The Top 20 Student Shorts for Puregold Cinepanalo 2026 Film Fest
On its third iteration, Puregold Cinepanalo will serve as a stage for the Philippines’ most promising young filmmakers
Words Marc Nathaniel Servo
Photo Courtesy of Puregold Cinepanalo
February 18, 2026
Photo by Gab Cruz for Our One and Only Bob(o)y | Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025
Dedicated to amplifying the voice of the Filipino youth, Puregold Cinepanalo released the top 20 official student shorts that will make up the titular film festival schedule for September 23 to October 4, 2026 at the Araneta City’s Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, alongside seven full-length feature films.
From a huge pool of 267 submissions nationwide, the jury cut down the selection to the initial Top 53 shortlist, before the final 20 shorts expected to garner critical acclaim and awards at notable film festivals here and abroad.
“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,” Ms. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, stated.
The following are the 20 Student Shorts selected for this year’s Puregold Cinepanalo
“Starfish” by John Clite Apolinar, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
“Alumahan” by Christian Melvin 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)
These young filmmakers behind the selected entries will receive a production grant amounting to Php 200,000, and sponsorship of equipment packages to support their shoot.
“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,” Hayagan-Piedad added.
In partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI), Puregold Cinepanalo also offers an expanded educational incentive for student filmmakers. Winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director categories will be eligible for full scholarships at APFI, alongside additional tuition benefits and career guidance programs.
For more information on the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, you may stay updated through the official festival Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.
