Vlad Bunoan

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CinePanalo

Josh Mercado

<p>The best 20 student short films from a pool of 267 applications nationally have been revealed by Puregold CinePanalo, which is currently in its third edition. The most talented student filmmakers in the Philippines, who have the potential to influence Philippine cinema in the future, created the chosen submissions, which were selected from an initial top 53 shortlist.</p><p>The 20 student shorts chosen for this year&#x27;s Puregold CinePanalo are as follows: “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; and “TINGI” by Rowan De Aro, Tanza National Comprehensive High School.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769731300843image2 (3).jpeg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-dragging"/></div><p>“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; and “When Heaven Inched Towards Earth” by Vinh Marco, University of the Philippines (Diliman).</p><p>“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); and “Nang Matakasan ang Tagay” by Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines (Diliman).</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769731319083image0 (6).jpeg" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>This year&#x27;s more expansive CinePanalo, which grants a production grant of P200,000 and sponsorship of equipment packages to support the creation of their films, will help the young filmmakers behind these top entries.</p><p>Additionally, CinePanalo offers the student filmmakers more educational incentives in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI). In addition to enhanced tuition advantages and professional counseling programs, winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director categories will be eligible for full scholarships at APFI.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1769731330800image1 (5).jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px"/></div><p>“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 tobring 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,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, senior marketing manager of Puregold.</p><p>A festival devoted to promoting young Filipino voices and their craft, CinePanalo is now a well-known venue in the Filipino film industry. Since its launch, the festival has given student filmmakers grants totaling hundreds of thousands of pesos, giving them chances for exposure and professional growth.</p><p>The festival, which will take place at Gateway Cineplex 18 and a few Ayala Cinemas from September 23 to October 4, will feature seven full-length feature films in addition to 20 student shorts.</p><p>Alumni films have screened and won prizes at prestigious film festivals both locally and internationally, while films created and released through earlier Puregold CinePanalo festivals have gone on to receive critical acclaim.</p>

<p>The best 20 student short films from a pool of 267 applications nationally have been revealed by Puregold CinePanalo, which is currently in its third edition.</p>

The best 20 student short films from a pool of 267 applications nationally have been revealed by Puregold CinePanalo, which is currently in its third edition.

CinePanalo 2026 reveals top 20 student short films

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CinePanalo 2026 reveals top 20 student short films

Josh Mercado

Published January 30, 2026 10:57 AM PHT

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