EXCLUSIVE: How JM Ibarra prepared to take on a young father role in Child No. 82: 'Inisip ko talaga ako 'yung nagka-baby'
Jemuel Tandoc, Push Team
JM Ibarra takes on his first-ever film starring role in the Cinemalaya entry Child No. 82. But this is no easy feat—aside from playing the title role, his character is also multi-layered, blending fantasy, action, comedy, and drama.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, JM shared how he fully immersed himself in this dynamic material.
“Ako, mahilig talaga ako sa mga lumang pelikula talaga. Lalo sa mga fantasy film. International, Hollywood man o local, mahilig talaga ako. Isa nga sa mga paborito ko noon, ‘yung Panday ni Sir Jericho Rosales. So, ayan, na-enjoy ko lang siya habang ginagawa ko. Hindi ko iniisip na ako eh. Iniisip ko ako si Kuya Jericho. Habang nagtatrabaho ako dun, pakiramdam ko nasa isang fantasy sequence talaga ako. Hindi ko iniisip na fantasy sequence ng pelikula. Inisip ko na fantasy sequence talaga. Mas nararamdaman ko ganun,” he shared.
But beyond tackling the fantasy and action sequences, JM’s character Max also has depth. During the project announcement for the Cinemalaya entry, it was revealed that Max play the role of a young father.
JM opened up about how he prepared for a role that he had never experienced in real life.
“Ginawa ko dito — kasi may ilan akong barkada sa lugar namin na mga solido kong kaibigan na maagap na naging tatay — so, may ilan lang naman akong ginawang katanungan sa kanila para at least may idea ako bago gawin si Max. Inalam ko lang kung anong pakiramdam nila nung una nilang nalaman na buntis pala itong girlfriend nila. So, inaalam-alam ko ganon. And then, habang dinadamdam ko, isinapuso ko, kusa na lang lumabas ‘yung behavior ni Max. So, inisip ko talaga naako yung nagka-baby, ako ‘yung alam mo, ‘yung naging batang ama,” JM explained.
Many are excited for this project, especially JM’s love team partner Fyang Smith, who has been very vocal in her support. JM expressed how grateful he is for her encouragement.
“Ako, sobrang happy ako kasi noon pa man, very vocal na siya na proud siya sa akin na ginawa ko itong pelikulang ko. And, ayun, sobrang happy lang ako na nakikita ko na mas nauna pa siyang ngumiti kapag naririnig ‘yung Child No. 82,” JM expressed.
He added that he’s excited to see the film for the first time alongside Fyang.
“Feel ko, mas mag-e-enjoy siya panoorin itong pelikulang to. And, excited ako na kasama ko siya. Siya ‘yung mismo katabi ko kapag pinanood ko sa premiere,” he revealed.
Catch Child No. 82 as part of the official lineup of the Cinemalaya Film Festival starting October 3.