(COMPLETE) Winners of the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival

Tuesday, March 19, 2024



A few days ago, the awards night for Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival happened at the Cinema 5 of Gateway Mall at Araneta City in Quezon City. I've only been able to watch a few short films, 2 full lenght films, but saw how they all deserve the accolades mounting this all.

The competition is tough with the 6 full length films, 25 student short films, I was so excited to be seated with them during that evening... and even asked my seatmates about their bets. They were right!


Here are your winners!

Congrats VJ Mendoza for doing this song, he mentioned the one who composed it passed. Sad, but worthy to win!






























Initially, these were all supposed to be shown at Gateway Cineplex 18 from March 15 to 19, but we got word from Festival Director Chris Cahilig that it will be now until March 26 due to the resounding success of the films and clamor for more cinemas for it. If you haven't watched the entries, go take your friends, your family, and see it til that date. I like "A Lab Story", "Under a Piaya Moon", "Pushcart Tales" and the shorts that were seen in the festival. But you have the power to see whatever you wish in cinemas, go use a whole day for it because it can take a while to finish watching them all.

Congratulations Direk Chris Cahilig, to everyone at Puregold for making this happen. I deem this an excellent platform for unheard actors to shine. I also felt this would be a good place for people to see artistry with the different materials. It's also a time for story tellers to whip out their best work, and the chance to see it on the big screen is priceless. Puregold just did that for you, again, congratulations to the men and women who made this happen!            

COW

Embrace Organization for Differently Abled Inc. Holds 7th Year Celebrations

Monday, March 18, 2024





If you've gone to an Embrace Cafe and had a cuppa joe, you already are helping a lot of people. We learned about this today as Embrace Organization for Differently Abled Inc. is holding a 3 day event at the EVM Convention Center in Central Avenue, Quezon City. This is part of their efforts to celebrate their 7th year anniversary, an important milestone in the organization's aim to help in the plight of our differently abled brothers and sisters, so they too could lead normal lives. Aside from fun booths, they held workshops (facilitated by Quezon City) so they could get training certificates they could use as extra merits when they apply for jobs in different companies. Parents, actual persons with "THISabilities" also showcased their different businesses, products that have individual stories of triumph no matter what condition they are in.




Embrace Chairperson Ms. True Santos-Matias says "We at Embrace always had a vision of a caring world for them. With the help of God, we continue to share different projects and help people especially those who are differently abled. Thank you for being here this morning as we all take part in bringing awareness for this cause in hopes to inspire others to do the same."

There will also be an exhibition for the works of PWD's so they could showcase their work and some sign language training sessions for those who would want to learn about it courtesy of the Christian Society for the Deaf. The Quezon City local government also had a booth for those who would want to apply for ID's, as it's very important for identification on discounts for medicines and services. 




Present during the occasion was leaders from the Church of Christ, NET25 broadcasters Ali Sotto, Love Añover, Tonipet Gaba, and their members.


I went out having a sense of happiness that there are efforts to help our differently abled brethren so they can live, put food on the table and help their families. Go patronize their businesses as all proceeds go to the various differently abled persons they employ, and their families across the country!


COW

A LAB STORY: Love Stricken and Socially Aware at Puregold Cinepanalo Festival

Friday, March 15, 2024


A LAB STORY PUREGOLD

Took the afternoon screenings at Gateway Mall for the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival. The entry "A Lab Story" is about two students who find themselves in interesting situations because they had to pair up for an agricultural quiz bee. It definitely felt like a coming of age film. 

The teens might have been in different spectrums, one smart, the other not quite, and all they wanted to become was not to end up at last place.

It's fun, very endearing, and you will root for the two lead stars. You're going to also like Donna Cariaga in her element, the funny and quirky moments with her and Kurt screams part 2, we wouldn't be surprised if it had one.

They also had several issues addressed such as the plight of indigenous people, their home, their land and how some of them get abused. It's also about skills, knowing themselves and reaching for their dreams. So really, there's a lot to devour on such a simple looking plot.

This is just one of the entries in the Puregold Cinepanalo Film Festival, there will be several more of these full length films and short film entries that will be shown at Gateway Mall cinemas this weekend. Because as far as quality goes, this looks promising.


COW


foodpanda's Looking for 6 Beneficiaries of "Ka-Panda BIZ Women on Wheels"

Friday, March 08, 2024



Do you know that there are a lot of women foodpanda riders in the Philippines? Well foodpanda made sure that they do something special for them this Women's Day as they give BIGGER opportunities through their "Ka-panda BIZ Women on Wheels" program. This was witnessed by foodpanda Philippines executives, their partner organizations as they make sure that equality becomes a norm especially amongst women riders who are also part of their business.


Jerome Mangahas, foodpanda's Head of Communications and Public Affairs asserts this is the day to acknowledge women in the workforce and how they have been instrumental in the success of foodpanda, their community and their families. Last year, they only had 3 who were able to participate in the program but is now 6, which is welcome news.

Philippine Commission on Women OIC Atty Khay says "This year we challenge the stereotypes, the strength of their potential, the tough, independent, sociable, entrepreneur and woman. We believe every woman has the ability to choose, it's not a limitation, it's a source of strength. From the assumption that they are less capable, it hinders their choices. This also can be breeding a ground for violence. Women, your dreams, stories, it's all yours to claim. Our focus should remain steadfast, no matter how painful numbers are, women should remain equals. We should break down barriers and should do gender mainstreaming. The magna carta for women is turning 15 this year, this continues to promote equality. The law against violence to women and children on the other hand is on its 20th year. To make the most of it, we should assess and do proper targeting, increase women's specific needs. We need to continue to support GAD programs and advocate budget for it. We provide women the tools to take their families out of poverty. This national women's month, we must be united and put life in existing laws. We must pave ways for our partner organizations and it's beneficiaries."

Here's our video coverage which happened this morning.



Congratulations to Foodpanda, Foodpanda Logistics, Happinoy and the Philippine Commission on Women for being part of this!



COW