Mc Richard Paglicawan
The CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 honored the best of Filipino cinema in a star-studded awards night on March 19 in Quezon City, where Hiligaynon films ‘Salum’ and ‘Tigkiliwi’ emerged as the biggest winners.
The Best Picture (Pinakapanalong Pelikula) award in the full-length category was given to ‘Salum’, a film by TM Malones, which also took home Best in Production Design, Best in Sound Design, and Best Musical Scoring.
Meanwhile, ‘Tigkiliwi’, directed by Tara Illenberger, received the Jury Prize (Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado) and won a total of seven trophies, making it the most awarded film of the night. Among its accolades were: Best Actress (Panalong Aktres): Ruby Ruiz, Best Actor (Panalong Aktor): JP Larroder (tie), Best Supporting Actress (Gabby Padilla), Best Supporting Actor (Jeffrey Jiruma), Best Screenplay and Best Ensemble.
Festival director Chris Cahilig noted the festival’s strong showing of regional films and how it signals a bright future for Philippine cinema: “Napakaganda ng level ng competition this year. Iba na talaga ang kalidad ng pelikula, lalo na sa regional films. Malinaw ang kinabukasan ng ating industriya.”
Joining the Best Actor category was Kapuso star Khalil Ramos, who won for his role in ‘Olsen’s Day’, tying with JP Larroder of ‘Tigkiliwi’. Ramos expressed his gratitude: “Lahat tayo ay minsan naliligaw. Pero gaano man kahirap ang biyahe, tandaan natin na tayo pa rin ang nasa likod ng manibela.”
In the student shorts category, Mindanaoan film ‘Champ Green’ was named Best Picture, bagging a total of five awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Sol Eugenio).
The Best Director award went to JP Habac for ‘Olsen’s Day’, while the Best Cinematography award was shared between ‘Journeyman’ (Dominic Lat) and ‘Olsen’s Day’ (Kara Moreno).
