The complete lineup for the upcoming 2025 Puregold CinePanalo has now been finalized, with the announcement of the twenty-five student films to be showcased at the festival under the short film category. The promising young filmmakers will each receive a P150,000 production grant. Finalists were selected from the hundreds of initial applicants to the contest. While the finalists come from various schools nationwide, two dominate the current lineup. Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) holds the record, with six students selected for the festival. University of the Philippines Diliman followed close behind, with five representatives making it into the festival, and an additional two from UP Visayas were also selected.
The complete list of selected student finalists includes: Adelbert Abrigonda (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Allan M. Balance Jr. (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Angel Allizon Cruz (University of Santo Tomas), Carlos Dala (University of the Philippines Diliman), Roniño Dolim (University of Eastern Philippines), Kenneth Flores (Far Eastern University), Austine Rae R. Fresnido (FAITH Colleges), Clyde Cuizon Gamale (University of the Philippines Diliman), Bjorn M. Herrera (Central Philippine University), Maria Eleanor P. Javier (University of the Philippines Visayas), Mae Malaya (University of the Philippines Diliman), Ira Corinne Esquerra Malit (University of Caloocan City), Naiah Nicole Mendoza (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Vhan Marco B. Molacruz (Colegio de San Juan Letran), Jadrien Morales (University of the Philippines Diliman), Regene Narciso (Dalubhasaan ng Lunsod ng San Pablo), Alexie Nicole Pardo (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Kieth Earl B. Rebaño (University of the Philippines Visayas), John Lester Rimorin (University of the Philippines Diliman), Jose Andy Sales (University of San Carlos), Mark Joseph Sanchez (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Aubrey Soriano (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Jasper Tan (Far Eastern University), Johannes Tejero (University of San Carlos), and Sean Rafael A. Verdejo (National University Laguna).
“Puregold CinePanalo aims to champion the future visionaries of Philippine cinema,” said Puregold President Vincent Co. “We are here to provide a platform and support for these talented young artists, and we look forward to sharing their panalo stories with the public.”
In addition to the twenty-five finalists, Puregold also released a list of five honorable mentions. If any selected finalists cannot proceed with the competition, their place in the festival will be granted to one of the honorable mentions instead. The five honorable mentions include: Victoriano L. Arroyo (University of the Philippines Visayas), Jamal M. Baulo (Mindanao State University), Donnie C. Delos Reyes (University of the Philippines Visayas), Vannece Llera (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), and Abdul Hakhem R. Serad (Mindanao State University).
“The student short film category was highly competitive this year,” said Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “With so many exceptional entries from across the country, we’re proud to highlight our honorable mentions. We’re confident these student filmmakers will be ready to step up and shine at the festival should the opportunity arise.”
Hayagan-Piedad also acts as one of the festival directors for the Puregold CinePanalo. She was part of the Selection Committee that put together the festival lineup, alongside fellow festival director Chris Cahilig, award-winning director Kurt Soberano, screenplay writer Jinkee Laurel, and representatives of Republic Creative Creations, Inc., Sonny Bautista and Lyle Gonzales.
The twenty-five student shorts will be screened alongside eight feature films at the festival proper at Gateway Cinemas from March 14 to 25, 2025.