The Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival showcased the pinnacle of Philippine cinema, paying homage to both budding talents and seasoned veterans in the industry at Gateway Mall in Araneta City on Saturday, March 16.
“The idea to have an initiative like this that would champion education, Philippine culture, and belongingness came during the onset of Pure Gold’s 25th year in the business,” Senior Manager for Marketing Puregold Price Club, Inc. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said.
The event was graced by Filipino veteran actors like Rez Cortez and Boots Anson-Roa and other student movie actors, directors, and production staff and guests.
Hayagan, emphasized that the film festival of the supermarket company goes beyond merely celebrating filmmaking as an art form. It aims to recognize and honor the gifted individuals who breathe life into “Panalo” or winning stories on the silver screen.
A total of 25 short films crafted by student creatives, alongside 6 full-length entries helmed by full-time directors, participated in the festival this year.
During the festival’s second evening, accolades were bestowed upon the participants, further highlighting the talent and dedication present within the industry.
Best Picture and Other Major Awards
The coveted title of Best Picture in the full-length category was awarded to “Under A Piaya Moon,” while, “Last Shift” emerged victorious in the short film category.
“Pushcart Tales” clinched the Special Jury Prize in the full-length category, while “Text Find Dad and Send to 2366” by Kent Michael Cadungog garnered recognition in the short film category.
Director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo received accolades for her outstanding work on “PushCart Tales” in the full-length category, while Dizelle Masilungan’s direction in “Kung na-aatubili’ ‘ was lauded in the short film category.
Outstanding Performances
Shamaine Buencamino’s powerful portrayal in “Pushcart Tales” earned her the title of Best Actress in the full-length category, while Jade Mary Cornella’s performance in “Text Find Dad and Send to 2366” impressed the judges in the short film category.
For Best Actor, Jeff Moses and Carlos Siguion-Reyna were recognized for their remarkable performances in “Under a Piaya Moon” and “Pushcart Tales,” respectively, in the full-length category. In the short film category, Jules Azaula and Cristmer Valencia shone brightly for their roles in “Last Shift” and “May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?”
Supporting Cast Excellence
Nicole Omilio and Maila Rediang received praise for their roles in “Boys at the Back” and “Repeater Si Peter,” respectively, winning Best Supporting Actress in their respective categories.
Joel Torre’s performance in “Under A Piaya Moon” earned him the title of Best Supporting Actor in the full-length category, while Vince Macapobre and Aiskhylos Akiyama showcased their talent in the short film category.
Technical Brilliance
The technical aspects of filmmaking were also acknowledged, with awards for Best Ensemble, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, Best Editing, Best Poster, and Best Original Song.
Special Recognitions
The Always Panalo Film Award was presented to “A Lab Story” in the full-length category and “Smokey Journey” in the short film category.
Additionally, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) honored films nominated for the Responsableng Paglikha Award, emphasizing responsible filmmaking practices. “Under a Piaya Moon” and student shorts like “Smokey Journey,” “Tiil ni Lola,” and “Kung nag-aatubili” received recognition for their contributions to responsible filmmaking.
In receiving these accolades, emerging and student directors expressed their commitment to upholding responsible filmmaking practices in all their future endeavors.
During the awarding ceremony for major and minor awards, ten student directors were also granted Production Workshop Scholarships.
The Cine Panalo Festival, which made its debut in 2023, has quickly become a beacon of creativity and innovation within the Philippine film industry.
“Be assured that Puregold will continue to uphold the power of storytelling to inspire, to have a voice, to provoke thought, and foster connection to win in life,” Hayagan said.
Due to popular demand and overwhelming support from audiences, the festival will now continue to showcase its lineup of exceptional films until March 20 and onwards, Chris Cahilig, the Festival Director of Cine Panalo Film Festival, announced on Monday, March 18, via his Facebook page.
Image credits: John Eiron R. Francisco