CMB Film Services, Inc. Partners with Puregold CinePanalo to Support Filipino Filmmakers with P1 Million in Equipment Grants

CMB Film Services, Inc., a widely recognized provider of cutting-edge lighting and camera equipment in the Philippine film and television industry, has partnered with Puregold CinePanalo in granting PhP1,000,000 worth of equipment rental to the eight (8) selected film projects for the 2025 iteration of the festival.

Aimed at empowering aspiring and seasoned directors, this partnership will give grant recipients access to top-tier resources, and spur them to take their creative visions into new heights.

With over thirty years in the industry, CMB Film Services, Inc. achieved its status as a trusted name in film and television by consistently providing the tools and the expertise required to make local productions reach international stature.

The noteworthy alliance will thus allow CMB Film Services, Inc. to further pursue its goal of supporting Filipino filmmakers and enthusiasts, specifically benefitting Puregold CinePanalo’s full-length grant recipients through state-of-the-art equipment and expert technical assistance.

In carrying out this collaboration, CMB Film Services, Inc. will work closely with festival organizers and filmmakers to finalize the equipment to be rented - and the rental terms. This includes certifying that all provided equipment meets the necessary quality and safety standards, is delivered on time to the film locations, and is properly maintained. Moreover, CMB Film Services, Inc. will offer technical support and equipment repair services throughout the rental period, ensuring a seamless production experience.

"We were thrilled with the success of last year’s Puregold CinePanalo Festival and are incredibly excited to partner with Puregold this year,” said Jaime G. Baltazar, President and Managing Director of CMB Film Services, Inc. “As part of the industry, we believe in helping Puregold attain its goals. We know that Puregold CinePanalo is making history in film, and we want to be part of that."

Meanwhile, Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, expressed her gratitude for partnerships that drive Puregold CinePanalo Films to achieve the highest quality. “Such collaborations are crucial in sharing our vision of excellence,” Piedad asserts. “We laud CMB for their commitment to bring forward exceptional cinematic experiences.”

The second edition of Puregold CinePanalo returns with its theme "Mga Kwentong Panalo ng Buhay." Aspiring participants and movie enjoyers are delighted to know that the festival is now offering an increased grant of PhP 3,000,000 to eight full-length films from professional and amateur directors, and PhP 150,000 for twenty-five promising short films by student filmmakers.

Submissions for this year's festival concluded in July and August, and the deliberations for selected film projects are currently underway. With Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night set for March 19, 2025, Filipino filmmakers will once again be recognized and celebrated for their outstanding works.

The inaugural Puregold CinePanalo, held in March 2024, featured full-length films from celebrated directors such as Kurt Soberano, Sigrid Bernardo, and Joel Ferrer, along with student shorts from institutions like the University of the Philippines Diliman, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and the University of Santo Tomas. The festival’s mission to uplift Filipino storytellers continues to inspire and support the next generation of filmmakers, and feature the beauty and strength of Filipino culture.

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Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards' “HELLO, LOVE, AGAIN” Breaks Record as the Highest First-Day Grossing PH Film with P85M

Bringing joy back to the big screen, “Hello, Love, Again,” the highly anticipated Filipino film of the year starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, has set a new box office record as the highest first-day grossing local film in the Philippines, earning over P85 million on its November 13 opening.

The sequel to the blockbuster film “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, is showing in over 600 cinemas nationwide and will also be shown in over 400 cinemas abroad this month.

Thousands of people gathered for midnight screenings last Wednesday across 70 cinemas nationwide to follow the story of Joy (Kathryn) and Ethan (Alden) in Canada.

Kathryn hoped moviegoers will feel the love in watching “Hello, Love, Again.”

She said, “Just like what Direk Cathy said, ang pangako lang namin sa inyo sa pelikulang ito puso ang ibibigay namin. So I hope after watching this film yun ang maramdaman nyo di lang kay Joy and Ethan kungdi dahil sa buong pelikula.”

Alden expressed gratitude for the ovewhelming support from the public and shared his excitement.

He said, “Maraming salamat sa mga excited mapanood muli ang kwento ni Joy at Ethan. Napakasaya namin and we’re very proud of this film and we’re very excited for you guys to see it.”

A co-production of ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema and GMA Pictures, “Hello, Love, Again” also stars Joross Gamboa, Valerie Concepcion, Jennica Garcia, Kevin Kreider, Jobert Austria, Mark Labella, Marvin Aritrangco, Ruby Rodriguez, and many more.

The film held its premiere night last Tuesday (Nov. 12) in three cinemas at SM Megamall, attended by fans, Kapamilya and Kapuso stars, the cast members’ family and friends, and ABS-CBN and GMA officials.

Several topics related to the film trended on X following the premiere, including #HLATheWorldPremiere, KATHRYN AS JOY IS BACK, ALDENat HLAxPremiere, HELLO AGAIN ETHANandJOY, and #HelloLoveAgain.

Witness Joy and Ethan’s journey in Canada in “Hello, Love, Again." For more details, follow Star Cinema on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

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Make this Christmas the Pasko-est Celebration with Jollibee Chickenjoy

Christmas is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration in the Philippines. As the special day approaches, Filipinos pour their hearts into making the season more joyful and memorable for their loved ones. From festive reunions to thoughtful gifts, everything about Christmas in the Philippines is “all-out”.

And when it comes to gatherings, no Filipino celebration is complete without the best food that brings everyone together. At the center of countless Filipino tables is none other than Jollibee Chickenjoy - the perfect dish for an all-out Christmas celebration! Known for its crispylicious skin and juicylicious meat, Chickenjoy has been a part of Filipino families’ Christmas celebrations for generations, bringing not only the best in taste but also the best in joy.

Jollibee conveys this message in their new Christmas campaign with the tagline “Para Pasko-est, Chickenjoyest!” To make Christmas truly “Pasko-est” - the most joyful and memorable it can be - there’s no addition quite like Jollibee’s Chickenjoy.

The campaign showcases Jollibee’s latest TV commercial featuring Anne Curtis, who joins a lively celebration made even more joyful by Chickenjoy. With Chickenjoy adding a special touch to every gathering, the celebration comes alive with gift-giving, dancing, singing, and sharing lighthearted moments that truly capture the spirit of Christmas.

“Chickenjoy isn’t just the best in taste, it’s also the best in joy that can elevate every celebration. We want our customers to have an all-out, joy-filled holiday season, and they can always count on Chickenjoy to make their moments with loved ones even more special,” said Luis Berba, Jollibee Philippines Marketing Director for Masterbrand, Chickenjoy and Beverages.

So this Christmas season, head to your nearest Jollibee and go all-out with the one and only Chickenjoy, available via dine-in, take-out, or drive-thru. You can also have it delivered via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda!

For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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G22's Electrifying Performance of ‘It Lies Within’ at Predator League Philippine Finals

Acer ambassadors AJ, Alfea, and Jaz of the P- pop girl group G22 performed the Predator League anthem “It Lies Within” at the Predator League 2025 Philippine Finals in Robinsons Galleria Cebu. First introduced during the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals in Manila last January, the song perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Predator League. As the tournament’s anthem, participating territories have adapted it in their language.

“We are proud that Acer Philippines is the proponent of the Predator League anthem. The song captures the mindset of esports players, especially their relentless pursuit of greatness,” said Princess Laosantos, Senior Marketing Manager of Acer Philippines. The Predator League is a battlefield for esports teams of all experience levels to test their skills and fight for supremacy. Every year since the tournament started in 2018, thousands of teams across the Asia Pacific region sign up for a chance to join and live out their dreams of winning on a massive esports stage.

“We have a lot of talented players waiting to be discovered. As a brand known to support esports from all competitive levels, Predator League has been instrumental in Predator’s growth across the region, especially the Philippines,” said Acer Philippines Managing Director Sue Ong-Lim.

The stage is set for the sixth edition of the Asia Pacific Predator League Grand Finals, which will take place in January 2025. Fifteen top Dota 2 and VALORANT teams from across the regions will gather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to compete for a US$400,000 prize pool and the chance to make esports history. 

G22 is set to perform “It Lies Within” in front of the Asia Pacific Predator League Grand Finals crowd. Additionally, the Philippines will be represented by Execration and Ivory in Dota 2 and ZOL Esports and Team Secret in VALORANT.

Raise your favorite team’s banner and listen to “It Lies Within” by G22 on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer. Stream the music video on the Predator Gaming PH YouTube channel and Facebook Page.

For more information about the Predator League, follow Predator Gaming on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, or visit www.acer.com.

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DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation Give ₱37M Aid to Families of Typhoon Kristine Casualties in the Country's Largest Relief Effort in History

In response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Kristine, BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive, formally distributed ₱37 million in financial aid to families affected by Typhoon Kristine. 

In the wake of 148 confirmed casualties nationwide, at least ₱250,000 was committed to each bereaved family, as a symbol of compassion and support for their journey to recovery. The initiative started with 39 bereaved families during a turnover ceremony on November 10, at Talisay New Municipal Grounds in Batangas and will continue in several parts of the country. This pledge will continue to support affected families in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Pinky Romualdez and DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco were joined by Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Talisay Mayor Nestor Natanauan, Bacolod Mayor Albie, BingoPlus Foundation COO Celeste Jovenir and local leaders and community members to personally hand over the financial aid. The event highlighted the Foundation’s mission to multiply the good by extending meaningful support to Filipinos in their time of greatest need.

Typhoon Kristine, one of the year’s most devastating storms, left a trail of destruction across South Luzon, with severe flooding and landslides resulting in significant loss of life and damage to property. Talisay, particularly impacted by landslides in Batangas, is one of the focus areas of the Foundation’s relief efforts as the entire province was declared in a state of calamity.

“The BingoPlus Foundation exists to provide more than financial aid; it is about creating hope, resilience, and real change,” said DigiPlus Interactive Chairman Eusebio Tanco. “The work of the BingoPlus Foundation is a true reflection of our belief in giving back without holding back, of reaching out to lift up those in need, and of multiplying the good in every way possible.” 

The provision of financial assistance builds on BingoPlus Foundation’s prior support initiatives for Typhoon Kristine victims. In collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s National Resource Operations Center (DSWD NROC), the Foundation provided cavans of rice, benefiting at least 750 families, and mobilized volunteers to help repack and distribute critical supplies for affected provinces.

Together with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya, BingoPlus Foundation also extended support to 1,000 families impacted by Typhoon Kristine in Isabela, Aurora, Pangasinan and Quezon. These immediate actions underscore the Foundation’s dedication to its resilience pillar, showcasing its commitment to making a difference when communities need it most.

“The BingoPlus Foundation stands by our communities not only with aid but with resilience, unity, and hope,” said Tanco. “In moments like these, our commitment to making a difference is stronger than ever.”

Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated over ₱100 million across projects nationwide, addressing urgent community needs through healthcare, livelihood programs, and educational grants. Through partnerships with local and national organizations, the Foundation has established PLUS Centers in Negros, Cebu, and General Santos, creating resource hubs designed to empower communities by offering critical resources such as health programs, livelihood support, and skills training. Each center is a lasting symbol of the Foundation’s commitment to sustainable community development.

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