Insider Spotlight
What’s happening
The retailer’s 2026 CinePanalo Film Festival will screen its seven original full-length films and 20 student-made shorts at select Ayala Malls Cinemas, marking a partnership between Puregold and the mall operator for the festival’s third edition.
The participating locations are Market! Market! in Taguig, Trinoma and Fairview Terraces in Quezon City, Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig, Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque and Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.
Why it matters
The six locations were chosen to tap distinct cinema-going communities, from creative hubs in Makati and Taguig to student, youth and family audiences in Quezon City, according to a company release. Pasig and Parañaque also provide access to diverse audiences and mixed-use entertainment districts.
“Partnering with Ayala Malls helps bring the 2026 CinePanalo to as many Filipinos as possible,” Puregold senior marketing manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said. “As the festival continues to grow, we truly value partnerships like this that stand by the cause of unleashing Filipino cinema’s untapped potential.”
The bigger picture
CinePanalo films from previous editions have reached festivals in Asia, Europe and Africa, giving Puregold an incentive to broaden domestic access as alumni gain recognition overseas.
“CinePanalo’s advocacy greatly aligns with Ayala Malls’ vision and values. At its core, CinePanalo puts the Filipino audience first—highlighting stories that reflect their lives, dreams, and everyday victories,” Ayala Malls’ Ancillary Business head Yvette Roldan said. “This resonates with our commitment to meaningful and culturally-relevant experiences at Ayala Malls Cinemas.”
Zoom out
The partnership also gives student and regional filmmakers more screens, reinforcing CinePanalo’s positioning as a pipeline for new Filipino voices and giving locally produced stories a wider domestic platform.
“As we celebrate the wins of our CinePanalo alums in film festivals across the globe, we are, of course, always brought back to the purpose of the CinePanalo, which is to tell true, Filipino stories. That’s why it is important for us at Puregold that these stories reach the same people who inspire them,” Hayagan-Piedad said.
“Working with Ayala Malls allows the festival to reach more audiences, giving these films the platform they deserve while carrying the panalo spirit reflected in each story.” —Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
