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| Festival Director Chris Cahilig at the grand mediacon of CPFF 2026. Below, the official poster of the seven full-length movie entries |
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026, definitely, is a massive hit and a phenomenal success, driven by a combination of larger funding for directors, wider cinema distribution, and high-quality films featuring popular stars.
According to Festival Director Chris Cahilig, the influx of crowds, length of queues, and number of sold-out screenings exceeded their expectations from its opening on September 23 until its conclusion on October 4, 2026.
Here are the main reasons why it was overwhelmingly embraced by viewers:
1. Record-Breaking ₱5 Million Production Grant In its third year, Puregold raised the production grant to ₱5 million for each of the seven full-length films—the largest in the history of Philippine film festivals. This bigger budget enabled filmmakers to elevate production quality, visual effects, and the overall aesthetic of the films.
2. Removal of "Genre Restrictions" and Unique Stories Unlike in previous years when stories were tied to a single theme, genre restrictions were lifted for 2026. This resulted in bolder, more unique, and diverse types of films.
Unique Blend of Genres: Features included queer ghost stories, horror, comedy, magical realism, and serious dramas about life and death.
Balanced Programming: The lineup was balanced between high-social-impact films, arthouse films with potential for international festivals, and entertaining commercial films that clicked at the box office.
3. Star-Studded Lineup and Talented Artists The entries drew massive crowds of fans due to the popular and award-winning actors who starred in them, many of whom won awards at the recent Awards Night on September 30:
OPM icon and actor Juan Karlos Labajo (Best Actor) for Mono No Aware, which also took home Best Picture.
Xyriel Manabat (Best Actress), who was widely praised for her performance in Stuck on You.
Other prominent names such as John Arcilla, Zanjoe Marudo, Ian Pangilinan, Khalil Ramos, Joross Gamboa, Internet sensation Sassa Gurl, and TV5’s darling Zion Cruz, who won Best Child Actor for his debut movie, Apol of my Ai.
4. Wider Screening Distribution (Ayala Malls Partnership) The films were made much more accessible to the public through the festival's partnership with Ayala Malls Cinemas. Aside from its original home at Gateway Cineplex 18, the film entries were also screened at major malls such as TriNoma, Market! Market!, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Circuit, and Manila Bay.
5. Value-for-Money and Affordable Promos The ticket prices were also enticing to the public, set at ₱250 for regular tickets and a discounted price of ₱200 for students, senior citizens, and PWDs. Furthermore, many were attracted by the promo where every ticket purchased came with a free grocery bag from Puregold (while supplies last), making viewers truly feel that their cinema experience was a total "win" (panalo).
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| Global Fusion Media had a chance for photo op with Chris and Lesell Kohli with staff (below) on the 3rd day of the festival |
Catch the last day of showing today, especially at Gateway 2 Cineplex, and witness the influx of moviegoers and how they truly enjoy receiving freebies from sponsors: Puregold - - and the many merchandise and brands it carries. These are Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Creamsilk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack’N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, MY San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins and Zonrox.
Puregold President Vincent Co has been receiving credits for the CinePanalo initiatives since year 1 (2024). And with actress Bea Alonzo around, her beauteous wife, the festival is poised to become bigger and more exciting in the years to come!
Congratulations and thank you, Vincent, for your love of filmmaking and cinema!
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