CinePanalo, now in its third edition, has unveiled the 20 student short films selected from an impressive pool of 267 submissions nationwide. After narrowing down the entries from an initial top 53, these films represent the best of the Philippines’ emerging student filmmakers, who are destined to shape the future of Philippine cinema.
The 20 student shorts selected for this year’s Puregold CinePanalo are:
“Starfish” by John Clite Apolinar, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
“Alumahan” by Christian Melvin M. Arejola, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
“A MILLION DREAM” by Ace Joven Balleta, University of Eastern Philippines
“Kanibal” by Michael Baylon, University of the Philippines (Visayas)
“Miss Intrams” by Henri Marie C. Belimac, University of the Philippines (Mindanao)
“THE SOUND OF K” by Jay Gabriel A. Cañada, Visayas State University
“TEKS BATTLE: SHOOT PATI PATO!” by John Russel Capule, University of Caloocan City
“TINGI” by Rowan De Aro, Tanza National Comprehensive High School
“Pulis Dunggab” by Maxine Dela Bajan, iACADEMY Cebu
“Kapag Tapos na ang Umpukan” by Justine Lee Estinor, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
“Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan” by Hezekiah M. Estorque, University of the Philippines (Visayas)
“Sa Mga Nagdaan at Lumipas” by Ezaldea Carla Fernandez, University of the Philippines (Open University)
“12 Shots” by Minnesota Flores, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
“No Mad is An Island” by Carl Geronimo, City of Malabon University
“Nakabinbin” by Carlo M. Gula, Colegio de San Juan de Letran – Manila
“When Heaven Inched Towards Earth” by Vinh Marco, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
“Limlim” by Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje, St. Dominic College of Asia
“Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen (The Carabao’s Horns Have Cracked)” by Lloyd Pereira, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
“Kun Hain? Bisan Diin” by Jomarie Reyes, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
“Nang Matakasan ang Tagay” by Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
The filmmakers behind these top entries will receive valuable support from this year’s expanded Puregold CinePanalo. Each selected film will be awarded a production grant of Php 200,000, along with sponsorship of essential equipment packages to help bring their vision to life.
In partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI), CinePanalo introduces expanded educational incentives for student filmmakers. The winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director categories will be eligible for full scholarships at APFI, which includes tuition benefits and career guidance programs to nurture the growth of these young talents.
Ms. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, congratulated the top 20 finalists, emphasizing the significance of their achievement: “Reaching this stage was no easy task. We believe these young filmmakers carry some of the most important stories that need to be told today. We are proud to provide them with a platform to bring these stories to life, and we look forward to seeing how the Filipino audiences connect with and respond to these films created especially for them.”
Now a cornerstone of the Filipino film industry, Puregold CinePanalo continues to amplify young Filipino voices. Since its inception, the festival has awarded substantial grants to student filmmakers, creating unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and exposure.
The festival will take place from September 23 to October 4, 2026, at Araneta City’s Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, where the 20 student shorts will be showcased alongside seven full-length feature films. Previous Puregold CinePanalo alumni have garnered critical acclaim, with their works being featured and winning awards at prestigious film festivals both locally and internationally.
For more updates on the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, stay connected through the official festival Facebook page: facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.
