25 student filmmakers across PH to compete in Puregold CinePanalo 2025

With 25 student films selected to be showcased at the festival, the official lineup for the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo short film category has been revealed. A P150,000 production grant will be awarded to each finalist to support their film projects.

Selected from hundreds of initial applicants, the finalists represent schools from across the country. Two universities stand out in the current lineup. Polytechnic University of the Philippines leads with six students chosen for the festival, followed closely by the University of the Philippines Diliman with five representatives. Additionally, two students from UP Visayas were also selected.

Here is the complete list of student finalists:

1. Abrigonda, Adelbert – Polytechnic University of the Philippines
2. Balance Jr., Allan M. – Polytechnic University of the Philippines
3. Cruz, Angel Allizon – University of Santo Tomas
4. Dala, Carlos – University of the Philippines Diliman
5. Dolim, Roniño – University of Eastern Philippines
6. Flores, Kenneth – Far Eastern University
7. Fresnido, Austine Rae R. – FAITH Colleges
8. Gamale, Clyde Cuizon – University of the Philippines Diliman
9. Herrera, Bjorn M. – Central Philippine University
10. Javier, Maria Eleanor P. – University of the Philippines Visayas
11. Malaya, Mae – University of the Philippines Diliman
12. Malit, Ira Corinne Esquerra – University of Caloocan City
13. Mendoza, Naiah Nicole – Polytechnic University of the Philippines
14. Molacruz, Vhan Marco B. – Colegio de San Juan Letran
15. Morales, Jadrien – University of the Philippines Diliman
16. Narciso, Regene – Dalubhasaan ng Lunsod ng San Pablo
17. Pardo, Alexie Nicole – Polytechnic University of the Philippines
18. Rebaño, Kieth Earl B. – University of the Philippines Visayas
19. Rimorin, John Lester – University of the Philippines Diliman
20. Sales, Jose Andy – University of San Carlos
21. Sanchez, Mark Joseph – Polytechnic University of the Philippines
22. Soriano, Aubrey – Polytechnic University of the Philippines
23. Tan, Jasper – Far Eastern University
24. Tejero, Johannes – University of San Carlos
25. Verdejo, Sean Rafael A. – 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.”

On top of 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:

1. Arroyo, Victoriano L. – University of the Philippines Visayas
2. Baulo, Jamal M. – Mindanao State University
3. Delos Reyes, Donnie C. – University of the Philippines Visayas
4. Llera, Vannece – Polytechnic University of the Philippines
5. Serad, Abdul Hakhem R. – 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 also was part of the Selection Committee that put together the festival lineup. Joining her on the Selection Committee were 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 Cineplex from March 14 to 25, 2025.