JM Ibarra describes ‘Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana’ a ‘dream come true’
MANILA — Rising actor JM Ibarra is making his biggest career leap yet as the lead in “Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana,” an entry to the 2025 Cinemalaya Film Festival directed by Tim Villanueva.
The role marks his most high-profile project to date, pairing him with seasoned stars Vhong Navarro and Rochelle Pangilinan in a story that tackles social and family struggles.
Ibarra expressed both excitement and nerves about the project, which he consider his biggest break so far.
“Sobrang ina-idolize ko na talaga si Kuya Vhong… Sobrang happy lang ako na nagkasama kami sa isang proyekto. And sobrang memorable sa ‘kin ito kasi ito ‘yung una kong project and agad kong nakasama si Kuya Vhong,” Ibarra said.
“Ang dami po nilang itinuturo sa akin, hindi lang sa pag-arte, hindi lang technique sa pag-arte, pati na rin sa pakikipag-socialize kasi napansin nila na tahimik ako, na nahihiya ako,” he added.
In the film, he plays the illegitimate son of a prominent figure, which challenges his identity and values.
“It’s a social issue. So maraming makaka-relate dito na Pilipino,” he said.
The film will be showing from October 3 to 12.
Ibarra also opened up about his experience filming “Ghosting” with his on-screen partner Fyang Smith, including their much-discussed kissing scene.
He described that moment as charged with “tension,” but emphasized that they approached it with professionalism.
“‘Yun siguro ‘yung pinaka may tensyon sa lahat ng ginawa namin, ‘yon talaga ‘yung naramdaman ko na may tensyon e… Siyempre iba-ibang angle lang ‘yon… One take lang ‘yun, one take,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Ibarra confirmed that he and Fyang have more films in the pipeline, although details are still under wraps.
While he’s open to solo projects to further his growth as an actor, he made it clear that Smith will always be his top choice for a love team partner.
“Honestly, noon pa man naging vocal na ako d’yan. Si Fyang lang talaga ‘yung gusto kong maging ka-loveteam… si Fyang lang talaga pipiliin ko kahit anumang proyekto ‘yan,” he reiterated.
Meanwhile, when asked about his dream collaborations, he named Joshua Garcia, saying he hopes to learn from the actor’s craft and experience.