Sylvia Sanchez says she made 'I'mPerfect' to help Down syndrome community 'be heard, seen, valued'

Aside from playing the role of Norma in “I’mPerfect,” Sylvia Sanchez also served as the producer of the film.

During her guesting with “I’mPerfect” co-star Krystel Go on “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” on Friday, the veteran actress said the film was a passion project. 

“From Day 1 talaga noong ginawa ko to, noong tinanggap ko tong script na to, sabi ko ang laki ng potential ng storya na to,” Sylvia said.

Sylvia said she decided to submit the movie as an entry to the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) as she knew that the movie would reap awards. 

“Ramdam ko na Kuya Boy e. At the same time, Persons with Down Syndrome na mga bida, bago eh. Bago sa mata. Bagong tema. And 'pag once na maramdaman kong kinaya nila, lusot to eh,” she added. 

The award-winning actress also said she made “I’mPerfect” to help the Down syndrome community because she wants them to be “heard,” “seen,” and “valued.”

“Sa sumugal, hindi ko inisip ang kung ano pa man. Ang inisip ko lang ay matulungan sila. Kailangan nila. Ang sabi ko dahil mayroon din akong pamangkin na hindi namin maipasyal, puro panlalait, puro panliliit sabi ko I think this is the right time. 2025 na,” Sylvia said.

“Wish namin na makalakad sila, makasama, makapunta sila sa mall na wala nang tumitingin mula ulo hanggang paa. Alam mo ‘yon, inclusivity. Ang gusto kong mangyari is for them to be heard, to be seen, to be valued, mahalin sila, tanggapin sila,” she added. 

In the same interview, Sylvia said they had to take many considerations into account while filming “I’mPerfect,” including avoiding getting angry or shouting.

“Hindi sila katulad noong shooting natin. Kasi kailangang intindihin sila. At ang pinakaayaw, pinakabawal sa set ay ang magalit, sumigaw, mag-away, umiyak doon. Basta kung ano ang nararamdaman mo, layo ka sa kanila,” she said. 

“Kailangan mayroon silang nap time. Bukod sa lunch, mayroon silang twice na nap time. Kailangan mo talaga silang alagaan sa set.” 

When asked how it was like filimg the movie, Kyrstel answered, “Masayang-masaya, 100 percent na masayang-masaya ang lahat ng cast.” 

Kyrstel played the role of Jessica in the movie where she bagged the Best Actress plum in MMFF’s Gabi ng Parangal. 

The young actress shared that she never expected to win the award, recalling how shock caused her to stumble on the floor.

“Hindi ko din inasahan talaga. Nanginginig din ‘yung tuhod ko doon kaya ako bumagsak. Inangat ako ni nanay at ni Direk. Nagdadasal kasi ako ‘non tapos bigla akong bumagsak kasi answered prayer ‘yon,” she said. 

Aside from Best Actress, “I’mPerfect” bagged the Best Picture and Best Ensemble accolades. 

“I’mPerfect” tells the story of Jessica (Krystel) and Jiro (Earl), two individuals with Down syndrome who fall in love and navigate life and memories together.

It also stars Lorna Tolentino, Zaijan Jaranilla and Tonton Gutierrez, among others. —Jade Veronique Yap/JCB, GMA Integrated News