JM Ibarra shows potential as industry’s next leading man in Cinemalaya film

October 6 ------ “Child No. 82” director Tim Rone Villanueva said PBB Gen 11 alum JM Ibarra’s performance in the Cinemalaya entry shows his potential to become one of the country’s next leading men. The film is Ibarra’s first-ever film project. “Working with him [in the beginning], maraming doubts. Pero pinatunayan ni JM, he is really Child No. 82. He is Max. He nailed it,” Villanueva said in an interview held during the Gala night in Mandaluyong City on Sunday.

The director noted that the Kapamilya star earned praise from filmmakers Antoinette Jadaone, Dan Villegas, and Joey Reyes. “Kitang-kita sa positive feedback… he is the next leading man,” he said. The director shared Ibarra demonstrated several strengths both on and off the set during production. “The best quality nakita namin is focus and determination. Kapag sinabi na gagawin niya o kaya, he really means it. Talent, discipline, and talino. Nakita namin during the shoot, makikita din ng mga manunuod,” he said.

Ibarra admitted he was still nervous during the premiere and was thankful to have Fyang Smith by his side to give her support. “Kinakabahan ako sa lahat, first film project ko ‘to, pinakauna kong ginawa. Di ako ready makita nila. Happy ako pero andoon ‘yung kaba,” he explained. He added that Smith’s presence meant a lot to him. “Kahit hindi ko imbitahin, pupunta siya. Gano’n siya ka-supportive. Super happy ako kasi sa bawat achievement, andoon siya. Hindi siya nawawala. Di niya pinaparamdam na hindi siya sumusuporta. Proud na proud po siya. Tinatatawanan niya ako sa mga unang scene,” Ibarra shared with a laugh. Smith, meanwhile, said that Ibarra reciprocated the same kind of unwavering support for her. “Given naman iyon. Kahit noong start pa lang,” she enthused.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com