Best actress Ruby Ruiz with ‘Tigkiliwi’ director and writer Tara Illenberger 

MANILA -- 'After their wins at the Puregold CinePanalo 2025 awards night, the team behind "Tigkiliwi," a Hiligaynon film that won seven trophies, proceeded straight to Butterfly Manila on Tomas Morato Avenue to rejoice and extend the surreal experience.

But, according to director Tara Illenberger, the awards are for victims who have experienced years of abuse and powerlessness and continue to feel the pain caused by domestic violence, such as herself.

During a phone interview with ABS-CBN News, Illenberger burst into tears as she talked about her difficult path and the one time someone told her she couldn't write a story.

“Survivors din kami ng domestic violence. It was very traumatic. Hindi siya nawawala. Naibuhos ko lahat sa film,” Illenberger told ABS-CBN News.

She added, “Ginawa kong fantasy ang pelikula. Kung sa totoong buhay ay powerless kami as victims, ginawa kong panalo ‘yung marginalized sa pelikula. Twisted siya. ‘Yan ang trauma ko, na pinakita sa film.”

As a victim of domestic violence herself, the director used her lens to understand what it means to have a voice and power.

The emotional filmmaker then sent a message to viewers, stating that her film is transformational.

“Gusto kong may makuhang mensahe ‘yung mga manonood sa ‘Tigkiliwi.’ Find your strength. Know that na may handang tumulong sa ’yo kung biktima ka. Sa pelikula, ‘yung bata ang agent. Hindi tayo powerless. Nung bata ako, I felt powerless,” she shared with ABS-CBN News. 

Aside from domestic abuse, the director also noted that the film's message is one of compassion, regardless of one's physical appearance.

About her win for best screenplay, she remarked, "My best screenplay award is especially valuable since it demonstrates that I can and do write. Somebody once told me that I couldn't write. Masayang-masaya rin ako sa ensemble award kasi na-acknowledge ‘yung actors.”

During the phone conversation, ABS-CBN News also spoke with CinePanalo 2025's best actress, Ruby Ruiz, who was unable to receive her award in person.

“Sobrang makahulugan sa akin ito kasi first ko mag-Ilonggo at first ko rin sa CinePanalo. It’s a validation na nabigyan ko ng life ‘yung role. Hindi ako nag-expect pero nagho-hope ako for JP, Gabby, Jeffrey,” she said. 

Praising her co-stars, the best actress added, “Na-insecure nga ako kasi maganda ang batuhan nila in Ilonggo. Ang galing-galing ng co-actors ko. Sabi ko, ‘I should blend in.’ Sa second day of shooting ako dumating, and may language coach. Sa gala pa lang, na-appreciate ko ‘yung reaksyon ng mga manonood. They were reacting to it.”

Ruiz concluded the interview by thanking the audience, CinePanalo, and her director.

“Watching the film has made me appreciate people from all walks of life more, and I feel very proud of the film and its impact,” she ended.

“Tigkiliwi” won Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado, Panalo sa Kwento, Panalong Aktor for JP Larroder, Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Jeffrey Jiruma, Panalong Pangalawang Aktres for Gabby Padilla, Panalong Ensemble, and Panalong Aktres for Ruby Ruiz. 

Meanwhile, the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2025 will run until March 25 at Gateway Cineplex in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City. Regular tickets are P250, with discounts available for students, PWDs, seniors, Tindahan ni Aling Puring, and Perks Card members at P200.