HILIGAYNON FILMS DOMINATE CINEPANALO

"Salum," a Hiligaynon full-length film by TM Malones, bagged the Best Picture award at the just concluded Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 Awards Night held at The Elements, Eton Centris in Quezon City.

- By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG

The movie also took home the Best Production Design, Best Sound Design and Best Musical Score trophies.

The movie tells the heart-wrenching story of a father, a scallop diver (Allen Dizon) who is in search of treasures in the sea to provide for his family.

Malones expressed his gratitude to the festival team, sponsors and Ilonggos for making the film possible and for the recognition.

Best Director, JP Habac, for his flick "Olsen's Day," delivered an emotional speech while accepting the award.

"Para sa isang tao na hindi madalas manalo sa buhay, this is something big for me," he remarked and thanked the film festival, his staff, crew, actors, production team, friends and family.

He furthered that he wrote the film 13 years ago when his dad passed away. "I never thought and expected that I would be able to do this. This is for all the young filmmakers who lost confidence in their stories. The right time will come na magagawa niyo yung mga kwento na gusto niyong maging pelikula so tiwala lang."

"Olsen's Day" was also presented with the Best Cinematography award for Kara Moreno, a tie with Dominic Lat's "Journeyman," and a Mowelfund special citation.

"Olsen's Day" lead star Khalil Ramos shared the Best Actor award with JP Larroder as Tata in "Tigkiliwi."

Khalil showed his appreciation to CinePanalo, Habac, the crew and his co-actors.

"This film reminded me na lahat tayo may binibitbit. All of us sometimes get lost but no matter how far or tough ang mag-byahe, tandaan lang natin na tayo pa rin ang nasa likod ng manibela. Sometimes, all we have to do is take a break, lingunin ang ating mga mahal sa buhay at ipaalala sa kanila na hindi pa rin natin sila nakakalimutan," said Khalil.