Champ Green and Salum Triumph at Puregold CinePanalo 2025 Awards Night
This year’s Puregold CinePanalo 2025 Film Festival was a celebration of Filipino filmmaking talent, and it was an experience that my daughter Ayen and I truly enjoyed.
As a proud arts student, Ayen was beyond excited to attend and watch both the full-length and student-filmmaker short films. We decided to make a week of it, and while we were both captivated by the full-length films, it was the student shorts that truly captured Ayen's heart.
The evening was a bit of a "puyat" (stay-up-late) for us, but every minute was absolutely worth it. The energy in the air was incredible—especially with all the young filmmakers and students gathered together, cheering for each other's works. It was such a beautiful display of support and camaraderie. Ayen, in particular, loved how everyone her age was equally passionate about cinema, and it made the whole experience even more special.
Out of the 24 films screened, Ayen was especially inspired by Dan, En Pointe. She couldn’t stop talking about how well the transitions were done in the film. It’s not every day you see such creativity from young filmmakers, and it left us both feeling so inspired.
The evening was full of emotion and inspiration, with every film resonating deeply with the audience. Salum, a Hiligaynon full-length film directed by TM Malones, and Champ Green, a Mindanaoan short film, were the big winners of the night, taking home top prizes in their respective categories. The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival’s second edition proved to be a tremendous success, showcasing the raw talent of Filipino filmmakers.
At the awarding ceremony, held on March 19 at The Elements, Eton Centris in Quezon City, Salum was awarded four trophies, including Panalong Pelikula (Best Picture) and Panalo sa Sound Design, among others. The film also won a PhP 250,000 cash prize. Meanwhile, Champ Green impressed the judges and took home a PhP 100,000 cash prize and five trophies in the student shorts category. Ayen was especially proud to see Champ Green win the Panalong Maikling Pelikula (Best Short Film) and several other awards.
But it wasn’t just about the trophies—Champ Green also earned valuable film equipment, which will certainly help elevate future projects from student filmmakers. These included a Black Mist ⅛ Filter, a Nanlite FC 60B, and a Hollyland Lark C1 Wireless Microphone, to name just a few. As Ayen and I discussed the significance of these prizes, it was clear that the festival was about so much more than just competition—it was about supporting the next generation of Filipino filmmakers.
The awards ceremony also honored Tigkiliwi, a charming Hiligaynon film by Tara Illenberger, which bagged seven trophies, including Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado (Best in Jury Selection) and Panalo sa Kwento (Best Story). Journeyman, a film directed by the Lat brothers, also took home a total of six awards, including Panalo sa Cinematography and the Puregold Always Panalo Film Award.
It was truly a night to remember, with each film leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. As we watched the awards unfold, Ayen and I couldn’t help but feel proud to be part of a community that is so passionate about storytelling. It was a celebration of not only the technical aspects of filmmaking but also the heart and soul that go into creating something meaningful.
As an arts student herself, Ayen’s perspective on the festival was deeply enriching. She really connected with the student shorts, and seeing her enthusiasm was such a rewarding part of the evening. There’s something magical about watching young filmmakers, who are just starting to make their mark, being celebrated for their creativity and vision. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting and encouraging the next generation of artists.
The festival will continue to screen the films until March 25 at Gateway Cineplex 18 in Quezon City, with tickets available for both general audiences and students. If you have the chance to attend, I highly recommend it—there’s nothing quite like experiencing the energy and passion of Filipino filmmakers up close.
All in all, the Puregold CinePanalo 2025 Film Festival was not just a celebration of cinema—it was a celebration of the Filipino spirit, creativity, and the bright future of our young filmmakers. For Ayen and me, it was a night full of inspiration, joy, and, most importantly, a deeper love for the art of filmmaking. Panalo indeed!
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
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