025 CinePanalo lineup fittingly features a mix of established and emerging filmmakers, bound to showcase Filipino talent at its best. Besides "Co-Love," the eight main competition films include: "Sepak Takraw," directed by Mes de Guzman and starring Enzo Osorio, Nicollo Castillo, Ruby Ruiz and Acey Aguilar; "Olsen's Day," helmed by JP Habac, featuring Khalil Ramos, Romnick Sarmenta and child actor Xander Nuda; "Tigkiliwi," directed by Tara Illenberger, starring Ruby Ruiz, Gabby Padilla and Julian Paul Larroder; "Journeyman," from the dynamic duo Christian Paolo Lat and Dominic Lat, with JC Santos and Jasmine Curtis-Smith; "Salum," directed by TM Malones, starring Allen Dizon and Christine Mary Dimaisip; "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea," a groundbreaking documentary by Baby Ruth Villarama; and "Fleeting," marking producer Catsi Catalan's directorial debut with stars Janella Salvador and RK Bagatsing.

In addition to these films, CinePanalo celebrates young filmmakers through its student film competition, which features 24 entries from universities across the country. These include Adelbert Abrigonda's "Dan, En Pointe" (PUP), Clyde Cuizon Gamale's "Champ Green" (UP), Sean Rafael Verdejo's "Dela Cruz, Juan P." (NU Laguna), and others.

Piedad proudly said of the participants, "After an intensely competitive application period, these directors came out on top of the heap. We know they will produce excellent, gripping work, and we can't wait to share these with the viewing public at the upcoming festival."

A winning catalyst

The festival, set to run from March 14 to 25 at Gateway Cineplex 18, has undoubtedly established itself as a vital part of the Philippine cinema calendar, even in these early years. It deserves to have done so because its efforts are a welcome force in shaping the future of an industry ever-bursting with promise yet long deprived of its full potential.

And so, through its commitment to nurturing creativity and telling stories that inspire, CinePanalo has proven that it is more than just a festival but a catalyst for meaningful change and progress in Filipino filmmaking. That is why, for filmmakers, actors and audiences alike, CinePanalo truly lives up to its name as a win for everyone.