Puregold CinePanalo Celebrates Blockbuster Opening with Sold-Out Screenings

Long lines, packed lobbies, and sold-out cinemas are greeting moviegoers at this year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, as its biggest edition yet opens to a strong first-week turnout.

Crowds have been pouring into participating cinemas to catch the latest batch of original Filipino films produced for Puregold CinePanalo, with multiple screenings selling out within the festival’s first few days.

And at a time when the state of Philippine cinema has been the subject of intense discussion, the sight of audiences lining up for locally made films is sending a clear message: Filipino moviegoers are still willing to show up for Filipino stories.

“This year, Pinoy cinema has been the subject of much debate and discourse,” said Puregold CinePanalo Festival Director Chris Cahilig. “However, the success of our first day of screenings makes things incredibly clear: there remains a strong appetite for Filipino stories told by Filipino voices. Puregold CinePanalo has always been proud to uplift the stories of our local artists.”

The excitement was already visible even before the first film rolled.

Long lines were reported at cinemas a full day before screenings began, as fans headed to their cinemas of choice to secure tickets in advance. Cinephiles also rushed to Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma to claim festival passes giving them access to the lineup of full-length films and student short-film sets.

By opening day, several screenings were already sold out.

Among the films drawing packed houses were coming-of-age story “Apol of My Ai”; supernatural queer films “Patay Gutom” and “Multwoh (Patay na Patay sa ’Yo)”; and romantic comedy “Stuck on You,” which puts a deadly twist on the genre.

The rush has spilled onto social media, where moviegoers have begun posting updates about sold-out screenings to help fellow festivalgoers plan ahead and find available schedules.

And the demand is not slowing down.

Multiple screenings for the coming weekend have already sold out, with seats for all seven Puregold CinePanalo full-length films particularly in demand during late-afternoon and evening schedules.

Beyond the movies themselves, festivalgoers have also been walking away with souvenirs and giveaways, including grocery bags, custom totes, pins and personalized souvenir receipts.

“Puregold CinePanalo is our treat to both artists and fans of cinema,” said Cahilig. “While we continue to uplift the stories of local filmmakers, we also strive to create memorable experiences for those who come to support these films. Attendees will leave with great stories in their hearts and minds, along with giveaways to serve as mementos of the experience.”

All seven full-length films and 19 original student shorts of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival will screen until October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!

Regular tickets are priced at ₱250, while discounted tickets cost ₱200. PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes, and Aling Puring and Puregold Perks cardholders qualify for the discounted rate.

A ₱2,000 festival pass is also available for moviegoers who want to take on the festival lineup. Festival passes may be purchased only at Gateway Cineplex 18 and TriNoma but can be used across participating festival venues.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is sponsored by Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Cream Silk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack ’N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, MY San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins and Zonrox.

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Jollibee and DreamWorks Team Up for Global ‘Forgotten Island’ Campaign Celebrating Friendship and Filipino Culture

Jollibee and DreamWorks Animation are teaming up for a global partnership tied to the worldwide theatrical release of Forgotten Island, a new original animated feature that celebrates friendship, family, and Filipino-inspired storytelling.

The collaboration brings together DreamWorks, the studio behind globally recognized films including Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Wild Robot, and Jollibee, the beloved Filipino restaurant brand that makes your favorite Chickenoy, Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti and Burger Steak.

The partnership also brings together shared themes of friendship and togetherness. Forgotten Island draws inspiration from Filipino mythology and stories passed down through Filipino families, while Jollibee has long brought people together through shared meals and everyday moments of joy. In the Philippines, the collaboration offers fans an opportunity to experience the film’s themes and Filipino cultural elements through Jollibee.

At the heart of Forgotten Island, from the filmmakers of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, are lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R. and Filipino actress Liza Soberano. The story follows the two friends as they discover a mysterious portal leading to Nakali, a magical island inhabited by mythical creatures inspired by stories from their Filipino families.

Their adventure takes a turn when they discover that returning home comes at the cost of losing their memories of each other. Joined by a group of allies, Jo and Raissa must navigate the challenges of Nakali while finding a way to preserve their friendship.

The film features an international voice cast that includes Dave Franco, Lea Salonga, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng, bringing together global talent and Filipino voices in a story rooted in Filipino-inspired mythology.

“At Jollibee, we've always believed that some of life's best memories are made around the dining table. Forgotten Island is a beautiful and moving story that reminds us of the power and importance of friendship, something that has always been at the heart of our brand,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. “Through this partnership with DreamWorks, we're excited to give Filipinos another meaningful way to celebrate friendship, create lasting memories, and share the joy of eating together.”

To bring the partnership closer to Filipino fans, Jollibee Philippines will introduce the limited-time Forgotten Island Adventure Bundle launching September 16 in Metro Manila and September 23 in all other regions, available until October 31 at participating stores nationwide.

The Adventure Bundle includes Jollibee's 1-pc. Chickenjoy with rice and Pineapple Quencher, the new Peach Mango Pie à la Mode with Vanilla Soft Serve, Jollibee's Peach Mango Pie with Chocolate Sauce, and an exclusive Forgotten Island Friendship Charm Bracelet. The bundle is priced at ₱389. 

Inspired by the film, the exclusive Friendship Charm Bracelet serves as a collectible that fans can take home as a memento of the partnership and the friendships celebrated in Forgotten Island.

The Forgotten Island Adventure Bundle will be available through dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru, while supplies last.

Forgotten Island, distributed by Universal Pictures, opens in Philippine cinemas on September 23, 2026.

About Jollibee

Jollibee is a global restaurant brand best known for its world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken. It was voted No. 1 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in the U.S. in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for three consecutive years and garnered multiple acclaims in various markets. It is the #1 QSR in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei. Guided by its purpose to serve great-tasting food and bring the joy of eating to everyone, Jollibee continues to bring people together through joyful dining experiences across more than 1,800 stores in 16 countries. Jollibee is the flagship brand of Jollibee Group, one of the fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world.

About DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island

Your best friendship is worth fighting for. DreamWorks Animation, the studio that brought you unforgettable bonds between a boy and a dragon in How to Train Your Dragon, an ogre and a donkey in Shrek, and a robot and a gosling in The Wild Robot, now welcomes a dazzling and emotional story about two lifelong best friends who must come together before they drift apart in Forgotten Island.

The new original film is written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and is produced by Academy Award® nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Grammy and Academy Award® winning supernova H.E.R. and Liza Soberano (Lisa Frankenstein, Alone/Together) star as high school graduates Jo and Raissa, who have been best friends since grade school but are now about to embark on separate life paths.

While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families.

Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but- hapless weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal (Tony winning icon Lea Salonga), the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.

The film’s all-star voice cast also includes Emmy nominee Jenny Slate (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Dying for Sex), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Top Gun: Maverick), BAFTA nominee Dolly de Leon (Triangle of Sadness, Ghostlight), global comedy superstar Jo Koy (Haunted Mansion, Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn) and Emmy winner Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show, M3GAN). DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is distributed by Universal Pictures.

About DreamWorks Animation

DreamWorks Animation, a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, is a global family entertainment company with feature film and television brands. DreamWorks' feature heritage includes many of the world’s most acclaimed films and beloved franchises, including Shrek, Puss in Boots, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls, The Boss Baby, Madagascar, The Bad Guys, Gabby’s Dollhouse and The Wild Robot. Collectively, these theatrical film properties have grossed more than $17 billion worldwide. DreamWorks Animation’s television studio is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, animated family programming, reaching consumers in more than 190 countries with a diverse array of original streaming series and films. The company’s deep portfolio of intellectual property is supported by a robust, worldwide licensing and consumer products practice, as well as award-winning brand experiences through Universal Destinations & Experiences theme parks, live entertainment and more.

About Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.

NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

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Inigo Pascual Releases New Single "Pagdating ng Panahon" featuring BINI Mikha Lim in the MV Directed by Dad Piolo Pascual

Inigo Pascual celebrated his 29th birthday with the release of his new self-penned single, “Pagdating ng Panahon,” which he described as an “anthem for a special someone who lives across the world.”

The Kapamilya singer-songwriter also unveiled the song’s official music video on the ABS-CBN Star Music YouTube channel, featuring BINI member Mikha Lim as his best friend and love interest.

Shot in the Philippines and Australia, the music video was directed by Richard Goot and Inigo’s father, Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual.

“It was my dad’s idea when we were on a tour in Australia. My dad was doing everything—he was finding locations where we were going to shoot,” shared Inigo. “It was the first time my dad has ever done something like that.”

Inigo also shared how he personally chose Mikha to be his leading lady in the music video, expressing his gratitude that she agreed to take part despite BINI’s demanding schedule.

“She was our first choice when my dad decided to film the stuff in Australia. We have the same group of friends. I’m glad she was nice enough and willing to do it,” he said.

“Pagdating ng Panahon” captures the quiet hope of someone willing to wait for love to arrive at the right time, holding on to the belief that the person he loves will eventually look back and realize he has always been there.

The single follows Inigo’s comeback release, “Ikaw at Ikaw,” whose message is closely connected to the new song.

“It was like a continuation of my thoughts from ‘Ikaw at Ikaw,’” he shared.

Both “Pagdating ng Panahon” and “Ikaw at Ikaw” will be part of Inigo’s upcoming album.

“Pagdating ng Panahon” is now available on various music streaming platforms. For more details on Inigo’s music, follow Star Music on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

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HONOR 600S Confirmed to Launch in the Philippines on October 1

Following the success of the HONOR 600 Series, global AI devices provider HONOR Philippines has officially confirmed the arrival of the HONOR 600S, coming to the Philippines on October 1, 2026.

As a more accessible addition to the HONOR 600 Series, the HONOR 600S is designed to bring the experiences that users value from the series to a wider audience. Built for young professionals, creators, and digital-savvy users, it combines entertainment, content creation, work, business, and connectivity in a smartphone made for everyday life.

The HONOR 600S is set to bring more of the HONOR 600 Series experience to a wider audience, with a combination of entertainment, creativity, connectivity, and everyday performance. Among its highlights is HONOR AI Image to Video 2.0, giving users a glimpse of the creative experiences they can expect from the new device.

It also comes with 5G connectivity, allowing users to stay connected and enjoy their digital experiences wherever the day takes them. It is built to keep up with users who are always on the go, featuring a massive 8,100mAh battery designed to provide the power needed for long days of streaming, scrolling, creating, and getting things done.

“Following the strong response to the HONOR 600 Series, we wanted to continue giving our consumers more of the experiences they value while making them accessible to even more users,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “The HONOR 600S carries forward the AI-powered creativity and connectivity that our consumers enjoy, while offering an option that fits the needs of a wider audience. We’re excited to officially introduce it to the Philippines this October.”

The HONOR 600S officially launches in the Philippines on October 1, 2026. More details, including pricing, availability, and other launch offers, will be revealed soon. 

Watch the live launch here: https://bit.ly/H600S_GrandLaunch_PR.

For more information about HONOR Philippines, you may visit: https://www.honor.com/ph/. To stay updated on launch announcements, product information, and exclusive offers, follow HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive launch updates, product information, and more.

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Puregold Hakot Relay South Luzon Leg Draws 4,000 Runners at the Vermosa Sports Hub, Raises the Bar with an Epic 8K Individual Challenge

Puregold’s “hakot” legacy hit a whole new stride in Cavite as the Hakot Relay South Luzon leg transformed Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus into an adrenaline-charged showcase for speed, grit, and panalo. More than 4,000 runners that showed up had their game face on as they competed, enjoyed the camaraderie, and joined the signature “hakot” moments of the race.

The Southern Luzon leg - of the nationwide Hakot Relay series - marked the launch of Puregold’s first-ever 8K Individual Challenge, putting solo runners to the ultimate test. Around 500 runners took on the full 8 kilometers, proving that Puregold Hakot Relay is also about pushing one’s limits and crossing the finish line stronger than ever.

The rest competed in the event’s signature Hakot Relay, where runners formed teams and raced through the course while collecting grocery items along the way.

Therein lay the difference: Hakot Relay was a team event, while the new 8K was an individual race.

In the relay, teammates had to strategize and work together as they raced to collect groceries before reaching the finish line. In the 8K Individual Challenge, runners tackled the longer distance entirely on their own.

“We wanted to offer runners a fresh and enjoyable way to challenge themselves, with the ‘hakot’ mechanic adding a playful and uniquely Puregold twist to the race. Being part of the running community is meaningful to us, and it is a privilege for Puregold to bring people together for a shared panalo experience.” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager.

Participants began with a pre-race warm-up before heading to the starting line and completing their respective courses within prescribed cut-off times.

After crossing the finish line, runners collected their race-day rewards and visited sampling booths of participating brands. Sponsor-led stage activities and an awarding ceremony capped the event.

Participants in the team Hakot Relay went home with a Grocery Sling Bag and a Finisher’s Grocery Bag, but a ‘surprise’ awaited the solo 8K finishers at the end of the line: the chance to roll home their loot in a finisher’s grocery cart wagon.

“We’re always looking for ways to level up the Hakot Relay and give Filipinos something new to look forward to,” Piedad said. “This year, this meant introducing our first-ever 8K challenge and bringing the experience to an even bigger scale.”

With more than 4,000 runners joining either as teams or solo competitors, the South Luzon leg expanded the Hakot experience while keeping its coveted reward intact: you race to the finish line—and go home with groceries, too.

For updates, subscribe to the Puregold Channel on YouTube, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X and @puregoldph on TikTok.

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