HONOR X9b 5G Sets Sales Record with a Whopping 512% Growth Over HONOR X9a 5G

HONOR Philippines kicked off the first quarter of 2024 with a resounding success, witnessing an astounding 512% surge in sales for the HONOR X9b 5G compared to its predecessor, the HONOR X9a, on the first day of sale last January 20.

Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It’s a win for our HONOR X9b 5G campaign as we celebrate not just one, but 5-fold increase in growth sales compared to our sales performance for HONOR X9a 5G. It’s only the beginning for Quarter 1 and we’re very grateful to our partners, dealers, and the whole HONOR Community. Thank you for your continuous support and patronage towards our brand. To more successful campaigns!"

The HONOR X9b 5G First Day Sale became the talk of the town, with a notable presence of pre-order claimers observed at prominent locations such as SM Center Angono, SM City North EDSA, SM City Marikina, SM City Bacoor, SM City Fairview, and SM Mall of Asia.

Looking back, HONOR Philippines recently launched the HONOR X9b 5G with the Ultra Tough Challenge, putting the phone's durability to the test - a key feature that sets it apart. Activities such as the Smash Test Relay, Archery, Drop Test, Car Runover, Boxing, and a Team vs. Team Paintball added excitement to the event held in Angono, Rizal.

The Drop Test is highly anticipated by guests that became a favorite as participants earned high scores for landing at the core of the target. During its official teaser, the HONOR X9b 5G was subjected to a 100ft Drop https://bit.ly/HONORX9b5G-100ftDropTest.

Moreover, in comparison to its predecessor, the HONOR X9b 5G boasts an Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Display with SGS Five-star Overall Drop Resistance Certification and upgraded IP53 water and dust protection. With a remarkable 108MP rear camera, surpassing the 64MP of the HONOR X9a 5G, the All-angle Ultra Tough HONOR X9b runs on the MagicOS 7.2 operating system, while the HONOR X9a 5G is equipped with the Magic UI 6.1 operating system.

Priced at Php 16,999, the HONOR X9b 5G is readily available on Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9b_PressRelease), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease), TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9b_PressRelease) and various experience stores.

For more exciting news and announcements, head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms for exciting announcements: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). 

To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

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BAYAD Powers the Bills Payment Services of GoTyme Bank

Bayad, the pioneer brand in the outsourced payment collection system in the Philippines, officially sealed its partnership with GoTyme Bank, one of the country’s fastest growing digital banks.

GoTyme Bank is a joint venture between the Gokongwei group of companies and the multicountry digital banking group Tyme. This time, through its partnership with Bayad, GoTyme App enables bills payment services covering household utilities, tollway RFID load, e-loading, telco, internet, government contributions, and many others.

Tailor-made for the increasingly e-payment savvy Filipino market, GoTyme App provides the convenience of one-stop-digital-shopping experience.

Once customers open a GoTyme Bank account, they can also avail of a free GoTyme Bank Visa debit card in kiosks that are located within the retail footprint of the Robinsons group such as Robinsons Supermarket, The Marketplace, Robinsons Department Store and more across the country.

These GoTyme Bank Visa cards can be used for over-the-counter payments such as shopping and cash withdrawals.

With GoTyme Bank, customers can take advantage by having access to a variety of biller brands powered by Bayad. GoTyme and Bayad App users are also able to transfer funds with each other.

Bayad President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer underscored, “We take pride with our over 3000 biller brands which we are keen of also integrating with our payment channel partners like GoTyme Bank. Bayad has been committed to making digital finance more accessible and easier for Filipinos. Through our partnership with GoTyme Bank, we are optimistic that we will further the financial inclusion in the country.”

GoTyme Bank co-CEO Albert Tinio said, “Through our partnership with Bayad, GoTyme customers can now conveniently pay their monthly bills. They don’t need to take time out of their busy schedules to ensure that their bills are paid on time. Now our users can manage their personal finances from the comfort of their homes.”

For fintech institutions like GoTyme Bank that are interested to be part of Bayad’s extensive channel network, you may send an email to partnerships@bayad.com. Bayad enables partners to attain nationwide presence and provides end-to-end support services for efficient payment and collection processing.

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"Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween- Decisive Battle" Showing in PH Cinemas on February 7

The end has arrived. All roads lead to the exciting conclusion of the two part sequel when “Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween- Decisive Battle” the epic live-action adaptation of Ken Wakui’s best selling manga opens in Philippine cinemas February 7.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2JVEhfSQdk

Takemichi Hanagaki(Takumi Kitamura) is close to uncovering the secret of the mysterious Valhalla gang as war approaches between them and the Toman gang. Still on a mission in the past to save his beloved Hinata(Mio Imada) from getting killed in the present, Takemichi must figure out what happened during the deadly “Bloody Halloween” brawl for a chance at a future with her.

The Toman gang is falling apart as the top members seem to be following their own agenda. First Division Captain and founding member of the Tokyo Manji Gang Keisuke Baji(Kento Nagayama) crossed sides and betrayed his own to join Valhalla. Mikey(Ryo Yoshizawa), head of the Toman gang, surprisingly integrates Tetta Kisaki(Shotaro Mamiya) a former leader of their enemy gang, Moebius, to their group as Third Division Captain. Takemichi must navigate the deadly fallout between best friends and comrades to discover the link from the past to his present, and save the person he cares for the most.

Takumi Kitamura, currently well known for playing Yusuke in the live-action adaptation of YuYu Hakusho, takes the lead in Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween- Decisive Battle as Takemichi Hanagaki. He also won the 41st Japan Academy Award for Best New Actor for the animated film “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas”. Ryo Yoshizawa plays the leader of the pack Mikey, who is not all who he seems to be. He’s well known for his role in live-action films, one of them being Ryusei Sakuta in “Kamen Rider Fourze”. Yuki Yamada plays one of the surviving members of Tokyo Manji in the present, Draken. He’s part of the acting group D-Boys and has had a successful career which includes the critically acclaimed “Godzilla Minus One”.

Catch them and the rest of the cast as the it all ends with “Tokyo Revengers 2: Bloody Halloween- Decisive Battle” in cinemas starting February 7, an Encore Films film distributed by Warner Bros.

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StarPop Launches "The Remixes" Album with Hits from Belle Mariano, Maymay Entrata, Kim Chiu, Vice Ganda, and More!

ABS-CBN’s record label StarPop has dropped the second volume of “StarPop: The Remixes” which features music from Vice Ganda, Belle Mariano, Maymay Entrata, and other Kapamilya artists.

The album reintroduces previously released singles in a refreshing sound through the remix version of Theo Martel and Justine Catalan, and production of StarPop label head Roque “Rox” Santos. Among the 11 tracks of the album are the remix of Maymay’s “Autodeadma” and “Tsada Mahigugma,” Vice Ganda’s “Rampa,” Belle Mariano’s “Bugambilya” and “Somber and Solemn,” Kim Chiu’s “Ms. Ukay,” KD Estrada’s “Days,” and Anji Salvacion’s “Paraiso.”

It also features music from up-and-coming artists such as the remix of CESCA’s “Lovesick” and “Balse ng Gabi” featuring Maki, and Matty J’s “Moving On.”

The first volume of “StarPop: The Remixes” was released last 2022, which also featured hits from various Kapamilya artists.

Check out “StarPop: The Remixes Volume 2” available on various streaming platforms. For more details, follow StarPop on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.

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Metro Pacific Health (MPH) Sheds Light on Juvenile Diabetes in #DECODE Episode 4

Metro Pacific Health (MPH), the largest group of private hospitals in the Philippines and a part of the MVP group, is proud to present #DECODE Episode 4 entitled “The Not-So-Sweet Truth about Juvenile Diabetes”, a captivating and informative episode that explores the truth about “juvenile diabetes” or what is more commonly called today as Type 1 Diabetes. This episode features insights from renowned healthcare professionals, Dr. Ariel Ampil of Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center, and Dr. May Uyking-Naranjo of Davao Doctors Hospital, along with Wilson Limon, founder of NIñOFRANCO and a person living with Type 1 Diabetes.

Watch and Share #DECODE Episode 4 here: https://www.facebook.com/metropacifichealth/videos/906561541106319

Juvenile diabetes, also known as Type 1 diabetes, has long been shrouded in myths and misconceptions. In this latest episode of #DECODE, Dr. Ariel Ampil, Dr. May Uyking-Naranjo, and Wilson Limon come together to dispel these myths and share their personal experiences. From tracing the origins of the term "diabetes mellitus" to clarifying the autoimmune nature of Type 1 diabetes, this episode promises to redefine what we know about this often misunderstood disease.

Viewers can expect to learn about the symptoms of juvenile diabetes, the importance of early detection, and the positive aspects of managing this condition. The episode aims to educate and empower individuals by providing valuable information and insights that can help them better understand and manage juvenile diabetes.

With Type 1 diabetes, one cause of it can be a haywire autoimmune reaction, such as the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, leaving the body unable to properly produce insulin. While this can manifest in childhood, sometimes this process can take years to develop, leading to an onset of Type 1 diabetes even in young adulthood. As for symptoms, some of the common signs to watch out (as shared by Dr. Ampil and Dr. Uyking-Naranjo) include polyuria (increase in urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (frequent hunger pangs).

Speaking about his experience in the episode, Mr. Limon shares how proper management and guided medical treatment (such as the daily self-administration of insulin) have helped him take charge of his life even after the diagnosis. Dr. Ampil and Dr. Uyking-Naranjo also share blood tests and other diagnostic tests that can be ordered to identify if a patient may have diabetes.

"We are excited to release #DECODE Episode 4 and shed light on juvenile diabetes," said Jessica Abaya, Chief Marketing and Chief Customer Experience Officer of Metro Pacific Health. "Our goal at MPH with these DECODE episodes is to strengthen our narrative that educates and empowers individuals, ultimately contributing to improved healthcare outcomes for those living with conditions such as juvenile diabetes. We look to continuing this meaningful tradition of communicating proactively this upcoming year to help Filipinos in their daily health journeys."

Through various initiatives like #DECODE, Metro Pacific Health remains committed to providing expertise and care with compassion, as it operates 23 hospitals across the country. These hospitals include prestigious institutions like Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Riverside Medical Center, and Davao Doctors Hospital, among others. In addition to the hospitals, MPH also manages 28 outpatient care centers, 2 allied health colleges, and a centralized laboratory known as Medi Linx Laboratory.

For more information about Metro Pacific Health and to watch #DECODE Episode 4, visit our website at www.metropacifichealth.com. Join us in the journey to decode juvenile diabetes and spread awareness about this important health issue.

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On Wednesdays We Wear Pink. "Mean Girls" Opens at No. 1 in the U.S., Showing in PH Cinemas on February 7

Everyone’s favorite transfer student Cady Heron is back navigating through the dangerous hallways of high school, ruled by a group of teens both feared and revered, The Plastics, in Mean Girls. Based on the stage musical, which in turn is based on the original comedy film of the same name, Mean Girls is a twist on the 2004 enduring classic.

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/Qs6Ne-Bqn6U

Angourie Rice stars as Cady Heron, with Reneé Rapp as Regina George, Bebe Wood as Gretchen, and Avantika as Karen. Helmed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez in their feature film directorial debut, with screenplay from the original 2004 Mean Girls writer Tina Fey, who also reprises her role from the original film.

Mean Girls is the homecoming queen of the US box office with an estimated opening weekend gross of US$30.5-million, enough to slay the competition for the No.1 spot.

A refreshing musical take based on the 2004 hit classic, Mean Girls arrived at the top supported by a slew of positive reviews, earning a Certified Fresh rating over at Rotten Tomatoes.

The New York Times praises the film in its review, writing,“[I]ts charms and ingratiating likability remain intact," as The Washington Posts likewise approves, "There’s lots of fun to be had, in a show that rhymes nonplussed with calcu-lust. And yet, like its predecessors, this Mean Girls has bite.”

IGN commends Tina Fey on the newest adaptation of the film, “If there’s anything that the third iteration of Mean Girls should teach us, it’s this: “In Tina Fey We Trust.” It’s the rare talent who can take their own beloved adaptation of a nonfiction bestseller, turn it into a successful Broadway musical, and then translate that back to screen as its own thing.”

Finally, Chicago Tribune raves, “It embraces, with trace elements of sincerity, the juicy, comic extremes of mean-girldom.”

Mean Girls is distributed in the Philippines by Paramount Pictures International. Opens in Philippine cinemas on February 7.

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Gloc-9’s New Song “Labandero” Brings Great Motivation To An Unwavering Spirit Amidst Life's Challenges

Aside from performing at different gigs and festivals, Gloc-9 started his 2024 strong with a new single, “Labandero”. It is a powerful and resonant track that weaves a compelling narrative of life's challenges and the unwavering spirit required to overcome them.

The rap song's catchy hooks and engaging rap verses deliver a universal message of hope and determination. Gloc-9 encourages listeners to confront life's difficulties head-on, drawing parallels between the process of laundering clothes and facing challenges with a head up high.

The metaphor of separating whites and colors serves as a poignant reminder to take care of oneself and embrace personal growth.

“Labandero” has an overall message that encourages hope and resilience in the face of life's uncertainties. Gloc-9 masterfully depicted the process of washing, rinsing, and hanging clothes as a symbolic representation of facing challenges, dealing with them, and moving forward. (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO HERE)

This new song by Gloc-9 is part of the recent OPM Rising playlist on Spotify. Time to stream it now on your favorite digital platforms.

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Jackie Chan Joins HONOR as the Newest Year of the Dragon Ambassador

The No. 1 smartphone brand in China, HONOR, officially announced that Jackie Chan is the brand’s Year of the Dragon Ambassador during the HONOR Magic6 series and HONOR Porsche Design launch.

In order to connect technology to more consumers, HONOR has launched a series of New Year-themed activities, services, and benefits in the past. For this year, HONOR prepared a magical New Year's Eve light show that combines modern technology and traditional architecture at the Taiyuan LIFE store. It was a visual feast aimed to bridge technology and art, and the collision of classics and the future to accompany consumers in 2023. On New Year's Eve, HONOR also road-tested HONOR 100 series smartphones equipped with SLR-level photo cameras to help customers take breathtaking New Year's photos.

In light of the symbolism of Dragon being a high-raking status, HONOR introduces Jackie Chan as the brand’s Year of the Dragon Ambassador in China, not only because the award-winning actor live up to the stature of a Dragon but also has the heart that constantly pursues excellence.

In the coming months, HONOR will work with Year of the Dragon Ambassador Jackie Chan to bring a series of exciting activities for HONOR fans and tech enthusiasts alike in China.

For more exciting news and announcements, head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms for exciting announcements: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). 

To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

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Experience Sarap in Every Bite with Jollibee’s All-New Crunchy Chicken Sandwich

Jollibee, the country’s number one fast-food chain, known for its ‘Langhap Sarap’ favorites, is thrilled to introduce its latest blockbuster offering that will surely excite taste buds and leave people wanting more with every bite – the All-New Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich!

This new chicken sandwich was created mainly with the consumers in mind. With a chicken patty that’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, complemented by a generous amount of creamy dressing, and sandwiched between everyone’s favorite Yum Buns – this will surely be a delicious new staple of customers in the Jollibee menu. And because all the tasty ingredients are present from the first bite to the last, it all makes for a ‘sarap in every bite’ experience!

"We are very excited to finally launch this offering so that people can enjoy a tasty and crunchy chicken sandwich that will satisfy their cravings at a budget-friendly price,” said Pam Reyes, Assistant Vice President of Jollibee.

"With the All-New Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, we're raising the bar and setting a new standard for what a chicken sandwich should be in terms of taste and value. We've carefully crafted every element to ensure that every bite delivers that irresistible 'sarap' our customers will love," she concluded.

Jollibee's Crunchy Chicken Sandwich is not just a sandwich; it's an experience. The new campaign invites customers to dive into the world of ‘sarap’ with every bite. With the All-New Jollibee Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, you'll savor all the components coming together in every bite. 

Check out the latest Jollibee commercial featuring the All-New Crunchy Chicken Sandwich! 

Visit your nearest Jollibee store today and see why the Crunchy Chicken Sandwich is poised to become your new favorite budget-friendly sandwich. 

You can also have it delivered via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda.

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Look: "Madame Web" Characters Unmasked in New Superhero Posters feat. Dakota Johnson, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott, et. al.

Different threads. Same web. 🕸️ 

Madame Web connects them all. 

Dakota Johnson is the titular superhero in Madame Web, the first superhero movie with a female lead in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. Also starring Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O’Connor and Tahar Rahim, Madame Web opens in cinemas February 14.

About Madame Web

“Meanwhile, in another universe…” In a switch from the typical genre, Madame Web tells the standalone origin story of one of Marvel publishing’s most enigmatic heroines. The suspense-driven thriller stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, a paramedic in Manhattan who may have clairvoyant abilities. Forced to confront revelations about her past, she forges a relationship with three young women destined for powerful futures...if they can all survive a deadly present.

Directed by SJ Clarkson , with screenplay by Claire Parker & Clarkson, story by Kerem Sanga, based on the Marvel Comics. Produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura.

Starring Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott.

In cinemas February 14, Madame Web is distributed in the Philippines by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

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Lights, Camera, Panalo: Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2024 Introduces Finalist Directors and Films

Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, the much-awaited event that is set to hail a new generation of outstanding Filipino films, officially introduced the recipients of its coveted film grants during a press conference held at the Artson Events Place, Quezon City.

Attended by representatives from Puregold, the film directors, their respective producers, and other key members of their teams, the press conference highlighted Puregold’s primary objectives: to provide a platform for both well-known and emerging filmmakers, and to showcase narratives - collectively called Kuwentong Panalo - that can touch the heart and remind us of the indomitable Filipino spirit.

From hundreds of CinePanalo applicants, only thirty-one of the very best were selected as finalists. They were formally presented during the event, which also marked the beginning of the final stage of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.

Among the full-length film finalists named during the press conference were:

● Kurt Soberano, a newcomer with his entry, "Under the Piaya Moon"

● Eugene Torres with "One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All"

● Sigrid Bernardo for "Pushcart Tales" 

● Raynier Brizuela for "Boys at the Back" 

● Joel Ferrer for "Road to Happy"

● Carlo Obispo for "A Lab Story"

Promising new student directors who were likewise introduced are as follows:

● Jenievive B. Adame - "Smokey Journey" (STI College Cubao)

● Ma. Rafaela Mae Abucejo - "Saan Ako Pinaglihi?" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Alexa Moneii Agaloos - "Ka Benjie" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Kent Michael Cadungog - "Text FIND DAD and Send to 2366" (University of the Philippines)

● John Pistol L. Carmen - "Repeater si Peter" (Bicol University)

● Chrisha Eseo Cataag - "Hallway Scholar" (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo)

● Patricia W. Dalluay - "Lola, Lola, Paano ba 'Yan?" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Joanah Pearl Demonteverde - "Kang Pagpuli Ko" (University of the Philippines – Visayas)

● Joshua Andrey A. Doce - "I Am Mutya And I Thank You!" (Bicol State College of Applied Science and Technology)

● Neil M. Espino - "Sa Hindi Paghahangad" (De La Salle Lipa)

● Terrence Gale Fernandez - "Kaibigan ko si Batman" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Daniel Gil - "Distansya" (Ateneo de Davao University)

● Alexandra Lapid - "Queng Apag" (Mapúa University)

● Reutsche Colle Rigurosa Lima - "Tiil ni Lola" (University of San Carlos)

● Dizelle C. Masilungan - "Kung Nag-aatubili" (University of Santo Tomas)

● Jose Mikyl Medina - "Lutong Bahay" (De La Salle University)

● Ronjay-C Mendiola - "Last Shift" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Mark Terence Molave - "Paano po gumawa ng collage college?" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

● Jhunel Ruth A. Monterde - "Si Mary May Crush Kay Tess" (De La Salle College of Saint Benilde)

● Doxford D. Perlas - "Naduea Eoman Si Brownie (Brownie's Lost Again!)" (University of the Philippines – Visayas)

● Andrea S. Ponce - "Layag sa Pangarap" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Sta. Mesa)

● Edz Haniel Teñido Purificacion - "Dzai Dzai Dzai Delilah" (Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna)

● John Wilbert Llever Sucaldito - "Tambal nga Sabaw" (Far Eastern University) ● Tyrone Lean J. Taotao - "Abandoned Lullabies" (Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Sta. Mesa)

● Marian Jayce R. Tiongzon - "May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?" (University of the Philippines – Visayas)

The six full-length film directors received a substantial grant of Php 2,500,000 each, while 25 short film student directors were granted Php 100,000 each. On top of the film grants, all finalists also received complimentary color grading from Optima Digital for their respective films, as well as essential groceries from Puregold to further support them during the production phase.

The finished Puregold CinePanalo full-length and short films will be viewed at a premiere to be held at the Gateway Cinemas in Cubao from March 15 to 17, 2024, followed by potential regional screenings. Short films will also be available on Puregold's official social media channels on YouTube and TikTok.

The distinguished selection committee, comprising veteran film and television director Jeffrey Jethurian; film critic Tito Valiente; award-winning filmmaker Victor Villanueva; Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad; Lyle Gonzales of Republic Creative; and Puregold CinePanalo festival director Chris Cahilig, played a crucial role in shaping the festival's trajectory.

With the CinePanalo Film Festival, Puregold further strengthens its commitment to fostering local talent, bridging gaps, and bringing authentic Filipino stories to the forefront of the cinematic landscape. The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, diversity, and the vibrant spirit of the Filipino people.

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