Why Rochelle Pangilinan considers ‘Child No. 82’ as food for her soul

By: Hannah Mallorca

While Rochelle Pangilinan has been acting for quite some time, she considers “Child No. 82” as “food for my soul,” as it allowed her to explore more of herself as an actress.

“Child No. 82,” an action-adventure film that marks the full-length directorial debut of Tim Rone Villanueva, tells the story of Max (JM Ibarra) finding out he is the son of the late action star Maximo “Boy Kana” Maniego Sr. (Vhong Navarro). Max is in a race against time to prove that he is indeed the biological son, much to the worry of his mother (Rochelle Pangilinan).

“Itong Cinemalaya, pangarap kong makasama rito. Habang kumakain kami [noong press con] at tinitingnan ko ang mga kasama ko rito, iniisip ko na matataba talaga ang utak nila. ‘Child No. 82’ is food for my soul. Gusto ko talagang gumaling sa pag-arte, at isa ito sa paraan na nakikita ko na mas gagaling ka pa dapat,” Pangilinan told Inquirer Entertainment on the sidelines of the festival’s launch.

(It’s been my dream to be part of Cinemalaya. While eating, I observed the others here in this festival. I’m in awe of how great their minds are. “Child No. 82” is food for my soul. I always wanted to grow as an actress, and this is one of the ways where I can improve.)

As a mom to her daughter Shiloh, Pangilinan confessed that she doesn’t want most of the film’s events to happen in real life, especially when it comes to figuring out one’s identity.

“Maraming makakarelate rito na nanay na lumalaban araw-araw para lang buhayin ang anak nila at siyempre, ang anak nilang Gen Z na maraming pinagdadaanan pero [nonetheless], masaya pa rin silang magi-ina,” she said.

“Maraming eksena rito na pinagdaanan ni JM ay ayokong mangyari sa anak ko, isa sa kinatatakutan ko ‘yun. Isa sa natutunan ko rito bilang isang working mom ay sisiguraduhin na lagi akong nasa tabi ng anak ko,” she continued.