I am here,
and still here.
But not entirely the same.
Directed by John Clite Apolinar
Written by Adelbert Abrigonda & John Clite Apolinar
Produced by Naiah Mendoza & Carey Erwin Bayno
#PuregoldCinepanalo2026 #StarfishFilm
”Some creatures grow back what the world takes from them.”
Returning to his province, a male sex worker from Manila realizes that oppression follows him like a shadow, no matter where he goes.
A film by John Clite Apolinar
Produced by Tasá Productions
An official entry to the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026.
For those who wish to provide monetary support, here are our donation channels:
GCASH
09296419497
Naiah Nicole Mendoza
PAYMAYA
09296419497
Naiah Nicole Mendoza
GOTYME
0127 7107 7418
Naiah Nicole Mendoza
PAYPAL
@nayabels7
Naiah Nicole Mendoza
#StarfishFilm
Starfish, an entry to the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026, highlights the humanity of those living on the margins.
An allegory of the Filipino experience today, the film follows Boyet, a character shaped by both lived and witnessed realities who is forced to adapt and remain resilient in the face of hardship.
Drawing from the regenerative nature of a starfish, the story becomes a powerful metaphor for resilience and trauma, revealing not just the strength to endure, but the cost of constantly having to rebuild.
For those who wish to support the film, you may reach us at [email protected] or message us through our social media accounts.
READ:
/p/DX50SINAtRe/
/p/DX50SINAtRe/
A story of faith, lived beyond the altar
Grasya by @lheonelsanchez will premiere at Piling Obrang Vidyo XXII @upcinemapov in the Documentary category.
Catch it on screen from May 4–11 at Cine Adarna, UP Film Center, UP Diliman.
#TasaProductions
Paglaog
A young provincial boy ventures to Manila to search for his father, but finds himself lost in the harsh, bustling streets of the city, far from his father’s stories.
Directed by: Jansen Adarlo
Written by: Nygel Bernales and Jansen Adarlo
Executive Producers: Beth Adarlo, Angelo Fernando
Creative Producers: Wanggo Gallanga, Darlene Young, Adelbert Abrigonda
Supervising Adviser: Alec Berame
Producers: Madielyn Retiro, James Russel De Myer
Line Producer: Emanuel Paler
Director of Photography: Tyrone Taotao
Production Designer: Aeriel Kronberg
Assistant Director: Ryan Capili
Production Manager: Sandei Barera
Musical Scorer: Ralph Novero
Sound Designer: Zi Reyes
Editor: Keneth Abrigonda
Associate Producers: Malyn Sayse, Weng Sayse, Jobert Adarlo, Angelo Puno
2nd Assistant Director (Atimonan Leg): Madielyn Retiro
Script Continuity: Via Kaye
Crowd Director: Jo Ramos
Assistant Production Manager: Marielle Escartin
Production Associates: Vlue Munoz, Peter Regulacion, Miko Formigones, Josephine Pajaron, Adrian Andres, Jake Saylanon, Kyle Lazaro, Stephen John Baral, Ver Salvador
Casting Director: Virgo Infilm
Talent Coordinator: John Mark Talucod
A Camera Operator: Joseph Vitali
A 1st Assistant Camera: Maika Hije
B Camera Operator: Ja Tobias
B 1st Assistant Camera: Jan Claud Candaza
2nd Assistant Cameras: Nathan Magalang, Levince Sotto
Gaffer: Jonas Ibanez
Key Grip: Juan Miguel Bondoc
DIT: Shen Ando
Sound Recordist & Boom Operator: Nina Denise
Sound Assistant: Dylanne Eguia
Boom Operator: Nicollo Marquez
Art Director: Bianca Lumogdang
Set Decorators: Hannah Grace Maur, Gavin Ejandra
Hair & Make-up: Janna Grace
HMUA Assist: Sean Verdejo
Wardrobe: Jo Gumiran
Colorist: Tyrone Taotao
Music Producer: Ezekiel Diaz
Sound Designer: Zi Reyes
Animator: Justin Guerrero
Assistant Animators: Lance Vergara, Ana Gonzalez
Subtitlist: Guila Manguerra
Music Composer: Jazzie Olivera
Musical Arranger: Ezekiel Diaz
VFX: Jd Linga
Music Scorer: Ralph Novero
Music Team: Kr Cipres, Juax Interior, Vince De Asis
Marketing Head: Lance Casuyon
Copywriter: Ramier Pedianco
Graphics: Nicole Beran
Marketing Videographer: Amanda Porciuncula
Marketing Photographer: Dionel
Paglaog: Official Trailer
Sa malawak at magulong Maynila, bawat ilaw at anino ay humahamon sa pangarap ni Boyboy. Malayo ito sa mga kwentong minsang nagbigay sa kanya ng pag-asa.
Samahan natin si Boyboy ngayong April 14 sa isang paglalakbay sa puso ng Maynila.
📍 Benilde Film Screening Room, 12th Floor, D+A Campus
Isang Benilde Capstone Thesis Film
Sa direksyon ni Jansen Adarlo
Kwento nina Jansen Adarlo at Nygelle Bernales
#ProjectPaglaog
To call something home, and realize everything feels scorched.
STARFISH
An official entry to the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026
Directed by John Clite Apolinar
Written by Adelbert Abrigonda and John Clite Apolinar
Produced by Tasá Productions
𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟
We are looking for:
BOYET
1. 26-29 screen age
2. Male. Carries both softness and survival personality.
3. Moreno, tall, physically fit and has a strong sexual appeal.
4. Comfortable in intimate scenes and macho dancing.
5. Preferably can swim.
6. Can cry on cue.
JIMBOY
1. 24-27 screen age.
2. Male. Fair-skinned and have a charming personality.
3. Has a mischievous look.
4. Comfortable in intimate scenes.
SUPPORTING ROLES
Male-Female. 13-50s screen age. Provincial faces.
APPLICATION DETAILS:
- Deadline: April 15, 11:59 PM
- Prepare your set cards and acting reel.
- Talent fee, meals and transportation will be provided.
Submit your application through the QR code or application link: https://bit.ly/starfishcastingcall
SHOOT DETAILS:
- Location: Tanza, Cavite
- Dates: June 4-6
For questions, please message Casting Director:
Virgo | 0976 430 6289 | @virgoinfilm on IG
#StarfishFilm #PuregoldCinePanalo2026
Have your first look at Puregold CinePanalo 2026 entry ‘Starfish’ by dir. John Clite Apolinar.
The upcoming short film follows Boyet, a male sex worker from Manila, who returns to his province and discovers that oppression clings to him like a shadow wherever he goes. #PuregoldCinepanalo2026 #StarfishFilm
Something is growing—
raw, fragile, becoming.
Help us raise Starfish, piece by piece 🫧🌊.
To those who want to support Starfish, refer to our donation channels below.
For collaborations & partnerships, contact us at [email protected].
#PuregoldCinepanalo2026 #StarfishFilm
Encore! 🩰
We are honored to share that Dan, En Pointe by @adelbertabrigonda has been included in The Best of Filipino Short Films of 2025 by @sinegangdotph
Catch our upcoming shorts Starfish and Alumahan this 2026.
READ HERE: https://www.sinegang.ph/lists/best-filipino-shorts-of-2025-sgph
Stories that run deep as the sea 🌊
Congratulations to Starfish and Alumahan for being named finalists at the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival.
Starfish
Written by Adelbert Abrigonda
Directed by John Clite Apolinar
Alumahan
Written by Khert Gabayeron
Directed by Christian Melvin Arejola
Let’s celebrate stories, waves, and everything in between. See you at the shoreline.
#TasaProductions
#PuregoldCinepanalo
We are honored to announce that Taympers has been officially selected to compete at the 12th Nabunturan Independent Film Exhibition (NABIFILMEX). The festival will be held on September 17–20, 2025 in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.
The film will be part of the Open Category Competition, contending for the Gimadyawan Award.
#Taympers
