MANILA, Philippines — “Mono No Aware,” directed by BC Amparado, led the winners at the 2026 CinePanalo Film Festival, claiming the festival’s top honor along with awards for direction, acting, cinematography, editing, sound design and ensemble performance.
The film was named Pinakapanalong Pelikula in the full-length category and received a P250,000 cash prize.
In his acceptance speech during the awards ceremony Wednesday night, Amparado said the film’s deliberately measured pace was meant to encourage audiences to remain present and appreciate the experience of living.
“This film may be long for some but it forces us to stay in the moment. Just like the movie suggested that we have to live in the moment, appreciate life while it’s here, and enjoy the beauty of it,” Amparado said.
“Life is boring sometimes. We have to endure it to find true happiness,” he added.
Amparado also took home the Panalo sa Direktor award for “Mono No Aware,” while the film won Panalo sa International Jury, Panalong Ensemble, Panalo sa Cinematography, Panalo sa Editing and Panalo sa Sound Design.
Juan Karlos was named Pan along Aktor for his performance in “Mono No Aware,” while Momoko Kobayashi received the Pan along Pangalawang Aktres award for the same film.
The awards also recognized performances from other full-length entries.
Xyriel Manabat won Pan along Aktres for “Stuck on You,” while Zanjoe Marudo was named Pan along Pangalawang Aktor for “Apol of My Ai.” Zion Cruz received the Pan along Child Performer award for the same film.
During her acceptance speech, Manabat thanked the filmmakers, organizers and, particularly, audiences who spent their time and money to watch the festival entries.
“You are part of our victory,” Manabat said, acknowledging the viewers who supported the films, from the student shorts to the full-length entries.
She also praised CinePanalo for providing a platform for filmmakers and promoting inclusivity in Philippine cinema.
“You are not only winning in the field of cinema. You are also doing an incredible job in providing a platform and promoting inclusivity,” she said.
“Thank you for giving your trust and opportunities to people who love cinema,” Manabat added.
“Apol of My Ai,” directed by Thop Nazareno, received the Pan along Karangalan Mula sa mga Hurado award in the full-length category. Emerzon Texon won Panalo sa Musical Scoring for the film, while Marudo and Cruz also received acting awards.
“Patay Gutom,” directed by Carl Joseph Papa and Ian Pangilinan, won Pan along Kwento and Panalo sa Visual Effects. It also shared the Puregold Always Panalo award with Rodina Singh’s “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo).”
“Multwoh” received the Panalo sa Mga Manonood award, as well as Panalo sa Production Design for Rodrigo Ricio.
For the student shorts category, “Limlim,” directed by Samantha Palaje, was named Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelikula and received a P100,000 cash prize. Palaje also won Pan along Direktor for the film.
Jomarie Corro-Reyes’ “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin (Anywhere and Everywhere)” received Pan along Karangalan Mula sa mga Hurado and Pan along Kwento, with Brian Spencer Reyes winning Panalo sa Editing for the film.
“Alumahan,” directed by Christian Melvin Arejola, won Panalo sa International Jury in the student shorts category, while “The Other Side of Reality,” directed by Zig Dulay, became the first winner of the Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelikula award in the Panorama section.
Other student shorts winners included Jonalyn Mateo of “Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan” for Pan along Aktres, Jay Gabriel Cañada of “The Sound of K” for Pan along Aktor, Nor Domingo of “12 Shots” for Pan along Pangalawang Aktor and Nour Hooshmand of “Starfish” for Pan along Pangalawang Aktres.
Zoey Madison Lim of “Limlim” was named Pan along Child Performer, while Geia De Vera won Panalo sa Cinematography for the same film.
The student shorts category also recognized “12 Shots” for production design, “Miss Intrams” for musical scoring and “Starfish” for visual effects.
This year’s CinePanalo Film Festival featured seven full-length films and 19 student shorts. The festival runs until Oct. 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!