Juan Karlos Labajo’s Journey in Puregold CinePanalo’s “Mono No Aware”
His latest foray propels him to star status in Puregold CinePanalo feature film “Mono No Aware,” with a role that allows him to anchor one of the most thoughtful and emotional films in this year’s festival.
In “Mono No Aware,” Labajo plays Ichi, a kodokushi cleaner whose job takes him into homes of elderly inhabitants who have died alone. Greeted by undisturbed belongings and framed photographs collecting dust, Ichi finds himself confronted with questions about life, death, and the meaning of existence itself.
FROM MUSIC TO FILM: AN EXPERT STORYTELLER
Labajo shaped his musical identity through powerful performances of songs like “Buwan” and “Ere,” which forged deep connections with his loyal fanbase. His talent likewise revealed an innate ability to weave emotional stories for his audience.
Labajo recently used that ability to transition to onscreen acting. He has become an irresistible force with roles in “Ako si Ninoy,” “When This is All Over,” and “Untold.” Playing his character in “Mono No Aware” might prove to be one of his most moving and challenging yet.
In this film, Labajo finds himself in a tranquil setting where emotions are conveyed not through words, but through silence, gestures, and subtle expressions.
As Ichi, Juan Karlos not only embodies a character that accepts the concept of a lonely death, called kodokushi in Japan; he also delineates an individual that gradually discovers the lessons that death has to teach about life itself. The performance requires nuance and subtlety as Ichi sifts through weighty emotions and struggles.
LESS MEANS MORE FOR LABAJO’S ICHI
Filmed primarily in Japan, “Mono No Aware” owes its storytelling style to Japanese cinema of the past. In the process, Juan Karlos Labajo has to bridge two worlds onscreen—delivering a performance that is true to the setting but remains accessible to Filipino audiences.
The Japanese setting provided a unique challenge to Labajo as well, as he had to internalize and perform dialogues in a foreign language.
“The language barrier was definitely my biggest challenge,” recalls Labajo. “Our Japanese co-producer often rewrote lines on the spot for authenticity, meaning I had to quickly memorize and internalize new Nihongo dialogue right before shooting. It was tough, but it made the whole experience really exciting.”
Labajo’s performance is a subtle one, embracing the silences necessary to process the profound. This required of him one of the most challenging acting chores in the festival—an exercise in getting the most out of the least.
SHARING THE SPOTLIGHT WITH A VETERAN
The transience of life gets highlighted further when Labajo’s character develops a connection with Perry Dizon’s character George. As seen in the film’s trailer, this relationship truly tests Ichi as George forces him to more directly face the consequences of death.
The chemistry between Labajo and Dizon truly makes the film sing. The quiet moments they share together allow viewers to be lulled into the comfort of the moment and reflect on what the two characters share together.
Already, Dizon’s performance is being noted as one of the finest supporting roles in the festival. Dizon brings his consummate professionalism and talent to the film. He brings the dramatic gravitas that landed him roles in Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s “Drive My Car” as well as local appearances in films such as “Melancholia” and “From What is Before.”
Dizon and Labajo work across a generational divide but come together in collaboration to paint the thoughtful picture that is “Mono No Aware.”
By all accounts, Labajo successfully brings viewers into the world and heart of Ichi who is resigned to the fleeting nature of things. We let you be the judge and jury on Labajo’s showing in “Mono No Aware,” one of seven full-length films that will run at the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival from September 23 to October 4 at Gateway Cineplex 18, TriNoma, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Manila Bay and Market! Market!
Tickets are priced at ₱250 regular and ₱200 discounted, while a ₱2,000 festival pass gives moviegoers a chance to take on the entire lineup. PWDs, senior citizens, students, national athletes and Aling Puring and Perks cardholders qualify for discounted tickets.
Festival passes will be available at the Gateway Cineplex 18 beginning September 22, and then also at TriNoma starting September 23.
The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 is sponsored by Alaska, Angel, Argentina, Ariel, Bingo, Birch Tree Fortified, Bear Brand, C2, Century Tuna, Champion, Chuckie, Coca-Cola, Colgate, Cream Silk, Datu Puti, Downy, GoodNom Fresh, Great Taste, Del Monte, Jack 'N Jill, Knorr, Lucky Me!, Maggi, Magnolia Real Mayonnaise, Milo, Monde, MY San, Nestea, Nissin, Nivea, Palmolive Naturals, Pantene, Purefoods, Rebisco, Royal, Safeguard, Sprite, Surf, Wilkins, and Zonrox.
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