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Kapuso host Kara David recently sat down with Krystel Go, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 Best Actress, for an inspiring episode of i-Listen. The interview not only highlighted Krystel's journey as an actress but also shed light on the realities of living with Down Syndrome.

To begin with, Kara emphasized the importance of respectful language when talking about Down Syndrome:

“Mahigit isang milyong tao sa buong mundo ang nabubuhay na may kondisyon na Down Syndrome. 'Yung iba ang tawag sa kanila, 'monggoloid,' 'retarded,' 'abnoy,' at kung anu-ano pang masasakit na salita. Pero hindi po tama na gamitin ang mga salitang ito. Ang tamang tawag sa mga katulad nila ay 'person with Down Syndrome,'” she said.

While she usually gets called names for her condition, Krystel chooses to just shrug it off and tell people, "God bless you po."

She reasoned, "Never akong lumalaban sa gano'n kasi walang mangyayari sa word [na yun] sa akin."

Related gallery: Celebrities who showed their unconditional love for their relatives with special needs

Meanwhile, Krystel shared how she felt upon learning she would be the lead actress in the film I'm Perfect, “Excited and happy ako kasi 'yung mga napapanood ko sa teleserye, nakakasama ko na.”

As the conversation moved to her historic win, Krystel recounted her reaction upon receiving the MMFF 2025 Best Actress award last December: “I'm so shocked, nangingining 'yung kamay ko nun. Hindi ko akalain na matatawag ang pangalan ko.

"Sabi ko, 'Lord, please tulungan mo ako.' Maya-maya, tinawag ang pangalan ko, sabi ko, 'Lord, thank you, tinupad mo ang pangarap ko.'”

She later reflected, “I was so happy. I didn't expect it. Worth it 'yung dasal ko.”

Beyond showbiz, 29-year-old Krystel leads a normal life. Her mother, Amy, revealed that she was initially hesitant to allow Krystel to socialize with other persons with Down Syndrome. However, the passing of her father, to whom Krystel was especially close, motivated Amy to encourage her daughter to interact more with people.

Furthermore, Krystel has worked as a receptionist and intern at the Person with Disability Affairs Office (PADO) in Calamba.

On her experience working, she said, “Hindi ako napapagod. Wala akong nararamdaman pagod,” reflecting her gratitude for being given opportunities to contribute and work.

In terms of her acting career, Krystel auditioned for I'm Perfect after being part of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines since 2023, which opened the door to her first lead role. In the film, she portrayed Jessica, a character with Down Syndrome experiencing love for the first time.

Recalling her time on set, she fondly spoke of her close friendship with co-star Earl Jonathan Amaba: “Parehas kaming clingy sa isa't isa. Baby bear. Ang hilig mangyakap ng baby bear.”

Related gallery: Krystel Go, hindi inasahan ang pagkapanalo ng Best Actress para sa I'm Perfect

When faced with negativity, Krystel remains calm and composed. Regarding those who insult her because of her condition, she simply responds, “God bless you na lang po. Never akong lumaban. Walang mangyayari sa akin.”

Her mother Amy added perspective on the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down Syndrome: “Totoo sila, napaka-pure. Kung ano ang nakikita mo, 'yun na 'yun. Walang pagpapanggap. Mayakap sila at kiss, beso.”

She also reflected on the difficulties Krystel faces publicly: “Sa paligid natin ang pagtanggap ng mga tao. 'Yung nanalo pa lang siya ng award, may bina-bash na siya agad. Tao rin naman siya, umarte rin naman siya.”

Looking back, Amy offered heartfelt advice for parents: “Ang pagiging parent ng may Down Syndrome sa umpisa talaga mahirap meron kang fears at sadness marami kang tanong paano ang magiging future nila.

"Pero sabi nga nila 'yung diagnosis nila hindi 'yun ang mag-de-define kung ano sila dahil meron din silang kakayahan at talento kaya rin nilang mangarap gaya ng mga normal na bata. Early intervention at therapy at support ng family napakaimportante."

She further stressed, "Dapat sa ating mga magulang magsimula na magmahal tayo ng totoo at tayo ang lalaban para sa kanila at mahalin natin sila ng walang kapalit walang kondisyon.”

Looking ahead, Krystel revealed her hopes for the future, starting with a possible sequel to I'm Perfect: “I want a part two. Pero bahala na if para sa akin. Nandiyan naman ang manager ko.”

She also dreams of launching her own lipstick collection or becoming a brand ambassador, encouraging other people with Down Syndrome to explore makeup: “Para maging kikay din sila katulad ko,” she joked.

Ultimately, Krystel's message is both empowering and inspiring: “Yes you can dream, yes you can shine, yes you can inspire others.”