A loud cheer erupted from the cast and crew of Pinikas after the Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2026 named the Chris Fuego-directed feature as Best Film, alongside six other major awards.
Producers described the project as “almost six years in the making,” emphasizing that the film was crafted as “a labor of love” by creatives from the Visayas and Mindanao.
The film stars Angela Villarin and Jade Makawili, with Villarin winning Best Actress and Makawili taking home Best Actor. Makawili, a Cebu-based barber who pursued acting as a side hustle, was hailed for his breakout performance.
Festival organizers also announced that the event has been extended until April 1, giving audiences more time to watch entries at Gateway Cineplex, Eastwood Cinemas, Uptown Cinemas, Venice Cineplex, and Lucky Chinatown Cinemas.
Complete List of Winners
Major Awards
- Best Film: Pinikas
- Best Director: Chris Fuego (Pinikas)
- People’s Choice Award: Ang Bangkay
- Best Actress: Angela Villarin (Pinikas)
- Best Actor: Jade Makawili (Pinikas)
- Best Supporting Actress: Mercedes Cabral (Ang Bangkay)
- Best Supporting Actor: Yasser Marta (Desperada)
- Best Screenplay: Pinikas
- Best in Production Design: Ang Bangkay
- Best Editing: Pinikas
- Best Cinematography: Ang Bangkay
- Best Musical Score: Pinikas
- Best Sound: Sweet Escape
Documentary (Open Category)
- Best Documentary: Del Mundo by Rommel Tolentino
- Jury Prize: Mga Muni-Muni sa Gitna ng Ambon by Gio Gonzalves
Short Film (Open Category)
- Best Short Film: Paon by Seb Valdez
- 2nd Best Short Film: Hoy! Pili ka na! by Banjo Hinolan
- 3rd Best Short Film: Kaon by Miguel Dimaiwat
Documentary (Student Category)
- Best Documentary: Di Lalim, Di Lalum by Nicole Reyes (Tagum City National Comprehensive High School)
- 2nd Best Documentary: Shalom by Kiah Resurreccion (Far Eastern University)
- 3rd Best Documentary: Cemento by Justine Borlagdan (UP Diliman Film Institute)
Short Film (Student Category)
- Best Short Film: Lugud by Jarno Malonzo (Ateneo de Manila University)
- 2nd Best Short Film: Mag Unsa Na Lang Ta Ani by Keith Nemenzo (Foundation University)
- 3rd Best Short Film: Mga Ulol by Vince Ivan Vesiete (Mindanao State University)