Veterans and mainstream stars, fearless newcomers head-to-head for Puregold CinePanalo acting awards

FROM acclaimed veterans to mainstream stars and fearless newcomers, some of Philippine cinema’s most exciting performers are going head-to-head for Puregold CinePanalo’s top acting prizes.

There will be no easy wins at this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

Acclaimed veterans, established stars and a new generation of performers are going head-to-head in what is shaping up to be one of the festival’s fiercest acting races yet.

During a livestream on the official Puregold CinePanalo Facebook page, festival director Chris Cahilig announced the actors and actresses nominated for the festival’s top performance prizes.

The nominations set up several intriguing battles ahead of the September 30 awards night, with seasoned actors competing against younger performers and emerging talents making their presence felt alongside some of Philippine cinema’s most recognizable names.

Nowhere is the competition more crowded than in the full-length Panalong Aktor category.

Award-winning actor John Arcilla earned a nomination for “Beast,” facing Joross Gamboa for “Wantawsan”; Ian Pangilinan and Khalil Ramos for “Patay Gutom”; Joao Constancia for “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)”; and Perry Dizon and Juan Karlos Labajo for “Mono No Aware.”

The Panalong Aktres race, meanwhile, pits Xyriel Manabat of “Stuck on You” against Sassa Gurl of “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo),” setting up a head-to-head battle between two performers coming from markedly different career paths.

The supporting categories are just as competitive, with Rita Daniela, Rochelle Pangilinan, Agot Isidro and Momoko Kobayashi competing for Panalong Pangalawang Aktres, while Paolo O’Hara, Roger Naldo and Zanjoe Marudo are up for Panalong Pangalawang Aktor.

The student shorts competition brings another formidable field, including veteran Soliman Cruz alongside emerging actors from the festival’s 19 student films.

The official acting nominees are:

FULL-LENGTH CATEGORY

PANALONG AKTRES

Xyriel Manabat — “Stuck on You”

Sassa Gurl — “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)”

PANALONG AKTOR

Joross Gamboa — “Wantawsan”

John Arcilla — “Beast”

Ian Pangilinan — “Patay Gutom”

Khalil Ramos — “Patay Gutom”

Joao Constancia — “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)”

Perry Dizon — “Mono No Aware”

Juan Karlos Labajo — “Mono No Aware”

PANALONG CHILD PERFORMER

Zion Cruz — “Wantawsan”

Ruslan Jacob — “Beast”

Zion Cruz — “Apol of My Ai”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTRES

Rita Daniela — “Wantawsan”

Rochelle Pangilinan — “Apol of My Ai”

Agot Isidro — “Patay Gutom”

Momoko Kobayashi — “Mono No Aware”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTOR

Paolo O’Hara — “Mono No Aware”

Roger Naldo — “Stuck on You”

Zanjoe Marudo — “Apol of My Ai”

STUDENT SHORTS CATEGORY

PANALONG AKTRES

Pau Baluyan — “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.”

Mariella Cuerpo — “Miss Intrams”

Jonalyn Mateo — “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan”

Belle Francisco — “Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen”

Kyrie Samodio — “12 Shots”

PANALONG AKTOR

Soliman Cruz — “Nakabinbin”

Arjhay Mangulabnan — “No Mad Is an Island”

Jay Gabriel Cañada — “The Sound of K”

VR Relosa — “Starfish”

André Miguel — “When Heaven Inched Towards Earth”

Chino Alfonso — “Nang Matakasan ang Tagay”

PANALONG CHILD PERFORMER

Van Jordan Gacayan — “Pulis Dunggab”

Don Rishmond Cerbito — “Alumahan”

Zoey Madison Lim — “Limlim”

Kenneth Mendoza — “Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTRES

Nour Hooshmand — “Starfish”

Ma. Christina Simon — “Alumahan”

Angela Salga — “Limlim”

Karla Pambid — “12 Shots”

Mika Hamajo — “Miss Intrams”

Diana Palma — “Miss Intrams”

PANALONG PANGALAWANG AKTOR

Jeremy Mayores — “Alumahan”

Nor Domingo — “12 Shots”

Elj Seth Tababa — “Pulis Dunggab”

Kaleb Ong — “When Heaven Inched Towards Earth”

Alfredo Montano — “Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen”

Vic Romano — “No Mad Is an Island” 

The winners will be revealed at the Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night on September 30 at Gateway Cineplex 18.

The 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival runs until October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!

Regular tickets are priced at ₱250, while PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Puregold Perks cardholders can purchase discounted ₱200 tickets.

A ₱2,000 festival pass provides access to all seven full-length films and four sets featuring the festival’s 19 student shorts. Festival passes are available at Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is sponsored by Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Cream Silk, 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 launches 'Teatro Panalo', opens search for outstanding Filipino plays

THE curtain is about to rise on another “panalo” cultural experience from Puregold—this time, one that brings the world of Filipino theater closer to both the artists who create it and the audiences who deserve to experience it.

Further expanding its commitment to champion Filipino creativity and showcase these talents to more audiences, Puregold proudly announces Teatro Panalo, an inaugural theater festival that aims to discover, develop, and stage compelling new one-act plays and musicals by Filipino playwrights.

Produced and organized by Wishbone Collective, Inc. and presented by Puregold, the incubation theater festival is a platform where original works can evolve from script to stage with professional dramaturgical support, production resources, and valuable audience engagement.

Twelve (12) original works—eight (8) straight plays and four (4) musicals—will be selected to receive full production as part of the festival, with each playwright receiving Php 100,000 in financial compensation.

Following the festival, one straight play and one musical will also be awarded full-length development grants, an opportunity for further artistic growth and eventual commercial production.

For Puregold, Teatro Panalo reflects the company’s continuing belief that meaningful experiences should be as accessible as possible, because this is the true “panalo” experience.

“Puregold has always been present in the everyday lives of Filipino communities,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold. 

“Through Teatro Panalo, we hope to be present in another meaningful way by creating spaces where people can come together, exchange new ideas, and see Filipino artistry come to life on stage.”

Hayagan-Piedad said the initiative is rooted in Puregold’s understanding of service as something that extends beyond the transactional.

“Being of service to a community is not limited to what happens inside our stores. It also means listening to what matters to people and supporting experiences that help communities feel seen, connected, and represented,” she said. 

“Theater has the power to create that kind of shared experience.”

Festival Director Vincent de Jesus emphasized that Teatro Panalo is equally about nurturing artists as it is about discovering outstanding material.

“We’re looking for authentic voices, fresh perspectives, and stories that deserve to be seen on the stage,” he said. 

“The festival is designed to help playwrights realize the full potential of their work through collaboration with experienced theater practitioners, while also giving audiences the opportunity to encounter exciting new Filipino stories.”

Submissions are now officially open to amateur and professional Filipino playwrights aged 18 and above at the time of application. Entries may be written in Filipino or English and must be original one-act works, either straight plays or musicals. Adaptations, translations, and AI-generated creative works are not eligible. The festival welcomes submissions across genres, styles, and theatrical forms, provided they are original works intended for approximately 35 to 40 minutes of stage performance.

Interested applicants must submit their entries no later than 11:59 p.m. on September 11, 2026. Applications should include a completed one-act script, synopsis, logline, playwright’s development vision, supporting documents, and, for musical entries, demo recordings.

A shortlist of sixteen (16) plays and eight (8) musicals will be announced on October 6. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their works to the Selection Committee on October 14 to 16, and a final lineup of eight (8) straight plays and four (4) musicals will be announced on October 16.

Selected playwrights will participate in Wishbone’s professional incubation program, which includes dramaturgical guidance, production support, and the opportunity to have their work staged before live audiences during the inaugural festival, currently scheduled for February to March 2027.

De Jesus added, “Original stories have always shaped communities, reflected generations, and inspired change. With Puregold Teatro Panalo, the next great Filipino play may be waiting behind an unopened script. Puregold is inviting playwrights from across the country to bring those stories to the stage.”

Complete festival mechanics, eligibility requirements, and application details are available through the official Puregold Teatro Panalo submission form:

https://bit.ly/PGTeatroPanalo.

'Puregold OPM Con Generations 2026' fills the Big Dome in celebration of OPM across generations

PUREGOLD'S OPM Con Generations 2026, spurred by a high-spirited full-house crowd at the Big Dome, recently delivered Original Pilipino Music’ s biggest and boldest celebration yet with a lineup featuring some of the country’ s most sensational names in music.

Held on July 11 at the Araneta Coliseum, OPM Con knocked it out of the park once more with a remarkable gathering of OPM talent— a feat made possible only by Puregold.

The concert capped weeks of anticipation after tickets were sold out in just two days.

Puregold OPM Con Generations 2026 presented a pool of established OPM icons comprising the country’ s most influential music acts and a roster of emerging artists in one event. 

With thousands of fans filling up the cavernous venue, the evening became a tribute to the artists, songs, and communities that have shaped OPM across generations.

“The Big Dome has long been a home to some of OPM’ s most iconic acts and unforgettable performances, and seeing it come alive once again for Filipino music is something Puregold will always be proud of,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold Price Club Inc. 

“ OPM has the power to bring generations together. Puregold is deeply grateful to the artists, fans, communities, partners, and everyone who helped turn this vision into a true historical moment for OPM.”

Headlined by SB19, Ben&Ben, Alamat, Flow G, Skusta Clee, SunKissed Lola, G22, KAIA, and XONARA, OPM Con showcased the breadth of modern Original Pilipino Music. 

The performers represented a wide spectrum of genres and styles, from P-pop, folk-pop, and alternative music to hip-hop and contemporary pop, highlighting the richness of today’ s music scene.

The sense of community that has become synonymous with OPM Con was evident throughout the evening. Families, friends, and fandoms came together under one roof, united by a shared appreciation for Filipino music regardless of genre or generation. 

Their enthusiasm carried through every performance, with deafening cheers, sing-alongs, and thunderous applause, creating an atmosphere that never let up from the opening number to the final encore.

Beyond the performances themselves, the landmark event attested to the increasing enthusiasm in Filipino music and the people who champion it. The overwhelming turnout of the audience underscored the extraordinary response to this year's OPM Con while serving as a powerful reminder of OPM's deep-rooted place in Pinoy culture and the passionate audiences that proudly embrace it. 

With three successful editions to its name, Puregold OPM Con continues to grow alongside the Filipino music industry it proudly supports. Over the years, it has become one of the country’ s leading platforms uniting artists, fans, and music lovers through a shared love for OPM. 

As Filipino music evolves, Puregold remains committed to creating experiences that keep that connection alive.

Five tips for having the best time at Puregold OPM Con Generations 2026

 

ONE oxytocin-fueled night, powerhouse OPM acts, and thousands of fans—all these await concertgoers at Puregold OPM Con Generations 2026, the sold-out music event that’s touted to be one of the country’s biggest and loudest celebrations of Original Pilipino Music. 

 

Returning to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 11, this year's edition raises the bar with its most diverse lineup yet, bringing together SB19, Ben&Ben, Alamat, Flow G, Skusta Clee, SunKissed Lola, G22, KAIA, and XONARA in one spectacular show. 

 

From P-pop and hip-hop to folk-pop and rock, the talents in this year’s concert showcase the many sounds shaping today’s OPM landscape. 

If you’re among the lucky fans who have secured tickets, here are five tips to help you make the most of your OPM Con experience:

 

Stay hydrated and fuel your energy. Concerts can test your endurance, especially with a packed lineup. To sustain your energy throughout the show, remember to drink plenty of water and eat a full meal before entering the venue. Kindly note that reusable tumblers, drinks, and food are not permitted inside.

 

Arrive early—and explore the venue. As with any major concert, expect long lines for security checks and venue entry, especially as showtime approaches. Showing up two to three hours before the concert gives you enough time to clear security, find your seat, and explore the exciting brand booths in the vicinity before the show begins. 

While in the area, make time to visit the Negosyo Fan Zone located at the second floor of Puregold Cubao, where several local businesses will be offering handmade and custom fan merchandise. The fan zone will also hold fun interactive activities, perfect for commemorating the concert or supporting your favorite OPM artists. Best of all, it’s open to everyone, whether or not you have a concert ticket. 

 

Dress for an all-night concert marathon. Prioritize comfort, as you’ll be singing, dancing, and cheering for hours. Wear breathable clothing and comfortable sneakers, and avoid bringing anything that might weigh you down. Think concert-ready, not just photo-ready.

 

Pack only the essentials. Bring your ticket, valid ID, phone, wallet, and a fully charged power bank. Packing light makes security screening faster and lets you move comfortably throughout the venue. To avoid delays at the entrance, review the event’s prohibited-items list before leaving home. 

 

Finally, soak in every moment. Take photos, film your favorite chorus, and share the excitement online, but don't spend the entire evening brandishing your phone. OPM Con Generations was conceptualized to unite different generations and fandoms in one unforgettable celebration. Some of the night’s best memories will come from singing with thousands of fellow fans, discovering new artists, and witnessing once-in-a-lifetime performances that can only happen when the country’s biggest musical acts share one stage.

 

With history-making demand, a genre-spanning lineup, and immersive fan experiences topping it all, Puregold’s OPM Con Generations 2026, like its previous iterations, will be more than just a concert. It will be a grand celebration of our country’s evolving music, and the Filipinos who continue to make OPM thrive. 

For updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

Historiacal drama 'Quezon' big winner at The 9th Entertainment Editors' Choice

HISTORICAL drama "Quezon" emerged as the biggest winner at the 9th Entertainment Editors' Choice, or The Eddys, on Sunday, taking home best picture, best director, best actor, and several other major honors as the local film awards season officially opened.

Held at the Ceremonial Hall of the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, the annual awards, organized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd), recognized achievements in Philippine cinema across 14 competitive categories.

"Quezon" won best picture, while Jerrold Tarog received the best director award. Jericho Rosales was named best actor for his portrayal in the film, which also earned awards for best screenplay and best production design.

Maris Racal won best actress for "Sunshine", which also received the award for best editing.

The best supporting actor award ended in a tie, with Will Ashley honored for "Bar Boys: After School" and Rico Blanco for "Manila's Finest". Rochelle Pangilinan won best supporting actress for "Child No. 82".

Other winners included "Salvage Land" for best cinematography, "Manila's Finest" for best sound and best musical score, and "Shake Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins" for best visual effects.

The ceremony also recognized artists and personalities through special awards.

Box Office Heroes awards were presented to Vice Ganda for "Call Me Mother"; veteran actress Maricel Soriano and the cast of "Meet, Greet, & Bye", with the award accepted by Meryll Soriano; screen partners Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino for "My Love Will Make You Disappear", with Attorney Nico Antonio accepting on their behalf; and Richard Gutierrez for "Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins."

The Isah V. Red Award was presented to Chaye Cabal Revilla and Donny Pangilinan for their contributions to community service.

Director and songwriter Joven Tan received the Joe Quirino Award, while television reporter Lhar Santiago was honored with the Manny Pichel Award for his contributions to entertainment journalism.

Hosted by Pops Fernandez and Kim Atienza, the ceremony featured performances by Fred Moser, Kanata, the cast of "I'm Perfect", Jamie Rivera, Isha Ponti, Andrea Gutierrez, and David Young. 

Dingdong Dantes, chairman and founding president of AKTOR PH, also presented the organization's initiatives developed in partnership with SPEEd and Unilab.

The award show was directed by Calvin Neria.

As in the previous years, auditing firm Chan Robles & Company, led by Juancho Robles, handled the vote counting and ensured transparency in the selection process.  

The 9th Entertainment Editors' Choice was presented by Newport World Resorts, PlayTime Entertainment, and Echo Jham Productions, with Gold Sponsors Globe Telecom and Unilab Inc.; Silver Sponsors SoundCheck Inc. and Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

Major Sponsors Luxent Hotel, Luxxe White, Beautéderm Corporation, San Miguel Corporation, Isha Ponti, Playa Lolita Beach Resort Hotel and Restaurant, A-List & Partners, Bait Lehem, Carmelo's/Sweet Bella, Universal Robina Corporation, Outside and Bambbi Fuentes.

Here’s the complete list of winners:

Best Director - Jerrold Tarog (Quezon)

Best Picture - Quezon

Best Actor - Jericho Rosales (Quezon)

Best Actress - Maris Racal (Sunshine)

Best Supporting Actor - Will Ashley (Bar Boys: After School) and Rico Blanco (Manila's Finest)

Best Supporting Actress - Rochelle Pangilinan (Child No. 82)

Best Screenplay - Quezon

Best Production Design - Quezon

Best Cinematography - Salvage Land

Best Editing - Sunshine

Best Sound - Manila's Finest

Best Visual Effects - Shake Rattle and Roll: Evil Origins

Best Musical Score - M anila's Finest

Best Theme Song - "Sandalan" (Manila's Finest)