MANILA, Philippines — “Mono No Aware” emerged as the biggest winner in the full-length category of the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, taking home nine awards during the festival’s awards night.
The Japan-set drama won Pinakapanalong Pelikula, Panalo sa International Jury, Panalo sa Direktor for BC Amparado, Panalo sa Aktor for Juan Karlos Labajo, and Panalo sa Pangalawang Aktres for Momoko Kobayashi.
It also received awards for Best Ensemble, Cinematography for TM Malones, Editing for Edmund Telmo and Sound Design for Willie Apa Jr.
Labajo was unable to attend the awards ceremony because of prior commitments.
“Stuck on You” also scored a major victory, with Xyriel Manabat winning Panalong Aktres for her performance. Zion Cruz of “Apol of My Ai” won Panalong Child Performer, while Zanjoe Marudo received the Panalong Pangalawang Aktor award.
Xyriel and Sassa Gurl also shared a lighthearted moment onstage after holding hands while the Best Actress award was announced.
In the student short-film category, “Limlim” and “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.” each won four awards.
The two films shared the Panalong Direktor award, with Samantha Palaje winning for “Limlim” and Jomarie Corro-Reyes for “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.”
“Limlim” ultimately won Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelikula.
Other major winners included “Apol of My Ai,” “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” and “Patay Gutom,” which each won four awards.
Festival chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad said the event aims to recognize Filipino filmmakers and encourage new voices and perspectives in Philippine cinema.
“Each year, we gather to honor the brave artistry and passion of Filipino filmmakers who continue to make a statement in Philippine cinema,” Hayagan-Piedad said.
“We proudly celebrate their achievements and we will continue to push this new voice and new perspective that move, inspire and resonate with our Panalo cinema audience,” she added.
