‘Mono No Aware’ Sweeps 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival With 9 Awards; ‘Limlim’ Wins Top Student Short

“Mono No Aware” emerged as the biggest winner of the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival Awards Night, taking home nine awards, including the festival’s top prize, Pinakapanalong Pelikula.

The Japan-set drama dominated the full-length category, also winning Panalo sa International Jury and Best Ensemble. BC Amparado was named Panalong Direktor, while Juan Karlos Labajo won Panalong Aktor and Momoko Kobayashi received Panalong Pangalawang Aktres.

The film also scored major technical awards, with TM Malones winning Panalo sa Cinematography, Edmund Telmo taking Panalo sa Editing, and Willie Apa Jr. receiving Panalo sa Sound Design.

Other full-length films also had strong showings during the awards night. “Apol of my Ai,” “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo),” and “Patay Gutom” each collected four awards, while “Stuck on You” won two.

Among the notable acting winners was Xyriel Manabat, who was named Panalong Aktres for her performance in “Stuck on You.” Zion Cruz of “Apol of my Ai” received the Panalong Child Performer award, while Zanjoe Marudo won Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for the same film.

‘Limlim’ takes top Student Shorts prize

The Student Shorts competition proved to be a close race between “Limlim” and “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.,” with both films ending the night with four awards.

“Limlim” ultimately claimed the top honor, Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelikula, while its director Samantha Palaje shared the Panalong Direktor award with “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.” director Jomarie Corro-Reyes.

“Limlim” also earned Panalo sa Cinematography for Geia de Vera, while Zoey Madison Lim was named Panalong Child Performer.

“Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.” meanwhile won Panalong Kwento for Jomarie Corro-Reyes and William Roberts, and Panalo sa Editing for Brian Spencer Reyes.

Other major winners

“Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” and “Patay Gutom (Dead Hungry)” shared the Puregold Always Panalo Film recognition in the full-length category, while “Miss Intrams” and “Pulis Dunggab” received the honor among the Student Shorts.

The audience awards went to “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” for Full-Length and “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan” for Student Shorts.

Carl Joseph E. Papa and Yvonne Garcia won Panalong Kwento for “Patay Gutom,” while Rodrigo Ricio received Panalo sa Production Design for “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo).” Emerzon Texon took Panalo sa Musical Scoring for “Apol of my Ai.”

“Patay Gutom” also won Panalo sa Visual Effects for its animation team and Panalong Poster for Denver Balbaboco.

In the Student Shorts acting categories, Jonalyn Mateo won Panalong Aktres for “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan,” Jay Gabriel Cañada was named Panalong Aktor for “The Sound of K,” Nour Hooshmand received Panalong Pangalawang Aktres for “Starfish,” and Nor Domingo won Panalong Pangalawang Aktor for “12 Shots.”

“The Other Side of Reality” by Zig Dulay was named Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelikula in the Panorama Section.

Puregold CinePanalo festival chair Ivy Hayagan-Piedad highlighted the festival’s commitment to recognizing Filipino filmmakers and the new voices shaping 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.

She added that the festival would continue supporting new voices and perspectives that “move, inspire, and resonate” with CinePanalo audiences.

Puregold CinePanalo extended until October 6

Moviegoers have one more chance to catch this year’s films on the big screen, as the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival has been extended until October 6.

The extension gives audiences additional time to select films, including “Mono No Aware."