CinemaBravo

The newly released trailers for Puregold CinePanalo 2025 entries have sparked a wave of excitement among Filipino cinephiles, setting the stage for a festival packed with powerful narratives and diverse genres — from romance and drama to mystery, sports, and documentaries.

“These trailers offer just a peek into the powerful and deeply moving stories that Puregold CinePanalo 2025 is bringing to audiences,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s senior marketing manager and festival chair. “Each film brings a unique voice, a fresh perspective, and a compelling narrative that deserves to be experienced on the big screen. We invite everyone to be part of this celebration of Filipino storytelling—because these are films you wouldn’t want to miss.”

In the trailer for Co-Love, which stars Jameson Blake, KD Estrada, Alexa Ilacad, and Kira Balinger, two pairs of online influencers are entangled in fierce competition and acrimonious breakups. Can the protagonists dispel romantic hijinx in Jill Singson Urdaneta’s film?

The trailer for Fleeting depicts both the strong chemistry between lead actors Janella Salvador and RK Bagatsing and the simmering tension between them. With the film set amid the scenic views of Mati, a coastal city of Mati in Davao Oriental, romance looms in the horizon. Fleeting marks Catsi Catalan’s debut as a feature film director.

The Olsen’s Day trailer introduces us to Khalil Ramos’ titular character taking a big bite out of his birthday cake. Viewers get glimpses of a significant road trip with Olsen behind the wheel as he reflects on life, family, and the future. Directed by JP Habac, Olsen’s Day inspires viewers to ruminate on struggles that many of them can relate to.

Tigkiliwi’s trailer features deeply foreboding scenes filled with grief, graveyards, and even talk of a sinister flesh-eating creature. Written and directed by Tara Illenberger, Tigkiliwi dips into the darker aspects of the Filipino psyche.

The trailer for Salum takes viewers into the deep where a scallop diver aspires to find treasures of the sea and uplift his struggling family. The dramatic plot and stunning underwater sequences in TM Malones’ film are sure to leave the audience breathless.

Journeyman presents a take on the classic sports story. Its trailer shows boxer JC Santos as a “professional loser” taking intentional dives in his fights. The film, helmed by brothers Christian Paolo and Dominic Lat, promises to be one of the more thrilling entries in the festival this year.

Sepak Takraw presents the sports genre from a more youthful perspective, with its trailer showing two brothers joining the same team playing the titular sport. Mes de Guzman uses the game of sepak takraw to bring her characters closer and confront them with questions of family and cultural identity.

Meanwhile, Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea has been pulled out from the competition.

Here’s the joint statement from festival director Chris Cahilig and documentary filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama.

“We regret to confirm that ‘Food Delivery, Fresh from the West Philippine Sea’ has been pulled out from the CinePanalo Festival. While the decision was made jointly by the festival organizers and film creators, it is clear that external factors played a role in this outcome.

“We appreciate the continued support from those who believe in the film’s importance and will announce alternative screenings soon.”

Where and how to watch

The film gives viewers a quick, dramatic look at the challenges Filipino fishermen encounter as they ply their trade in the West Philippine Sea. It was supposed to be the first-ever documentary for this film festival.

All full-length films and student short selections will screen exclusively at Gateway Cineplex 18 from March 14 to 25, 2025.

Regular tickets are priced at Php 250, while discounted tickets for students, PWDs, senior citizens, Tindahan ni Aling Puring, and Perks Card members are available for Php 200.

For those who want the full festival experience, the Puregold CinePanalo Festival Pass grants access to all official movie entries for Php 2,000. Advance ticket booking is available at www.gatewaycineplex18.com.