Nathan Studios Inc. Signs Dance Phenom ICE ALMERIA and Cast of "I'M PERFECT!"

I was busy writing a few things on my phone preparing for this fun event as Nathan Studios will be signing dance phenom Ice Almeria and the cast of successful MMFF 2025 picture I'm Perfect. I was oblivious about what was happening since it was still early until I got hugged from behind by Javi Sarmiento. He greeted me with such excitement and LOVE while telling me a simple hello, something that I've never experienced before starting an interview. 

That's how they are, very pure, no sugarcoating, and it surprises me every instance I get to meet them. Today marks a special day for them because they'll be officially signed with Nathan Studios, who's going to manage their career from hereon.

First is Ice Almeria, winner of Nathan Studios very own Time to Dance show on ABSCBN. He's a very spirited chap, a decorated dancer and choreographer. He's also good looking and surely, he's got a lot of opportunities coming soon. He's appeared in several shows including ASAP on weekends. Soon, he's probably going to be an actor, and I can't wait to see that happen. After officially signing with Nathan Studios Artist Management, he's going to be co managed with Star Magic, one of the biggest artist management agencies in the country.  

Then after that, they also got to sign the I'm Perfect cast Bea Mendoza, Richelle Uy, Royce Rivera, Gio Dicen, Jonathan Tilos, Javi Sarmiento, Direk Carl Garcia, Earl Amaba and current MMFF 2025 Best Actress Krystel Go.

 

Ms. Sylvia Sanchez says they are her angels, here's what she said after the event:

She also thanked the artists for putting their trust in them. She emphasized that this isn't just a contract signing event but more of making their dreams come true. They'll be doing it TOGETHER. She realized that there is no limit in talent when it comes to them, and now they've got the chance to show it to the world as persons with down syndrome. They've got skills, creativity, and authenticity which is hard to find because it's something that comes from the heart. She's seen their potential even before casting them in MMFF 2025 film I'm Perfect. They also made history with Krystel Go winning Best Actress and Best Ensemble for the cast. She reiterates how much she believes in them, and so did their parents/guardians. She also expresses her excitement to watch Ice Almeria grow, guiding his career will also be their priority. 

Together, they will reach their dreams soon! Congratulations!

I'M PERFECT: Understanding the Cause of This MMFF 2025 Entry

People were already crying when they got out of the cinema for the media conference of the movie I'M PERFECT, Nathan Studios' entry to the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival. It's a film that touches on the lives of those with down syndrome. Before it even started, the conversations of media and folks from organizations captured my interest. I overheard Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Chairman Elmer Lapeña while he was talking to a colleague about it, and he says "They have one special ability, and that is to LOVE without inhibitions, magmahal ng wagas!"

Direk Ingrid says "I need to make a story, a film about 11 years ago. We won in FDCP and this was teased. This was to show that they can. I'm very lucky that this was noticed by Ms. Sylvia and Nathan Studios and made it happen. Kita Kita was 2017, but this was 2009. They forged my characters, they choose what to show and we only had to trust them. I know it is a risk for producers but I was given the right ones with passion. I didn't want to use them, because this is a passion project and we didn't want them to be used, but loved and be independent. I felt hope because it doesn't end there."

Ms. Sylvia says "I saw two of her scripts and didn't like it but this third one was an afterthought. She didn't believe I would do this, because it was 10 years ago, they wanted it but didn't trust that this will be made, but I knew that the kids with down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy can. I want to thank Janice, LT, Tonton, Zaijan, because at the beginning they knew they would support them, and they did. When I found the cast in Direk's laptop, I knew I had to do it. We met with the officials because we want their guidance and do it right. These kids will make history, so please make sure to watch it!"

This film called "I'm Perfect" is something special. It's about unconditional love, the support actors describe this as reality, a spectrum of emotions, and when they were in the set, instead of them teaching the lead actors, they learned more instead. They taught them the currency of love and hugs, and watch them enjoy the process as actors for MMFF. They were overwhelmed!

Here's what happened at the press conference:

You might be wasting time treating them differently but they probably need to be treated plain and the same. It's an eye opener, looking at family dynamics on how to love, and how to do it purely, without judgement, hesitation, or anger. That's what they want you to feel in this film, and if you're up to it, you can support them on the 25th! 

This film has a mission, and hopefully even before it comes out on theaters, it makes you feel what it is for. Make sure you watch it, so you'll learn more about what LOVE is in its purest form and concentrate on what they CAN DO instead of what they CANNOT DO. 

Upcoming MMFF 2025 Entry "I'M PERFECT" Set To Bring Strong Message of Love and Inclusion

When news came out of this movie being accepted as an entry for the Metro Manila Film Festival, I was excited about it. The concept is quite interesting, more so, it has not been done in Philippine cinema yet. Casting differently abled actors for the lead role, But what made this special, is the calling of proving what THEY CAN DO, rather than WHAT THEY CAN'T DO.

This film called "I'm Perfect" is something special. It's about unconditional love, the support actors describe this as reality, a spectrum of emotions, and when they were in the set, instead of them teaching the lead actors, they learned more instead. They taught them the currency of love and hugs, and watch them enjoy the process as actors for MMFF. They were overwhelmed!

Direk Ingrid says "I need to make a story, a film about 11 years ago. We won in FDCP and this was teased. This was to show that they can. I'm very lucky that this was noticed by Ms. Sylvia and Nathan Studios and made it happen. Kita Kita was 2017, but this was 2009. They forged my characters, they choose what to show and we only had to trust them. I know it is a risk for producers but I was given the right ones with passion. I didn't want to use them, because this is a passion project and we didn't want them to be used, but loved and be independent. I felt hope because it doesn't end there."

Ms. Sylvia says "I saw two of her scripts and didn't like it but this third one was an afterthought. She didn't believe I would do this, because it was 10 years ago, they wanted it but didn't trust that this will be made, but I knew that the kids with down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy can. I want to thank Janice, LT, Tonton, Zaijan, because at the beginning they knew they would support them, and they did. When I found the cast in Direk's laptop, I knew I had to do it. We met with the officials because we want their guidance and do it right. These kids will make history, so please make sure to watch it!"

Seeing them all talk on stage already made us all cry. I saw what they saw in them, and I think that's exactly what you'll see in theaters this Christmas. I overheard Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Chairman Elmer Lapeña while he was talking to a blogger friend where he says "They have one special ability, and that is to LOVE without inhibitions, magmahal ng wagas!"

Lead stars Earl Jonathan Amanda and Anne Krystel Daphne Go will make you feel love like you've never seen or felt before. They will be together with Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, Janice De Belen, Ms. Lorna Tolentino, Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez and Zaijian Jaranilla. 

Here's what happened at the Mediacon!

During the talk, it made me wonder that we might be wasting time treating them differently... but they probably need to be treated plain and the same. It's an eye opener, looking at family dynamics on how to love, and how to do it purely, without judgement, hesitation, or anger. That's what they want you to feel in this film, and if you're up to it, you can support them on the 25th!