Sylvia Sanchez treats the "I'mPerfect" cast with Down Syndrome like her own family

by GLEN P. SIBONGA

MULTI-AWARDED actress and producer Sylvia Sanchez admits that she grew fond and became closer to the "I'mPerfect" cast with Down Syndrome and treats them like her own family already.

Sylvia can not forget the cast party after the final day of shooting of their movie where something truly beautiful unfolded. 

While the final day of any film shoot is typically a joyful 'cast wrap' party, the cast, crew and families found themselves instead in an emotional farewell.  

Sylvia, when asked for a message, started with a long, tearful, wordless bow. Not long after, the cast with Down Syndrome ran to her, overcome by love. They embraced her tightly, still no words spoken—their silence speaking volumes of the deep bond they shared with her and everyone during the course of the filming. From an instant connection that began as soon as production started, each day of filming became a family-like ritual, a warm get-together with food and conversations in between takes, and punctuated by dance performances by the gifted cast.

While unusual for a regular film shoot, the 'dances' had become a cherished routine: they did not just provide a dose of happy energy; they, along with constant “group hugs,” became a way for everyone to collectively express their love for one another. 

Each filming day was, after all, a moment to openly express emotions and celebrate: for the children with Down Syndrome and their parents, the project had become a beacon of hope—an affirmation of their right to exist, to live, and to love. 

The film had also become, from the outset, a "thank you" from its creators and producers for the honor of having been instruments to share an original and deeply human story. 

Emotions continued to run high during the grand mediacon of "I'mPerfect" held in Gateway 2 Cineplex 16 last December 14 as the press people and bloggers witnessed how the cast with Down Syndrome reacted to the joy and excitement they are feeling now that their movie will be showing soon. Their tears are so infectious and affecting that the whole theater is filled with tears.

It is also so heartwarming to see how the stellar support cast composed of Sylvia Sanchez, Joey Marquez, Janice de Belen, Tonton Gutierrez, Zaijian Jaranilla, Joel Saracho, Viveika Ravanes, Myke Salomon, and Lorna Tolentino praise and show their support and concern to the talented group of new actors with Down Syndrome.

And to see how they call Sylvia as 'Mamang' or 'Mommy' accompanied with hugs and kisses proves how much they love the actress-producer like their second mom. Which Sylvia return to them full of warmth and love.

Parents are so grateful to Sylvia for making this kind of movie and for giving their children the opportunity to showcase their talent.

By the time the film screens this December, it will make Philippine film history: it is to be the very first love story to feature persons with Down Syndrome. 

The genesis of “I’mPerfect” was as quiet and simple: it began when acclaimed director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, the creative mind behind the mega-hit movie "Kita Kita," once shared a clip from a 2014 production on Down Syndrome of hers to Sylvia, and the producer didn't hesitate: it was an immediate "yes"—a courageous and risky step for any studio, especially one without traditional "stars" in the lead roles; so how, then, to ensure its authenticity, its truth?

The search began. After extensive auditions, the perfect cast emerged. Leading the film are two remarkable individuals, Earl Amaba and Krystel Go, both new to acting, and supported by a vibrant ensemble of special individuals, most of them with Down Syndrome. 

Completing this extraordinary cast is a powerhouse lineup of respected actors. With humility in their hearts, the multi-awarded veteran support cast shared one common declaration: that they are willingly giving front-and-center space to these first-time actors who have yet to be fully recognized and embraced—in the industry and in society.

Production commenced in October 2024. The journey took the cast and crew to diverse locations, most notably Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and a breathtaking rose farm in Claveria, Misamis Oriental—picturesque settings in Mindanao which would become unforgettable backdrops for its poignant, defining scenes all the way to its powerful, climactic ending.

"I'mPerfect", the film, and the advocacy—in all its simplicity and bravery—will soon take these gentle dreamers to their much-prayed-for spotlight, a once-in-a-lifetime moment of affirmation that all marginalized, overlooked and ‘invisible’ people so deeply deserve.

Produced by Nathan Studios, "I'mPerfect" is an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 and will be shown in cinemas nationwide on December 25.