Now that the film Child No. 82 is being screened as part of the Cinemalaya Inependent Film Festival until October 12, lead star JM Ibarra can finally relax after working on his film debut. The promising new actor also gave credit to his Pinoy Big Brother love team partner Fyang Smith for giving him the confidence to give his best in the film.
In his social media post last October 6, he wrote, “And for you Fyangie, maraming salamat sa pagpapalakas ng loob ko para magawa ko ang pelikulang ito. Ikaw ang unang naniwala sa’kin and that inspires me to grow every single day. Thank you for being my biggest supporter.”
The popular tandem is currently starring in the iWant series Ghosting.
JM also shared in an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN what was Fyang’s first reaction after watching the film on the big screen last week during the Child. No. 82 gala night last October 4.
“Hindi matanggal yung ngiti sa sa mukha niya eh. Kita-kitang naman sa mga mata niya na nag-i-enjoy siya. Before pa kami pumunta dito, naramdaman niya yung kaba ko. Pinapagaan niya yung loob ko. Kahit hindi pa namin napapanood yung final movie, tiwala na siya na maganda yung kalalabasan,” he shared.
The Child No.82 star admitted that he could relate to his film’s message of showing the plight of children born out of wedlock.
“Malapit sa akin ang message ng pelikula kasi naramdaman ko si Max sa part ko. Na-realize ko din na at the end of the day na kailangan din natin at the same time pahalagahan yung mga tao na nasa paligid natin. Na wag tayong maghanap sa sa mga bagay o sa mga tao na wala dito sa paligid natin. I-appreciate natin yung yung mga yung tulong yung mga bagay na naibibigay ng mga tao nakapagligid sa atin.
“Sa mga bata o mga adult na nakakaranas po ng ganun na walang gabay ng ng isang magulang or ama lang or ng ina lang, isang magulang lang ang meron sila… doon pumapasok yung kailangan maging matatag sila,” he explained.
READ: JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith share thoughts on soft-launching and no-label relationships
For those planning to catch his film at the ongoing film festival this week because they can relate to his character, JM shared a message of support.
“Ang simpleng mensahe ko lang is mas mahalin yung sarili. Mas pahalagahan natin yung mga tao na nandiyan sa tabi natin. Huwag mag-focus sa isang daan lamang. Kailangan marunong pa ring mag-appreciate ng mga bagay na naibibigay, marunong pa ring mag-appreciate ng mga taong ah nagpapadama ng pagmamahal sa atin. Kasi at the end of the day naman sila at sila pa ring tumutulong yung matatakbuhan hindi yung wala. Yung mga nandoon para sa iyo ang gagabay,” he added.
The 21st edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will run until October 12, Sunday and will be screened at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong, Gateway Cineplex 18 in Cubao, and Ayala Malls Cinemas.