KD Estrada, Allen Dizon, Kira Balinger and Jameson Blake. Photos by Josh Mercado
MANILA -- Some of the industry's finest stars, including ABS-CBN's KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad, gathered for the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 grand launch on Friday in Quezon City.
The presence of Estrada, Ilacad, and award-winning actors Allen Dizon, Enzo Osorio, Jameson Blake, and JC Santos, demonstrated that the country's film festivals are becoming brighter.
In the case of CinePanalo, despite the fact that it is only in its second year, it has already formed a circle in which established and aspiring filmmakers, as well as newcomers and household name stars, have come together.
It's worth noting that a big company like Puregold is supporting an industry whose primary objective is to entertain, tell stories through visuals, and recognize stars and production people for their talent.
“After an intensely competitive application period, these directors came out on top of the heap. We know they will produce excellent, gripping work and we can’t wait to share these with the viewing public at the upcoming festival,” shared Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, senior marketing manager for Puregold.
On the other hand, festival director Chris Cahilig stated that this year's edition is surprisingly packed with stars and veteran filmmakers who are supporting the event.
“Grabe ‘yung support. CinePanalo is continuously leveling up. I can’t imagine coming from last year na parang we were experimenting lang. We didn’t know na it will go so fast. Sa mga sumuporta sa amin nung umpisa pa lang, we’re so happy. Thanks to MTRCB, Gateway Cineplex 18, Mowelfund, Terminal Six, CMB Films, and MFP Rentals,” he said.
At the press conference, rising star Estrada told ABS-CBN News that he prepped his body for his role, which required him to wear more sleeveless clothing, in addition to his acting preparations.
“Workout kasi marami akong eksena rito na nakasando lang ako. Also, memorizing my lines. I’m very happy to work with direk Jill (Urdaneta) kasi parang parehas kami na very new. I’m new sa acting. We’re sharing this experience together and growing together,” he said.
The official roster for the CinePanalo second edition is as follows, with each receiving P3 million for full-length films and P150,000 for student filmmakers:
1. “Sepak Takraw,” directed by Mes de Guzman, starting Enzo Osorio, Nicollo Castillo, Ruby Ruiz, and Acey Aguilar
2. “Olsen’s Day,” directed by JP Habac, starring Khalil Ramos, Romnick Sarmenta, and Xander Nuda
3. “Tigkiliwi,” directed by Tara Illenberger, stareing Ruby Ruiz, Gabby Padilla, and Julian Paul Larroder
4. “Journeyman,” directed by Christian Paolo Lat & Dominic Lat, starring JC Santos and Jasmine Curtis-Smith
5. “Salum,” directed by TM Malones, starring Allen Dizon and Christine Mary Dimaisip
6. “Co-Love,” directed by Jill Singson Urdaneta, starring KD Estrada, Alexa Ilacad, Kira Balinger, and Jameson Blake
7. “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea,” (documentary), directed by Baby Ruth Villarama
8. “Fleeting,” directed by Catsi Catalan, starring RK Bagatsing and Janella Salvador
The completed films will be shown at Gateway Cineplex 18 from March 14 to 25, 2025.