‘Mono No Aware’ sweeps 2026 CinePanalo with story of grief, grace

MANILA, Philippines — A film depicting the Japanese concept of “mono no aware,” which refers to the “pathos of things,” dominated the awards night of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026, held Wednesday at the Gateway Mall Cinema in Araneta City.

Titled “Mono No Aware,” the Japan-set drama took home nine awards in the full-length category. Among its major wins were Best Film, Panalo sa International Jury, Best Director for BC Amparado, Best Actor for Juan Karlos “JK” Labajo, Best Supporting Actress for Momoko Kobayashi, Best Ensemble, Best Cinematography for TM Malones, Best Film Editing for Edmund Telmo and Best Sound Design for Willie Apa Jr.

The story follows a Filipino kodokushi cleaner, Ichi, played by JK, who meets an elderly widower, George, portrayed by Perry Dizon, who asks him for one final favor before he dies.

Xyriel Manabat wins Best Actress for her performance in ‘Stuck on You.’

Direk BC drew inspiration for the film from his late uncle, Froilan, an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Japan who recently passed away.

“At that time, when he was working as an OFW, I was a child. I was introduced to Japanese culture. I saw his photos from Disneyland and other places. Recently, he passed away, so I dedicated the film to him rin. So dun nag-spark yung interest ko first sa Japan. And because I want to explore the emotions of grief and loneliness and isolation,” the filmmaker shared during a talkback session.

‘Mono No Aware’ actors Juan Karlos ‘JK’ Labajo and Perry Dizon are pictured during the film’s talkback session. JK is the Best Actor for this year’s CinePanalo.

He described his uncle as “very bubbly” and “loud.”

“Lagi siyang social pero nakikita ko yung mga pictures niya sa Japan and he looks sad. Sometimes, he’s alone. Kaya siguro pag umuuwi, gigil na gigil siyang makipagkwentuhan. And I’ve learned that people in Japan are, from a young age, very independent and isolated. So parang tayong mga Pilipino, hindi matitiis na, ‘di ba, kumonek sa ibang tao.”

Zion Cruz is named Best Child Performer for his role in Thop Nazareno’s ‘Apol of My Ai.’

Direk BC shared why he anchored the film on the Japanese concept of mono no aware, which he described as “finding beauty when you are aware that something is not permanent.”

“It explores the themes of permanence and decay. I believe that in decay, there’s always life. Kaya may bodily fluids ng namatay na ibon, may nagta-thrive diyan na maggots (in the film). So, if we look at life in that perspective, we should truly appreciate it. Hindi porket nabubulok ’yan, basura ’yan or something else na nakakadiri. Hindi ibig sabihin na walang magta-thrive na life.”

For JK, who was not present at the awarding ceremony, preparing for the role meant gaining weight and learning the Japanese language on the spot while working closely with a language coach.

He also highlighted the Japanese culture of respecting time and expressed hope that the local film industry could eventually adopt a similar practice.

“Ang gandang aspeto nun. And people are not overworked. Kung usapang film industry, for example, that’s one thing I hope we could be able to reach at one point with our working culture in films, anything visual media,” he told The STAR in an interview prior to the awards night.

Apart from starring alongside Perry, JK also served as a co-producer of the film, revealing that he waived his professional fee.

“‘Wag niyo na akong bayaran,’ parang ganun. Para mas mapunta yung budget at mas ma-allocate sa mga kakailanganin, for example, airfare, accommodation, equipment or crew,” he told this paper.

Pageant-style moment

One of the award-giving body  program’s humorous moments came when Xyriel Manabat of “Stuck on You” and Sassa Gurl of “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” playfully recreated a pageant-style moment as they awaited the announcement of the Best Actress winner. The two were the only nominees in the category, recognized for their respective roles in the films.

Holding hands, the two went onstage together, where Xyriel, who portrayed a heartbroken manicurista, was eventually announced as the winner. She then delivered her acceptance speech.

Meanwhile, Mikko Baldoza’s “Stuck on You” took home the Best Song award for Reyna ng Quezon City by Juana. Rodina Singh’s “Multwoh,” on the other hand, earned the Puregold Always Panalo Film award, tying with Carl Papa and Ian Pangilinan’s “Patay Gutom.” “Multwoh” also won the Audience Choice Award, Best Production Design for Rodrigo Ricio and Panalo sa Brand Intrusion.

Moreover, “Patay Gutom” bagged the Panalong Kwento award, Best Visual Effects and Best Film Poster for Denver Balbaboco.

Thop Nazareno’s “Apol of My Ai” received the Jury Award, Best Child Performer for Zion Cruz, Best Supporting Actor for Zanjoe Marudo and Best Musical Scoring for Emerzon Texon.

Student shorts winners

In the student shorts category, “Limlim” and “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin” emerged as the films with the most trophies that night.

“Limlim” earned Best Director for Samantha Palaje, tying with Jomarie Corro-Reyes, who received the same award for “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin.”

“Limlim” also clinched Best Film, Best Child Performer for Zoey Madison Lim and Best Cinematography for Geia de Vera.

On the other hand, “Kun Hain, Bisan Diin” received the Jury Award, Best Story for Jomarie and William Roberts and Best Editing for Brian Spencer Reyes.

“Alumahan” was recognized with the International Jury Award, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion and Best Film Poster for Keith Ian Serfino. Eidan Maninang also won Best Film Poster for “Nang Matakasan ang Tagay.”

The Puregold Always Panalo Film award went to “Miss Intrams” and “Pulis Dunggab.” The former also took home the Best Musical Scoring trophy for Lenard Kent Villanueva.

For the acting categories, Best Supporting Actress was awarded to Nour Hooshmand for her performance in “Starfish,” which also garnered the Best Visual Effects award for Junelle Bacho Tecson and Luis Martin Mañalac.

“12 Shots” actor Nor Domingo bagged the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in the short film, which also earned Best Production Design for Jim Flores, Minnesota Flores and Sol Samodio.

“Ang Huling Banlaw ni Susan” secured the Best Actress award for Jonalyn Mateo and the Audience Choice Award, while Jay Gabriel Cañada was named Best Actor for his role in “The Sound of K.”

Rounding out the list of winners were “The Other Side of Reality” by Zig Dulay, Pinakapanalong Maikling Pelikula (Panorama Section); Best Sound Design for Hannah Gagalac in “Bumtak Sara ti Nuangen”; Best Song for Kier Mosquito, Edlyn Icao and John Dave Brion’s Game Na! from “Teks Battle: Shoot Pati Pato!”; and “When Heaven Inched Towards Earth,” Pinakapanalong Promosyon ng Pelikula.

Joy Barcoma and director Kurt Soberano served as the hosts of the evening.

The film festival continues to run until Oct. 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market! cinemas.