Puregold CinePanalo short film turns nostalgic street game into story of power

Puregold CinePanalo entry uses childhood nostalgia to deliver a powerful message on collective resistance.

A childhood game becomes a reflection of power, fear, and collective resistance in “Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!,” a short film that brings the nostalgia of Filipino street games to a story about power and abuse.

For many Filipino children, phrases like “pato,” “pananggulo,” “tsa,” “tsub,” “bakas,” “pektus,” and “shoot pati pato” were part of the language of street games. 

Played using small rectangular cards featuring popular characters, teks was a familiar pastime where players battled to win cards and earn a reputation within their community.

Directed by John Russel Capule and written by John Dave Brion, “Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!” is one of the official short film finalists of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026. The film follows Maya, who challenges Rod, the reigning “King of Teks,” who has turned his influence into tyranny.

After previously losing to Rod in a teks battle, Maya decides to challenge him again, refusing to accept the exploitation and abuse that come with his rule. As the most respected player in their small community, Rod uses his authority to maintain his position and keep others under his control.

For Capule, using a familiar childhood game allows the film to tackle complex ideas while keeping the story accessible to audiences of different ages.

“Naniniwala ako na mas nagiging effective ang isang message na may konting complexity kung ‘yong medium eh something fun and relatable, and ‘yong paglalaro ng teks, fun siya.  Halos lahat naman tayo, I think, nakaka-relate sa paglalaro ng teks,” Capule said.

The film draws a parallel between the number of teks a player possesses and the amount of power they hold. The more cards a player has, the greater their influence, creating a system where power can become a tool for control when placed in the wrong hands.

This idea is further explored through “bakas,” a concept in the game where other players contribute their own teks to help someone match an opponent’s cards. In the film, the mechanic becomes a symbol of collective action and the strength that comes from people standing together.

“Iyon ang tunay na kapangyarihan, ‘yong lakas ng loob ng bawat isa magsama-sama para pabagsakin ang naghaharing abusadong hari,” Brion explained. “Most of us, natatakot kasi feeling natin mag-isa lang tayo o konti lang tayo, pero kapag pinagsama-sama kasi ‘yong maliliit, lumalaki. ‘Yong kaunti, dumadami. Kailangan lang talaga, may gumising sa lakas ng loob ng bawat isa.”

Brion shared that the story was first conceived in 2024 while he was preparing to go to school. Frustrated by news reports about powerful individuals using their influence for exploitation, he began developing a story around the difference between what he describes as “fake power” and “real power.”

“That time and until now, naniniwala ako na merong pekeng kapangyarihan at totoong kapangyarihan. Ang peke ay nagmumula lang sa takot, at ang totoo nanggagaling naman sa pinagsama-samang lakas ng loob ng mga tao,” he said.

The idea eventually found its medium in teks, a game Brion grew up playing. By grounding its social commentary in a familiar childhood experience, the film creates a bridge between nostalgia and issues that remain relevant beyond the game itself.

Capule hopes Maya’s story will encourage audiences, particularly young viewers, to recognize that challenging injustice does not require age or authority.

“Sana ma-inspire ‘yong manonood sa magiging kwento ni Maya na kahit bata pa siya, may lakas siya ng loob para baguhin kung ano ‘yong nakikita niyang hindi tama kahit sa simple nitong paglalaro ng teks,” Capule added.

“Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!” will premiere alongside 18 other short films at the Puregold CinePanalo 2026, running from September 23 to October 4.

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