BINI Jhoanna Plays a Cameo Role in “The Witness,” Puregold’s Heartwarming Tribute Film to Sari-Sari Store Owners

Puregold carries on with its heartfelt tribute to Filipino sari-sari store owners or micro- entrepreneurs with its Sari-Sari Stories video series, the newest installment of which features a special cameo from BINI’s Jhoanna. “The Witness” is a short film that tells a tender, coming-of-age love story, one that unfolds across the years, shaped by change, constancy, and the quiet presence of a sari-sari store owner who sees it all.

Jhoanna’s cameo adds an extra layer of warmth and relatability to the narrative, underscoring the film’s message of appreciation for small business owners across the country. Affirming the role sari-sari stores play in Filipinos’ everyday lives, Jhoanna shared, “Importante na hindi mawala ang sari-sari store. Bukod sa pagiging very Pinoy, ito pa rin ang pinaka-accessible sa maraming komunidad. Iba pa rin yung may mapupuntahan kang malapit sa’yo.”

The latest Sari-Sari Story follows the budding romance between two childhood sweethearts, their youthful ardor eventually evolving - through the years - into real enduring love. The video depicts the highs and lows of their relationship, all from the perspective of a humble sari-sari store owner who witnessed them all.

WATCH: "The Witness" - Puregold Sari-Sari Short Film

Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad echoed Jhoanna’s sentiments, saying, “Puregold has always been a proud ally of micro-entrepreneurs across the country. Through Sari-Sari Stories, we continue to uphold the role sari-sari store owners play in our everyday lives. In their communities, they bring people together by providing convenience and access to daily essentials.”

“The Witness” rides on the momentum of earlier Sari-Sari Stories installments such as “Ways” featuring SB19’s Stell, and “The Sign,” which included a cameo by Skusta Clee. The series has collectively sparked conversations online and resonated with netizens, Aling Puring members, and Puregold followers, reinforcing the remarkable part sari-sari stores play in everyday Filipino life.

As the series continues, audiences are spurred to watch for the next story, reflecting how sari-sari stores have - over time - integrated themselves into people’s lives and into the communities they serve.

Stay in the loop. Subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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From “Nobody” to Something Extraordinary! China’s All-Time No. 1 2D Animated Film Makes Its Way to Philippine Cinemas Starting February 4

Who are they? Just Nobody…

Nobody knows? No! It’s NOBODY!

The all-time No.1 2D Animated film in China, NOBODY, comes to the Philippine cinema this February 4!

As of January 26, NOBODY holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter, and it is celebrated for its humor and inspiring tale of these overlooked heroes. Its impressions signal an appreciation for 2D animation rooted in cultural heritage blending satire, folklore, and emotional realism.

Early critics and audiences have praised NOBODY for its hand-drawn animation and ink-wash-inspired art style, describing it as a feast for the eyes and a delight for its characters and creative world-building. They also commended how the film balances humor and heart, bringing charm to each little demon throughout their adventures.

Don’t let their appearance and size fool you, these four little demons pack a big punch of heart and fun. These four nameless little demons — a pig, a toad, a weasel, and a gorilla, set off on a wild, fun-filled journey, discovering courage, friendship, and the extraordinary power of being nobody. Their witty camaraderie and emotional impact redefine heroism, showing empathy, perseverance, and humility can exist without the need for recognition, yet extraordinary. Through their bumpy, eventful adventures, you won’t be just entertained, you will cheer and root for them at every twist and turn of their journey.

Watch the trailer: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Official Synopsis:

On the remote Mount Langlang, four nameless little demons — a pig, a toad, a weasel, and a gorilla — live quiet, overlooked lives. Unnoticed by the world, they are neither powerful nor heroic. One day, they embark on a daring journey, mimicking the legendary Tang Monk’s pilgrimage to the West, hoping to gain strength, recognition, and a sense of purpose.

Along the way, they face dangers, encounter evil forces, and are tested in courage and wisdom. In the end, they defeat a formidable enemy, yet lose their magical abilities and return to ordinary animal forms.

Though they do not achieve legendary fame, they earn respect and gratitude from those they helped, proving that even a “nobody” can accomplish extraordinary deeds.

Nobody is too small to make a difference! Join the four nameless little demons in NOBODY and follow their journey in PH cinemas, February 4!

Watch out for more at Encore Films Philippines on their Facebook and Instagram @encorefilmsph.

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Donny Pangilinan and Anne Curtis Take Over Cinema One's Special Valentine’s Movie Marathon

New gen phenomenal actor Donny Pangilinan leads Cinema One’s Blockbuster Sundays with a special airing of some of his notable films, just in time for the season of love this February.

Highlighting the “ROJA” star’s charm and range, the lineup features heartfelt stories and standout performances that deliver kilig, emotion, and feel-good moments every Sunday at 7pm.

1. As the boy-next-door named Dave seeking for forgiveness in “James & Pat & Dave”

“James & Pat & Dave” follows three young adults navigating love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Pat (Loisa Andalio) is healing from Dave’s (Donny Pangilinan) betrayal when she meets James (Ronnie Alonte), the grandson of the resort owner where she works. Through chance encounters and shared experiences, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, forcing each of them to confront their emotions this Feb. 1.

2. As a boutique plant owner and social activist named Manny in “An Inconvenient Love”

“An Inconvenient Love” follows Ayef (Belle Mariano), a convenience store worker with big dreams of becoming an international animator, and Manny (Donny), a boutique plant shop owner who secretly works as a social activist. When their busy lives and conflicting priorities make love seem inconvenient, they enter a contract relationship with a set expiration date, only to find their feelings growing deeper than expected. The film airs on Cinema One on Feb. 8.

3. As a teasing basketball captain named “Deib” in He’s Into Her: The Moviecut”

“He’s Into Her: The Moviecut” tells the story of Maxpein (Belle), a spirited provincial girl who moves to Manila to live with her estranged father and enrolls at an elite school, where she instantly clashes with basketball varsity captain Deib played by Donny. What begins as a cat-and‑dog relationship blossoms into a heartfelt romance filled with kilig and coming‑of‑age moments. Catch the first part on Feb. 15 and the second part on February 22.

Likewise, Cinema One puts the spotlight on Anne Curtis with a special movie lineup featuring some of her most beloved films. Watch the “It’s Showtime” host in “The Mall, The Merrier” on Feb. 7, “Babe, I Love You” on Feb. 14, “Buybust” on February 21, and “No Other Woman” on February 28, which airs every Saturday, 7pm.

Meanwhile, get ready for a Valentine’s Day full of kilig and fun as Cinema One presents a special movie marathon this February 14. From romantic comedies to heartfelt dramas, viewers can enjoy a day of love, laughter, and unforgettable on-screen moments with Claudine Barretto, Rico Yan, and Diether Ocampo’s “Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita,” Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa’s “Forevermore,” Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual’s “Till There Was You,” John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo’s “One More Chance,” Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto’s “I Love You, Hater,” and other romance films.

Cinema One, the home of Filipino blockbuster movies, is available on SKYcable ch. 56, Cignal ch. 45, GSat Direct TV ch. 14, and other local cable service providers. For more details, follow Cinema One on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

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Puregold CinePanalo Announces Top 20 Student Shorts Finalists for 2026 Festival Run

Puregold CinePanalo, currently on its third iteration, has unveiled the top 20 student short films culled from an impressive pool of 267 submissions nationwide. Chosen from an initial top 53 shortlist, the select entries were crafted by the Philippines’ most promising student filmmakers who are poised to shape the future of Philippine cinema.

The following are the 20 Student Shorts selected for this year’s Puregold CinePanalo:

• “Starfish” by John Clite Apolinar, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
• “Alumahan” by Christian Melvin M. Arejola, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
• “A MILLION DREAM” by Ace Joven Balleta, University of Eastern Philippines
• “Kanibal” by Michael Baylon, University of the Philippines (Visayas)
• “Miss Intrams” by Henri Marie C. Belimac, University of the Philippines (Mindanao)
• “THE SOUND OF K” by Jay Gabriel A. Cañada, Visayas State University
• “TEKS BATTLE: SHOOT PATI PATO!” by John Russel Capule, University of Caloocan City
• “TINGI” by Rowan De Aro, Tanza National Comprehensive High School
• “Pulis Dunggab” by Maxine Dela Bajan, iACADEMY Cebu
• “Kapag Tapos na ang Umpukan” by Justine Lee Estinor, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
• “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan” by Hezekiah M. Estorque, University of the Philippines (Visayas)
• “Sa Mga Nagdaan at Lumipas” by Ezaldea Carla Fernandez, University of the Philippines (Open University)
• “12 Shots” by Minnesota Flores, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
• “No Mad is An Island” by Carl Geronimo, City of Malabon University
• “Nakabinbin” by Carlo M. Gula, Colegio de San Juan de Letran - Manila
• “When Heaven Inched Towards Earth” by Vinh Marco, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
• “Limlim” by Samantha Beatriz Acoja Palaje, St. Dominic College of Asia
• “Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen (The Carabao’s Horns Have Cracked)” by Lloyd Pereira, Polytechnic University of the Philippines
• “Kun Hain? Bisan Diin” by Jomarie Reyes, University of the Philippines (Diliman)
• “Nang Matakasan ang Tagay” by Giancarlo Santiago, University of the Philippines (Diliman)

The young filmmakers behind these top entries will benefit from this year’s more expansive Puregold CinePanalo, which offers a production grant of Php 200,000 and sponsorship of equipment packages to support the production of their films.

Furthermore, Puregold CinePanalo, in partnership with the Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI), presents expanded educational incentives for the student filmmakers. Winners of the Best Film, Jury Prize, and Best Director categories will be eligible for full scholarships at APFI, alongside additional tuition benefits and career guidance programs.

Ms. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Senior Marketing Manager of Puregold, extends her congratulations to the top 20 finalists. “Reaching this stage was no easy task. We believe these young filmmakers carry some of the most important stories that need to be told today. We are proud to provide them with a platform to bring these stories to life, and we look forward to seeing how the Filipino audiences connect with and respond to these films created especially for them.”

Now a recognized platform in the Filipino film industry, Puregold CinePanalo is a festival dedicated to amplifying young Filipino voices and their craft. Since its launch, the festival has awarded hundreds of thousands of pesos in grants to student filmmakers, creating opportunities for their professional development and exposure.

The festival is scheduled for September 23 to October 4, 2026 at Araneta City’s Gateway Cineplex 18 and select Ayala Cinemas, where the 20 student shorts will screen alongside seven full-length feature films.

Films produced and launched through previous Puregold CinePanalo festivals have gone on to garner critical acclaim, with alumni works screening and earning awards at notable film festivals here and abroad.

For more information on the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, you may stay updated through the official festival Facebook page at facebook.com/puregoldcinepanalo.

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