Friday, March 21, 2025
Advance Celebration of 'World Poetry Day' Successfully Held at Kamuning Bakery Cafe
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Sharon Cuneta’s Return to Her Real Heart
FOR decades, Sharon Cuneta has been synonymous with the word “megastar.”
She’s been the queen of both the big screen and the concert stage, capturing hearts with her iconic ballads, unforgettable drama roles, and undeniable relatability. From portraying the resilient, everyday Filipina to being the voice of the people, Sharon has made a lasting impact on every Filipino’s life, both onscreen and off.
This time, the megastar is back and on a new mission alongside her husband, former Senator Kiko Pangilinan, and together, they’re advocating for a cause that hits close to home: the Filipino family’s right to affordable, nutritious food.
SHARON CUNETA & KIKO PANGILINAN
Sharon’s connection with the masses has always been effortless. Whether in a blockbuster film, sold-out concerts, or viral social media posts about everything from food to family, Sharon’s reach is undeniable. So, when she steps in to amplify Kiko’s advocacy for Filipino farmers and food security, it’s a natural fit—a perfect blend of star power and heartfelt purpose.
Their new TVC, “Pag may Kiko, may Sharon,” may seem playful at first, but behind the catchy slogan is a strong and serious message. Sharon’s films have always centered around family and overcoming struggles, while Kiko’s policies focus on securing affordable food and fair opportunities for farmers. Sharon’s iconic “baon” scenes are a beautiful metaphor for the couple’s mission — one delivering warmth, the other delivering tangible solutions. It’s a perfect match: one brings the heart, the other brings the action.
Now, let’s talk about one of the most beloved aspects of this campaign: Sharon and her “baon.” For many Filipinos, “Sharon” has become synonymous with taking home leftovers, because, let’s face it, who can resist food that’s too good to waste? The ad cleverly taps into this familiar cultural concept to highlight a deeper issue — Filipinos shouldn’t have to struggle to put good food on the table, and Sharon and Kiko want to make sure they don’t.
In a particularly poignant scene, Sharon enters a party and, seeing how food portions have become smaller, realizes that even the leftovers she’d usually take home are now a luxury. It’s funny, yes, but it’s also a stark reflection of the rising food prices and inflation many Filipinos face. Enter Kiko — the man with a plan.
Kiko isn’t just the man behind Sharon’s megastar glow — he’s a man who has worked tirelessly to pass laws aimed at supporting Filipino farmers and fisherfolks, securing food stability, and ultimately lowering food prices. While Sharon brings the charm and wit that endears her to millions, Kiko is the one who’s been fighting the real battles to fix the country’s food system.
This latest campaign, with its perfect blend of humor and heart, addresses the huge issue of inflation and its ripple effects. Why do ordinary Filipinos only get spaghetti or pancit on birthdays? Why is ham a once-a-year treat? Why do our farmers work so hard but still struggle to feed their own families?
Kiko has the answers, and with Sharon’s star power by his side, more people are taking notice.
Sharon has always fought for what she believes in — just as she fought for Kiko in the 2022 election, through heartbreak and setbacks. As with all Sharon Cuneta stories, there’s always a comeback, and this one is for the future of the Filipino family.
Together with Kiko, Sharon is making sure the Filipino people’s needs are heard, with a powerful message that food security is not just a policy — it’s a way to give every family a brighter, more sustainable future.
With Kiko bringing the solutions and Sharon bringing the heart and star power, this partnership might just be the breakthrough in helping every Filipino family enjoy the basic right to affordable, nutritious food.
And with Sharon’s star power, who’s going to argue with that?
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
'Salum' and 'Champ Green' shine bright at the Puregold CinePanalo 2025: Khalil, JP and Ruby nabbed top acting awards
“The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will always be fueled by a deep love for the art of cinema, and an even deeper ambition to show what Philippine talent and passion has to offer,” said Festival Chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad. “With the CinePanalo having reached a successful second edition, the possibilities are now endless. We can’t wait for all the wonderful films yet to grace the Puregold CinePanalo in all the years to come.” Salum, Champ Green, and all the other full-length and student short films of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 will continue to screen exclusively at the Gateway Cineplex 18, Cubao, Quezon City until the closing of the festival on March 25.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
FFCCCII Hosts Spectacular Premiere of Global Blockbuster “Ne Zha 2” to Celebrate Philippines-China Friendship & Cultural Unity
QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – In a dazzling celebration of cinema and cross-cultural camaraderie, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), led by President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, hosted an exclusive media premiere of the record-shattering animated epic “Ne Zha 2” at Fisher Mall’s VIP Premiere Theater.
This global phenomenon, now ranked as the world’s #1 animated box-office hit and the 5th highest-grossing film in cinematic history, has ignited screens worldwide with its breathtaking animation, heart-pounding action, and universal themes of courage, family, and resilience.
Marking a highlight of FFCCCII’s 50th or Golden Anniversary celebrations of Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations this year on June 9, the event underscored the power of storytelling to unite nations. As the film rolls out across Asia, 37 European countries and other regions, critics from The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and beyond have hailed “Ne Zha 2” as a groundbreaking triumph of Asian creativity—a visual and emotional tour de force rivaling Hollywood’s finest.
Welcoming media guests were FFCCCII President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, VP Jeffrey Ng, VP Frank Co, Secretary General Dr. Fernando Gan, Board Member Wilson Lee Flores, Director Eddy Cobankiat, Director Patrick Cua.
A Cinematic Masterpiece Electrifies Global Audiences
Praised for its “stunning world-class animation” (Variety), “mythological mayhem” (South China Morning Post), and “technical brilliance on par with Disney and Studio Ghibli” (Hollywood Reporter), “Ne Zha 2” blends jaw-dropping martial arts spectacles, whimsical humor, and profound moral lessons into an unforgettable saga.
- Carlos Aguilar, Variety: “Surpassing its predecessor in visual ambition and kinetic intensity… a breathtaking achievement.”
- Elizabeth Kerr, Hollywood Reporter: “A distinct fantasy epic that stands tall alongside the best of global animation.”
- John Lui, The Straits Times: “A fever dream of mythological chaos—unapologetically Asian, wildly inventive.”
Guests at the premiere reveled in VIP luxury, lounging in premium Lazyboy chairs with charging ports, savoring free popcorn and drinks, and cozying up with blankets—a testament to FFCCCII’s commitment to delivering an experience as extraordinary as the film itself.
FFCCCII is the umbrella federation of 178 Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce nationwide from Aparri to Tawi Tawi, which espouses progressive economic advocacies and diverse socio-civic charities.
Luxe White's shocking goodbye and comeback: Michelle Marquez Dee and Rhian Ramos revealed as the brand ambassadors
Friday, March 14, 2025
Mainstream stars and indie icons vie for 'Puregold CinePanalo 2025' acting awards
THE competition is fierce for the top acting awards in this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival. The festival’s awarding body just released the official list of nominees for the festival’s acting awards, highlighting the cream of the crop in an already stacked lineup of performances.
From longtime industry veterans to up and comers of all ages, the nominee list for this year’s festival demonstrates the immense talent working in Philippine cinema today. The nominee list for this year includes noted actors returning to the CinePanalo, industry superstars, as well as young actors still looking to make their big break in movies.
The nominees for the full-length acting categories are as follows:
Panalong Aktres
● Janella Salvador, Fleeting
● Christine Mary Demaisip, Salum
● Ruby Ruiz, Tigkiliwi
Panalong Aktor
● RK Bagatsing, Fleeting
● Khalil Ramos, Olsen’s Day
● JP Larroder, Tigkiliwi
● JC Santos, Journeyman
● KD Estrada, Co-Love
● Jameson Blake, Co-Love
● Enzo Osorio, Sepak Takraw
● Allen Dizon, Salum
Panalong Pangalawang Aktres
● Sherry Lara, Olsen’s Day
● Che Ramos, Olsen’s Day
● Gabby Padilla, Tigkiliwi
● Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Journeyman
● Alexa Ilacad, Co-Love
● Kira Balinger, Co-Love
Panalong Pangalawang Aktor
● Raffy Tejada, Journeyman
● Romnick Sarmenta, Olsen’s Day
● Bodjie Pascua, Olsen’s Day
● Jeffrey Jiruma, Tigkiliwi
● Nathan Sotto, Tigkiliwi
The full-length acting nominees were selected from the festival’s seven feature films by a distinguished jury that includes renowned directors Jeffery Jeturian and Mae Cruz-Alviar, writer and producer Moira Lang, Estonian festival director of Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival Tiinna Lokk, Republic Creative Creations Inc.’s representatives Sonny Bautista and Lyle Gonzales, festival director Christopher Cahilig, and festival chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad.
Meanwhile, the acting nominees from the student shorts categories include:
Panalong Aktres
● Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino, “Sisenta!”
● Geraldine Villamil, “Uwian”
● Atasha Eve Franco, “Taympers”
● Sue Prado, “Sa Susunod Sisikat si Susan”
● Yani Villarosa, “Si Nadia at ang Kanyang mga Kuro-Kuro”
● Marian Namanama, “Champ Green”
● Angela Jane Delgado, “Daeaura”
Panalong Aktor
● Lucas Martin, “Sampie”
● Jasper John, “Dela Cruz, Juan P.”
● Ronjaé Realubin, “Dan, En Pointe”
● Ethan Lloyd Loyogoy, “Sine-Sine”
● AJ Benoza, “Checkmate”
● John Clark Tapales, “G!”
● Benjie Belena, “Sa Pagbunga”
Panalong Pangalawang Aktres
● Uzziel Delamide, “Uwian”
● Miel Espinoza, “Taympers”
● Zoey Lim, “SamPie”
● Maria Miranda, “Our One and Only Bab(o)y”
● Carla Zarcal, “Sisenta!”
● Misha Fabian, “Dela Cruz, Juan P.”
● Dada Garcia, “Dela Cruz, Juan P.”
Panalong Pangalawang Aktor
● Ryan John Nazario, “G!”
● Chino Alfonso, “Dan, En Pointe”
● Sol Eugenio, “Champ Green”
● Eddie Arca, “Sine-Sine”
● Esteban Mara, “Dela Cruz, Juan P.”
● Timothy Morales, “Let’s Go Somewhere Else”
The student shorts jury comprised of renowned directors Victor Villanueva, Tony Reyes, and Emmanuel dela Cruz; noted film critic Lito Zulueta; actress Jan Marini; as well as Hayagan-Piedad, Cahilig, Bautista and Gonzales.
Official winners will be announced at the 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night to be held at The Elements at Centris this coming March 19. Nominees, cast, and crew will be in attendance to celebrate the finest efforts from this year’s festival.
All seven full-length films and the 24 student shorts can be watched exclusively at the Gateway Cineplex 18 in Quezon City. The 2025 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is conducted in partnership with Terminal Six, CMB Film Services Inc., Gateway Cineplex 18, MFP Rentals, MTRCB, & Mowelfund Film Institute.
Tickets can be purchased for P250, while a discounted rate of P200 is available for students, PWDs, senior citizens, and members of Tindahan ni Aling Puring and Perks Card holders.
For a complete festival experience, the Puregold CinePanalo Festival Pass offers access to all official movie entries for P2,000. Tickets can be booked in advance at www.gatewaycineplex18.com.
The full festival schedule can be seen at this link: bit.ly/2025PCPFFSCHEDULE.
For more updates, subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok.