BINI Jhoanna plays a cameo role in Puregold’s heartwarming tribute 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.

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.

Watch the full video -https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14UBBRfbmYL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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.

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 tobring 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.

Leviste was questioned in his recent interviews about a penalty of 24 billion faced by one of his companies

  

“ Kung si Zaldy Co daw ay Flood Control King si Leviste naman daw ay Kuryente King. “ ayon ito sa mga netizens “

According to Garin, Leviste owns 99.9 percent of Solar Philippines, which was slapped with a P24-billion penalty for failing to meet contractual obligations to deliver power within the prescribed period.

Leviste has said SPBC shut down operations four years ago, but Garin stressed that the closure ddid not absolve a franchise holder of its responsibilities. 

“That’s not the point. You have a franchise, there are obligations and responsibilities in the franchise, eh kung magsara ka ng kusa, you have to tell Congress… not unilaterally decide kasi binigay nga sayo ng Kongreso,” she said.

“Whether you stop operations, you divest, or you sell it, you have to tell Congress,” Garin added. “You have a franchise, and you have deliverables being a franchise holder. He could have informed Congress… if they wanted to stop operations because Congress can give it to other companies.”  

BALAYAN, Batangas—Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, whose solar power company was recently sanctioned by the Department of Energy (DOE), is pursuing a battle on the side—this time with a Palace official.

Leviste on Friday filed a civil libel complaint against Malacanang Press Officer Claire Castro for supposedly spreading false information about his businesses.

He was accompanied by his new legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, in filing the complaint at the Balayan Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Batangas province, where Leviste is the congressman representing the first district.

“Technically I could have easily pressed criminal charges, but I don’t want her to face jail time,” Leviste said at a press conference after his filing, explaining the civil nature of the complaint.

“What’s clear however is that there are forces trying to distract or disrupt but our goal is for transparency that’s why we filed a complaint against her,” he said.

The neophyte lawmaker is seeking P100 million in moral damages, P10 million in exemplary damages, and P1 million to cover attorney’s fees.

Leviste accused Castro of “defaming him” by claiming that he illegally sold off the franchise for Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp. (SPBC), one of his companies in the power sector.


Source

Bilyonaryo's: https://bnc.bilyonaryo.com/doe-congress-to-rule-on-leviste-solar-firms-franchise-issues/news/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAPZj8ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeZLknTgEOUl8cXeMpB4rG0P-RRFQgCUiviNuMLJqmnaK8h3C9wSLCUOHx79Q_aem_ijSb192IpQCwkjPabyCllw

Inquirer: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2169201/leviste-files-p111m-libel-raps-vs-palace-spox-castro/amp

Tiangco Says Romualdez Bears Command Responsibility in Flood Control Issue

Navotas lone district Representative Toby Tiangco said former House Speaker Martin Romualdez bears command responsibility over former Ako-Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co in connection with the alleged insertions in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects.

Tiangco stressed that he is not taking sides in the controversy but is merely recounting what he said actually happened. “Wala akong kinakampihan at pinagtatanggol, sinasabi ko kung ano ang tunay na nangyari, hindi para depensahan ang Presidente kundi para sabihin ang totoo. All of these would not have happened if hindi pinayagan ni Speaker. Ang direct command responsibility kay Zaldy ay si Martin,” Tiangco said in a radio interview.

Tiangco’s remarks followed his earlier statements that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had confronted both Romualdez and Co over the transfer of unprogrammed funds to projects allegedly approved by the two. According to Tiangco, President Marcos was not aware of the actions taken by Romualdez and Co, which was why they were reprimanded.

“All of this will not have happened kung hindi pinayagan ni former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Kasi kung sasabihin natin command responsibility, the direct command responsibility was the command responsibility ng dating Speaker Martin Romualdez kay Zaldy Co. Yan yung direct na command responsibility eh. Kaya nga, napagalitan siya (ni Presidente),” he said.

Tiangco also called on the government to intensify efforts to bring Co back to the Philippines, noting that an arrest warrant has already been issued. He said many Filipinos are growing frustrated over the lack of high-profile arrests linked to the controversy. He added that he is proposing the deployment of a team to Portugal to demonstrate the administration’s resolve in pursuing Co.

“Nakukulangan lang ako doon sa effort. Parang isang taong may warrant of arrest dito sa Pilipinas 'di ba—pag mas pursiguido, mas malaki ang chansa. Maghanap-hanap na sila doon. Tanong-tanong sila ng mga Filipino community. Mag-imbestiga na rin sila pag nandoon sila in coordination with the law agencies sa bansa na yun,” Tiangco shared.

Tiangco said the investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects now lies with the Office of the Ombudsman. He added that once Congress resumes session, he hopes lawmakers can pass the ICI bill he authored to strengthen the commission’s mandate.

“Lahat naka atang na sa balikat ng Ombudsman. Since kulang na ng personalidad yung ICI, wala silang katulong pagdating sa bagay na yun, hindi katulad nung buo pa yung ICI. But I hope pagbalik namin sa Congress, maipasa na yung ICI bill,” said Tiangco.

Lito Banayo lauds Tiangco for his honesty as he exposes Romualdez

Former Philippine representative to Taiwan and veteran political strategist Lito Banayo has lauded Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco for his integrity following his exposé on the circumstances surrounding the controversial budget transactions involving Leyte Rep. and then–House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

In his column for the Manila Standard, Banayo described Tiangco as a revelation and far removed from the usual trapo (traditional politicians) that have long dominated Philippine politics.

“Toby Tiangco is a revelation. Not the usual trapo that we have come to regard all legislators, save for a minuscule few. So candid, so refreshing. And so honest,” Banayo said.

He praised Tiangco’s courage for revealing that President Marcos berated Romualdez, his first cousin, for diverting parts of the unprogrammed funds to projects that he and then Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co favored.

In a previous interview, Tiangco said Romualdez promised the President that the funds would be restored in the bicameral conference committee, but it did not materialize.

According to Tiangco, Romualdez took advantage of Marcos’ kindness by not heeding his order. “Ang problema kasi ang impression kay Presidente masyadong mabait e,” the lawmaker said.

Banayo said Malacañang will have a hard time debunking Tiangco’s claim, saying he believes the lawmaker was telling the truth.

“I believe him. I am sure many, many more believe honest Toby,” he stressed.

In the same interview, Tiangco revealed that based on surveys conducted before the 2025 senatorial elections, Romualdez was a major reason for the decline in Marcos’ approval ratings.

“Pero doon pa lang, nakikita na ang nagpapababa sa ratings niya, si Martin,” he said, adding that the President was aware of it.


Reference:
https://manilastandard.net/opinion/314691320/honest-toby.html