Mono No Aware emerged as the big winner at the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026, taking home several major awards, including the top prize for full-length films.
The festival held its awards night on Wednesday, September 30, at Gateway Mall, recognizing the standout films, performances, and achievements from this year’s entries.
Directed by BC Amparado, Mono No Aware stars Kapamilya actor-singer Juan Karlos, alongside Perry Dizon and Momoko Kobayashi.
During the announcement of the CinePanalo 2026 finalists last year, BC described what the film is about. “Mono No Aware, ibig sabihin, is the poignant sadness of impermanent things, so it’s a film that will be shot in Japan… It’s a story about life and death,” he said.
The film was named Ang Pinakapanalong Mahabang Pelikula and also received the Panalo sa International Jury award.
BC won Panalong Direktor, while Juan Karlos took home the Panalong Aktor award. Momoko Kobayashi, meanwhile, was named Panalong Pangalawang Aktres.
The film also dominated several technical categories, winning Panalo sa Sound Design, Panalo sa Editing, Panalong Ensemble, and Panalo sa Cinematography.
In his speech during the awards night, BC said, “This film may be long for some but it forces us to stay in the moment. Just like the movie suggested na we have to live in the moment, appreciate life while it’s here, and enjoy the beauty of it. Life is boring sometimes. We have to endure it to find true happiness.”
READ: CinePanalo 2026 filmmakers share what their films are about
Other films also took home major acting honors. Kapamilya star Xyriel Manabat was named Panalong Aktres for Stuck on You, while Zanjoe Marudo won Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for Apol of My Ai. Zion Cruz, also from Apol of My Ai, received the Panalong Child Performer award.
Apol of My Ai also won Panalo sa Musical Scoring and received the Panalong Karangalan Mula sa Hurado.
Meanwhile, Patay Gutom (Dead Hungry) starring Ian Pangilinan and Khalil Ramos won Panalong Kwento, Panalo sa Visual Effects, and Panalo sa Film Poster in the full-length category.
Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo) starring Sassa Gurl and Joao Constancia received the Panalo sa Mga Manonood award. They were also awarded with the Panalo sa Production Design and Panalo sa Brand Intrusion in the full-length category recognitions.
Both Patay Gutom and Multwoh were chosen for the Puregold Always Panalo Trophy.
Meanwhile, the song “Reyna ng Quezon City” by Juana, featured in Stuck on You, was named Panalong Awitin in the full-length category.
This year’s CinePanalo Film Festival featured seven full-length films and 19 student shorts. The festival runs from September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Market! Market!