Veteran actress and producer Sylvia Sanchez expressed heartfelt gratitude to the young actors with Down syndrome who starred in her Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry ‘I’m Perfect’, saying their presence brought joy, inspiration, and meaning throughout the film’s production.
Sanchez produced the movie under Nathan Studios and also appears in the film, which is headlined by Anne Krystel Daphne Go and Earl Jonathan Amaba, both of whom have Down syndrome. Several other children with the same condition are also part of the supporting cast.
During a recent media conference, Sanchez shared how deeply moved she was by the young cast, whom she fondly calls her “angels.” She recalled how they would visit her early in the morning on set, greet her with hugs, and repeatedly tell her, “I love you,” instantly lifting everyone’s spirits.
According to Sanchez, some of the children would even say lines meant to encourage her and boost her morale, moments that left a lasting impact on her.
She later learned from the parents and guardians on set that the children were active on social media and were aware of what was happening around them, making their gestures of affection even more meaningful.
Sanchez said the presence of the young cast helped her and her fellow actors momentarily forget stress and exhaustion during filming, describing them as a constant source of light on set.
She also admitted that she is prepared to accept it if ‘I’m Perfect’ does not perform strongly at the box office, emphasizing that the film’s purpose goes beyond earnings. For her, the movie aims to be an eye-opener that fosters understanding, acceptance, and compassion toward people with Down syndrome.
The producer also expressed hope that Anne Krystel and Earl could make history in Philippine cinema by winning acting awards.
Sanchez acknowledged that the film was costly to produce but said she never doubted her decision from the very beginning.
“From day 1, hindi ako nag-alangan, kasi alam n’yo kung bakit? Meron akong nakakausap. Lumaki ako na ‘yung best friend ko, may down syndrome. Meron akong pamangkin na may cerebral palsy,” she shared.
She stressed that people with such conditions should be celebrated, not ridiculed.
“Dapat silang ipagmalaki. At pumunta sa akin, heto na ‘yung movie na hindi ko bibitawan. Ito ‘yung movie na mag-o-open sa lahat. Napakasama na lang ng puso mo kung ‘di mo ma-open ‘yung puso at iisipan mo. Bato ka na lang,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez recalled telling director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo that she was fully committed to producing the film, confident in both the lead actors and the ensemble cast.
“Hindi ako nagkamali sa bida ko, sa mga barkada. Hindi ako nagkamali sa cast. Kahit na maliit ang role, ang galing po talaga,” she added.
She emphasized that ‘I’m Perfect’ was never meant to be a vanity project.
“Hindi namin ‘to ginawa para magpasikat. Hindi namin ‘to ginawa para purihin. At gusto naming sabihin sa inyo na tanggapin natin silang lahat dahil tao rin sila. Karapat-dapat silang mahalin,” Sanchez said.
The actress became emotional as she reflected on the journey of making the film, saying the experience reminded her that I’m Perfect has a deeper purpose.
“During our downtime, meron kaming 10 anghel na kasama namin. Hindi lang sila, pati pamilya nila,” she shared.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos. May rason ang pelikulang ‘to,” Sanchez concluded.
‘I’m Perfect’ opens in cinemas nationwide on December 25 as part of the MMFF 2025 lineup.
