Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Presents Full-Length Directors and Student Short Films Awardees

Left to right: Raynier Brizuela, Carlo Obispo, Sigrid Bernardo,
VJ Mendoza, Mina Cruz, Kurt Soberano, and Eugene Torres,
representing the full-length productions
participating in the Puregold CinePanalo.

Something big and exciting is happening with the upcoming Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival which will feature a great mix of up-and-coming student filmmakers and established directors to create new stories through cinema. With the support of Puregold which has also ventured into entertainment, this film festival attracts these creative talents and looking forward to making this their legacy in the entertainment industry.

In a press conference held at the Artson Events Place, representatives from Puregold, the film directors, their respective producers, and other key members of their teams are presented and shared the gist of their films which some are now in the works and just in time for the festival that will be held in March 2024. The group is collectively called Kuwentong Panalo — which means that they can touch the heart and remind us of the indomitable Filipino spirit. 

Puregold Channel's "Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile" Looks Like A Promising Series Franchise

The cast and crew of "Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile"
were front and center at a press conference
 at the Tindahan ni Aling Puring Convention.

In the middle of the Aling Puring Sari-sari Store Negosyo Convention, Puregold Channel makes a statement with a press conference for “Ang Lalaki sa Likod ng Profile,” which stars Wilbert Ross and Yuki Takahashi. The online series can be watched at Puregold Channel's Youtube account. The channel has produced several online series such as "Ang Babae sa Likod ng Facemask," "GV Boys," and "52 Weeks." which also made rounds in social media.

As one of the proud productions made by Puregold, it is apt that it would also be presented at convention which also makes a statement that along with being a supermarket brand, they are now also venturing into producing online series and content.

Cahilig’s award-winning short films now streaming internationally on CinemaWorld

 Featured in CinemaWorld is Chris Cahilig’s most viewed
short film on YouTube so far, “Sinturon” or “The Belt”,
with 44.5 million views, which tells a daring and
 fun story focused on the theme of marital fidelity. 

The multi-talented Chris Cahilig wears many hats—producer, director, public relations entrepreneur, talent manager, published poet, and political adviser. 

As president of Insight 360, Cahilig runs one of the most influential public relations, marketing, and social media consultancy firms in the Philippines. And through his agency’s subsidiary, Insight 360 Films, Cahilig has crafted full-length movies and short films, made riveting for their plots, characters, and purpose.

The road to Cahilig’s personal nirvana, however, is paved by a string of award-worthy short films, earning for him the title, “King of Branded Shorts”. This close to home as Cahilig’s short films have reaped honors at local and international film festivals. 

Gloc-9, Mang Tomas shout out to all “ganadads” in Father’s Day song

ICONIC Filipino rapper Gloc-9 collaborated with Mang Tomas All Around Sarsa in a catchy and heartwarming song that pays tribute to the noble characteristics and sacrifices of Filipino dads.  

The song, titled “Anong Macho Ang Tatay Mo,” will be released on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, and other digital streaming platforms on June 18, while its official music video is scheduled to drop on YouTube and Facebook just in time for Father’s Day on Sunday.

The music video is a timely and fitting tribute to all hard-working and dedicated dads out there. It shows Gloc-9 taking off the Mang Tomas’ iconic salakot and barong ensemble to slip into a more familiar role as an average dad. Audiences will surely get a kick out of seeing the usually “siga” rapper struggling to balance his household tasks at home—from cooking and doing the laundry, to watering plants and making grocery runs.

Singer-composer Seth Dungca to release heartwarming single “Halika” on April 3

During times of uncertainty such as now, people seek assurance and comfort. But try as we might, the pervading sense of hopelessness makes peace of mind seem elusive for most of us. Just imagine then what people with mental health issues are grappling with.

Twenty-four-year-old Seth Dungca understands this challenge as he pursues his advocacy on mental health in the different roles he plays—as singer-composer, special education teacher, model and actor. 

As a singer-composer, for instance, Seth strives to uplift people’s spirits through the sweet melody—and calming lyrics—of his songs. His debut single, ‘Halika’ expresses his yearning to inspire and to cheer: “Sa mundong puno ng takot, na dilim ang bumabalot, hahanapin natin ang liwanag sa piling ng isa’t isa . . .” 

Mia - Drinks and Doctors Rock

For the start of the new decade, Insight 360 offers a romantic Filipino film that brings doctors and rocks into one film - Mia. Starring Coleen Garcia and Edgar Alan Guzman, the movie was first marketed online with a trailer of a drunk lady crashing a wedding party. From there the two doctors meet the morning after. 

The trailer has now reached 12 million views on YouTube and counting. The film also takes place in Palawan which shows not the usual tourist places, rather it features the communities and homes which are also integral to the stories of Mia and Jay.

BRIA Homes releases “Upa,” a film that gives ordinary Filipinos a wake-up call

If you live in a tiny rented room, put up with nosey and noisy neighbors, or worry about your family’s safety in a congested neighborhood, you know how it is to be an ordinary Filipino. Yes, the hapless Filipino wage earner whose dream to own a home is often quashed by the daunting task of paying for food, utiities, and life’s other obligations.

Romcom film creates online buzz by holding “National Mia Day” on Jan 13

Insight 360 Films will hold the first “National Mia Day” on January 13 at the Cinema 1 of SM Megamall in honor of women whose name is similar to the main protagonist of the most-awaited romantic comedy film “Mia.” 

The special event, which will be held simultaneously with the advanced screening of the film “Mia,” has already create massive buzz on various social media platforms—attracting thousands of inquiries from curious netizens all over the country.

“The moment we posted the trailer of ‘Mia’ on Facebook and Youtube, we’ve noticed so many people tagging their friends and relatives named Mia. It gave us an idea to celebrate the National Mia Day two days prior to our movie’s theatrical release on January 15,” explained executive producer and Insight 360 Films president Chris Cahilig.

Coleen and EA’s on-screen chemistry sizzles in “Mia” trailer

LEAD ACTORS Coleen Garcia and Edgar Allan Guzman displays exceptional on-screen chemistry in the official trailer of their latest film, “Mia,” released by Insight 360 Films in partnership with Viva Films.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Veronica Velasco, “Mia” is a romantic comedy film about a doctor Mia Salazar (Garcia) and a nerdy forester Jay Policarpio (Guzman).

McJim short films win best digital ad at CMMA, awards in Wales and Liverpool int’l film fests

Director and PR entrepreneur Chris Cahilig receives
 the Best Branded Digital Ad award for McJim’s “Pitaka”
at the 40th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA).

 

It may be gratifying to receive international recognitions for our artistic works, but it is ultimately more rewarding when a prestigious Philippine award-giving body acknowledges the sheer amount of talent Filipinos possess when crafting world-class content for the many creative endeavors they get into.

This is the message that trusted leather goods brand McJim Classic Leather wants to convey after its debut short film “Pitaka” (The Wallet) was hailed last November 14 as the Best Branded Digital Ad at the 40th Catholic Mass Media Awards. It is the newest category in the CMMA that recognizes the shift in media consumption of the modern Filipino.

Directed by public relations entrepreneur Chris Cahilig, “Pitaka” is the result of McJim’s groundbreaking and innovative efforts to project the best of Filipino values to the world.

McJim Brings Honor To The Country As It Competes In 22 International Film Fests

 Director and PR entrepreneur Chris Cahilig attributes the success
of McJim’s short films to the brand’s adherence to its timeless
philosophy of quality, style, and elegance.

True to its enduring values of quality, style, and elegance, trusted leather goods brand McJim Classic Leather is unstoppable as it continues to gain international recognition for its troika of masterfully produced short films under its “Get Reel” online campaign, just over a year after its debut video, “Pitaka,” made waves in the internet.

McJim’s “Pitaka” (The Wallet), “Sinturon” (Belt), and “Bag” have been selected to complete in a total of 22 prestigious film festivals—as of this writing—in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Australia, Mexico, and Venezuela, a record-breaking feat for a commercial brand.

Boy band 1:43 receives McJim Classic Leather’s OPM advocacy grant for single ‘Pasensya Na’

World-Class leather goods maker McJim Classic Leather has chosen iconic Filipino boy band 1:43 as the second recepient of its Dreams Get Real OPM Advocacy Grant  for its new single “Pasensya Na.”

McJim Classic Leather, which has always been supportive of Filipino music, tapped the revamped 1:43 to further promote OPM by making it more appealing and relevant, especially to the younger generation. Towards this end, in fact, McJim successfully launched talent searches for the next big thing in the local music scene and has—in the recent past—sponsored the music of personalities like Tony Labrusca and X-Factor UK contestant JBK.

Love in the time of traffic gridlock in 1:43's comeback single "Trapik Tralala"

Love in the time of traffic gridlock in 1:43's comeback single "Trapik Tralala"

TRAFFIC congestion wastes your precious time. And it may also cost you your love life.

This is the bittersweet theme of revitalized Filipino boyband 1:43’s comeback single titled “Trapik Tralala,” which speaks of a young man’s growing exasperation as he finds himself stuck in traffic on his way to see the girl of his dreams.

Composed by OPM icon Jim Paredes and arranged by Sonic State Audio Studio’s Jonathan Ong, “Trapik Tralala” was originally a part of the APO’s 1996 album Dating Alternatib but which was not released as a single, then.

Shortfilm ‘Pitaka’ goes viral as it tugs at the heartstrings of Filipino netizens

Pitaka, a short film directed by Chris Cahilig, touched the hearts of Filipinos as it depicted the story of a hardworking young man who set aside his own dreams to provide for his younger brother’s needs—and how the younger sibling showed his gratitude to kuya in the end.

Presented by McJim Classic Leather through its Get Reel online campaign, the video, which was upload on May 11, garnered over 630,000 views and 12,300 shares on Facebook in just five days.

Tunog Natin: Songs From Home by Avida bags two Silver Anvil awards

Tunog Natin: Songs From Home, an advocacy campaign for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) by Avida Land in collaboration with Insight 360 Consultancy Services, Inc., won two major awards at the 52nd Anvil Awards Gabi ng Parangal held last March 10 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

Tunog Natin: Songs From Home featured promising and established OPM artists, Jim Paredes—also the campaign’s creative consultant—, Bloomfields, Davey Langit, Moira Dela Torre, Thor Dulay, Markki Stroem, Princess Velasco, Johnoy Danao, Jason Fernandez and Jaq Dionisio.

Comedian Kakai Bautista searches for leading man for her first starring film

From playing perennial sidekick or loyal best friend in assorted TV shows and movies, singer-comedian Catherine “Kakai” Bautista finally takes on the role of lead actress in a romantic comedy film, to be directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Lemuel Lorca.

It’s a break that’s been waiting to happen. With her extraordinary acting ability, a knack for making people laugh, amazing hosting skills, and a mesmerizing singing voice, Kakai Bautista’s time to shine has come. The much-awaited film will be produced by Insight 360 Films in partnership with Manco Productions Inc. and iPR PLUS Consulting Group.

“Kakai is the next big thing in Philippine comedy,” Cahilig says of the multi-talented artist who started honing her singing and acting talents in theatre until finally, her impressive performance in a play caught the attention of industry bigwigs. She then worked her way through simple but noteworthy supporting roles in TV and film productions, engaging the hearts—and funny bones—of viewers.

Black comedy flick “Echorsis” wins critics, gets second week run

Black comedy film “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good And Evil” was given a second week run in key Metro Manila after it fought hard from being pulled out in cinemas.

The critically acclaimed horror-comedy film starring John Lapus, Kean Cipriano, and Alex Medina, are still screening in Market! Market!, Festival Mall, Robinsons Galleria, SM North Edsa, SM Manila, and SM Megamall to date. It’s producer Chris Cahilig of Insight 360 hopes that more cinemas will open its door to the film since it’s the only Filipino movie screening this week.

An appeal to moviegoers: Support “Echorsis” by watching it on April 13, its opening day

Just like any independently produced Filipino film, “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good And Evil” by critically acclaimed director Lemuel Lorca is at risk of being pulled out of movie houses if it doesn’t perform well on its first day. 

Thus, the cast and crew of the much anticipated horror-comedy film appeal to Filipino moviegoers to watch “Echorsis” on April 13, its opening day. 

“Sana sumugod sa sinehan ang milyon-milyong nag-aabang sa ‘Echorsis’ sa opening day pa lang para manatili ito sa line up ng mga pelikula,” says Alex Medina, who plays the lead role of a gay-swindling gigolo in the movie.  

MUSIC LYF: Fifth Dynamics releases funny music video for single “Pogi Kame”

MCJIM Classic Leather’s Dreams Get Real talent search champion Fifth Dynamics will release the much-awaited official music video of their chartbreaking single “Pogi Kame” featuring Mich Liggayu of the popular Youtube duo Jamich.

Composed of The Voice of the Philippines contestant Mark Cordovales on vocals, Jhay Santos on bass, Eljon Nono on lead guitars, Peter Leyva on rythmn guitars, and Drin Condat on drums, Fifth Dynamics has gained a strong radio and music channel presence in 2014 after the release of their single “Anyare.”

“We are expecting ‘Pogi Kame’ to sustain our momentum in the music industry, particularly among Original Pilipino Music (OPM) lovers in time for the release of our debut album this year,” says Cordovales.

MUSIC LYF: Boy band 1:43 puts a new twist to KPop in third album

OFTEN mistaken for Korean pop superstars, proudly all-Filipino boy band 1:43 (one forty-three) gives the term KPop a whole new meaning in their third album titled #KalyePop.

Due for release this April under MCA Music, the EP titled #KalyePop (KPop) is composed of six strong original tracks from the foremost Filipino boy band that popularized “Sa Isang Sulyap Mo,” the monster hit song that won the 2013 PMPC Star Award for Music “Song of the Year.”

“#KalyePop or KPop is our humble contribution to the rebirth of the local music industry. We hope that our new musical direction will advance our mission of winning back the Filipino audiences to Original Pilipino Music (OPM),” says boy band spokesman Anjo Resurreccion.