We all love to go the movies and watch different kinds of stories. It is great that there are many movies coming out with great relevance, are good, and interesting. The CineFilipino Film Festival, a celebration of Philippine cinema and of young and aspiring Filipino filmmakers, brings that sense of nationalism by having Filipino only entries to this festival and just recently it has officially released the full list of finalists for its Feature Length, Shorts, and Series categories in its 2019 competition.

Check out the names and see if your favorite aspiring directors are in.

Feature-length finalists (from left to right): Jose Javier Reyes the Competition Head, Jopy Arnaldo, Charlson Ong, Sarge Lacuesta, Sue Aspiras, Cristopher Gozum, Christopher Novabos, Steven Evangelio, JP Habac, Rob Hara, Dolly Dulu, Madonna Tarrayo the Festival Director and Guido Zaballero the First Vice President and Head of Marketing of Cignal

For the Feature Length film category, eight finalists were selected from over 100 entries and have each merited a PHP 2,000,000.00 grant, allowing them the amazing opportunity to produce their films and bring their cinematic visions to life. These talented finalists are:


1. Jopy Arnaldo, 27 EXP – A story about a boy who uses a disposable camera to move on from a love lost
2. Charlson Ong and Angelo R. Lacuesta, Cargo – A Tausug fast-boat pilot finds himself involved in a murder, and must choose between escape and surrender
3. Sue Aspiras, Homecoming – A young diwata gets a dazzling homecoming
4. Christopher Gozum, Ilikdem Mo So Matam – A Filipina filmmaker in Seoul, South Korea gets entangled in a forbidden relationship between two other OFWs in the city
5. Steven Paul Evangelio, Maya-maya Paparito Na – A family’s Christmas reunion is ruined by a devastating storm, leaving them with no way out
6. JP Habac, Olsen’s Day – A production assistant goes on a trip with a strange old man and his son who threatens him but at the same time, gives him the answers he seeks
7. Rob Jara, Ouroboros – A coming-of-age vengeance drama about a young man who waits 20 years to avenge his father’s death at the hands of his own mentor
8. Dolly Dulu, The Boy Foretold by the Stars – A gay high school student, driven by a fortuneteller’s predictions, attempts to prove to a boy that they are destined to be together

Shorts finalists (from left to right): Jose Javier Reyes the Competition Head, Dolly Dulu, Noel Tonga, Zsarina Mae Lacumba, Elaiza Rivera, Ronald Dulatre, James Hermoso, Lorys Plaza, Redeen Fajardo, Producer Precious Flores, Madonna Tarrayo the Festival Director, and Guido Zaballero the First Vice President and Head of Marketing of Cignal

For the Shorts category, the nine finalists who rose above dozens of submissions are: Dolly Dulu with 7-Year Itch; Dexter Paul de Jesus with Alex & Aki; Claudia Fernando with Ang Alamat ng Sari-Saring Sari Store; Zsarina P. Lacumba with Ang’gulo (Unclear); Eluigi Macalintal and James Garcia with Delta; Lorys Plaza and James Hermoso with Kita (nalng) Duha; Noel Tonga, Jr. with Memento Mori; Ronald Dulatre and Elaiza Rivera with Tayo (Stand Up); and Reeden Fajardo Quing Lalam Ning Aldo (Under the Sun).

Finalists of last year's singing competition, The Clash, from the Kapuso Network, are now creating their names in the music industry as GMA Music releases each of their singles. Jong Madaliday, Garrett Bolden, and Anthony Rosaldo, The Clash Boys, were given an opportunity to showcase their talents with the release of their singles.

In the short span of time after their nerve and voice racking competition, the artists are now comfortably sings their own genres. Original, new, and fresh are just the appropriate words for them. From genres like ballad, R&B, and Upbeat. Jong with an upbeat music, Garett with a soulful R&B like and Anthony that is of a ballad music.

Jong’s single, entitled “Ano Ba”, was included in the list of “Most Wanted Song of the Week” in Barangay LS 97.1's The Big Ten weekly countdown. It also hit the second spot of The Big Ten weekly countdown of Barangay LS 97.1 last February 16.

Known for his notable R&B musicality, Jong feels inspired to create more songs that would elicit a positive impact on people’s lives.

“Masaya ako na nagustuhan ng mga listeners yung kanta. Iba talaga yung feeling na naibabahagi mo ang sarili mo sa mga nakikinig through a song. Simula pa lang ito kaya sana suportahan pa nila ang mga gagawin naming kanta dahil para sa kanila lahat ng ito,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Garrett’s “Lilipad Na” was on #43 of iTunes PH chart. Helming his music video is Phillip Lazaro which showcases the works of abstract artist Nadine Ibay, Garrett's leading lady in the video. It premieres on GMA Music’s Youtube channel on Thursday (February 28).

He feels grateful for the opportunities coming his way and the immense support he has been receiving, “Sobrang overwhelming kasi sobrang dami nang nakaka-appreciate nang single namin. Sa totoo lang, mas na-inspire akong magsulat ng mga original at bagong kanta dahil nakaka-motivate ang messages galing sa listeners at sa appreciation nila sa kanta.”

Last February 6, Anthony launched his single “Larawan Mo.” On the day of its release, the song was part of Twitter’s trending topics and soared to the top spot on iTunes PH chart for three consecutive days. It also landed in the Top 7 of the Top 30 Singles Chart of Top 30 Asia Philippines.

The song tells a story that is relatable to the listeners. “Larawan Mo” tells a story about someone who fell in love with a person who is already taken. That your heart can’t choose who to fall in love with.

“Pinaparating nito na some love stories may not be bound to have a happy ending, pero you always have an option to choose the right thing to do,” explained Anthony.

Just recently, GMA Music opened a media conference for the Clash Boys to introduce their singles. Though new in the industry, the boys gladly and truthfully gave their responses to each of the questions asked by the bloggers and the media. Of course to liven a bit the conference they gave a taste of their performances. It was held at the GMA Network's Building, Executive Lounge.

If you like to watch our coverage of the conference check it out at Kwento Ni Toto's youtube channel.

Also if you would love to see the music video watch it below.