CinePanalo 2025 announces star-studded lineup of 8 full-length films and 24 short films

The CinePanalo Film Festival 2025, organized by Puregold, is set to bring more excitement and star power to its second edition.

The festival, which will run from March 14 to 25, 2025, at Gateway Cineplex 18 in Quezon City, promises a showcase of inspiring stories with the theme ‘Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay.’

This year, CinePanalo is raising the stakes with increased grants for its participants. Each full-length film finalist will receive ₱3 million, while student filmmakers in the short film category will be awarded ₱150,000 each.

These enhancements reflect Puregold’s commitment to empowering filmmakers and bringing authentic Filipino stories to the forefront of local cinema.

“We are continuously leveling up CinePanalo. From last year’s experiment, we’ve grown so much, and we’re grateful for the overwhelming support,” said Festival Director Chris Cahilig during the official announcement of entries on January 24.

This year’s lineup includes eight full-length films, featuring some of the country’s most talented actors and actresses. Here are the official entries:

Sepak Takraw
Directed by Mes de Guzman
Starring Enzo Osorio, Nicollo Castillo, Ruby Ruiz, and Acey Aguilar

Olsen’s Day
Directed by JP Habac
Starring Khalil Ramos, Romnick Sarmenta, and Xander Nuda

Tigkiliwi
Directed by Tara Illenberger
Starring Ruby Ruiz, Gabby Padilla, and Julian Paul Larroder

Journeyman
Directed by Christian Paolo Lat & Dominic Lat
Starring JC Santos and Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Salum
Directed by TM Malones
Starring Allen Dizon and Christine Mary Dimaisip

Co-Love
Directed by Jill Singson Urdaneta
Starring KD Estrada, Alexa Ilacad, Jameson Blake, and Kira Balinger

Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea (Documentary)
Directed by Baby Ruth Villarama

Fleeting
Directed by Catsi Catalan
Starring Janella Salvador and RK Bagatsing

Kapamilya loveteam KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad, stars of Co-Love, expressed their excitement for their first entry in CinePanalo. KD shared how he prepared physically for his role, while Alexa encouraged fans to support all the entries in the festival.

“I’m very happy to work with Direk Jill because we’re both growing in this experience,” KD said during the event.

CinePanalo 2025 will also feature 24 student short films from various universities across the Philippines. Among the standout entries are:

1. Adelbert Abrigonda (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Dan, En Pointe”
2. Allan M. Balance Jr. (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Cancer Din Ang Zodiac Sign Mo?”
3. Angel Allizon Cruz (University of Santo Tomas) – “Dito, Dati”
4. Roniño Dolim (University of Eastern Philippines) – “Sine-Sine”
5. Kenneth Flores (Far Eastern University) – “1… 2… Strike!!!”
6. Austine Rae R. Fresnido (FAITH Colleges) – “Sa Susunod Sisikat si Susan”
7. Clyde Cuizon Gamale (University of the Philippines) – “Champ Green”
8. Bjorn M. Herrera (Central Philippine University) – “Nanay’s Frankenstein”
9. Maria Eleanor P. Javier (University of the Philippines Visayas) – “Mother at Sixty”
10. Producer Ivan Gentolizo representing Mae Malaya (University of the Philippines) – “Sisenta!”
11. Ira Corinne Esquerra Malit (University of Caloocan City) – “SamPie”
12. Naiah Nicole Mendoza (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Taympers”
13. Vhan Marco B. Molacruz (Colegio de San Juan de Letran) – “Uwian”
14. Jadrien Morales (University of the Philippines) – “Let’s Go Somewhere Else”
15. Regene Narciso (Dalubhasaan ng Lunsod ng San Pablo) – “Papunta Ka Pa Lang, Naka-Bounce Na Ako”
16. Alexie Nicole Pardo (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Checkmate”
17. Kieth Earl B. Rebaño (University of the Philippines Visayas) – “Daeaura”
18. John Lester Rimorin (University of the Philippines) – “Japan Surplus”
19. Jose Andy Sales (University of San Carlos) – “G!”
20. Mark Joseph Sanchez (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Our One and Only Bab(o)y”
21. Aubrey Soriano (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) – “Si Nadia at ang Kanyang mga Kuro-Kuro”
22. Jasper Tan (Far Eastern University) – “Sa Pagbunga”
23. Johannes Tejero (University of San Carlos) – “Daog, Pildi”
24. Sean Rafael A. Verdejo (National University Laguna) – “Dela Cruz, Juan P.”

The launch event was graced by representatives from the festival’s partners, including MTRCB, Mowelfund, Gateway Cineplex 18, and more. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, senior marketing manager of Puregold, praised the filmmakers for their dedication to crafting meaningful stories.

“These directors and student filmmakers bring unique perspectives that resonate with Filipinos. We’re excited to see their work come to life during the festival,” she said.

Since its inception, CinePanalo has aimed to empower local filmmakers while highlighting the depth of Filipino talent and storytelling. Last year’s entries gained international recognition, with several films being screened at prestigious global festivals.