WATCH: Two Young People With Down Syndrome Show What Love Means in I’m Perfect
An entry to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival, let’s get to know Jiro and Jessica
People with disabilities—especially individuals with Down Syndrome—are often surrounded by layers of care and protection. While rooted in love, this can sometimes keep them from discovering the world on their own terms.
In I’m Perfect, an official entry to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival, we meet Jiro and Jessica, two young adults with the condition who, like anyone else, dream of friendship, connection, and the sweet, simple feeling of being loved.
Spotlight on Down Syndrome
In the film’s trailer, Jiro shyly admits he has a crush on Jessica. When the two finally meet, their friends can’t help but tease them—much like any barkada witnessing that unmistakable spark of kilig.
But behind the sweetness lie their parents’ worries.
How will the world treat them? Will their peers understand them?
As Jiro and Jessica grow closer, the film gently explores the fine line between parental love and overprotection. It asks an important question: How can Jiro and Jessica show their families—and the world—that they, too, have the right to love, be loved, and live full, meaningful lives just like anybody else?
The film features Earl Amaba and Krystel Go as Jiro and Jessica, supported by a powerhouse cast including Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez, Sylvia Sanchez, and Lorna Tolentino as their parents. Zaijian Jaranilla also stars as Jiro’s brother.
Directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, the filmmaker behind Kita Kita, I’m Perfect promises the heart, warmth, and sincerity she is known for.
Support From the Down Syndrome and Disabilities Communities
Even before the trailer dropped, I’m Perfect had already gained overwhelming support from organizations advocating for people with disabilities. Leaders in the community welcomed the project as a step forward in authentic representation.
Michelle Aventajado, Executive Director of Best Buddies Philippines, praised the teaser: “Having this film made, it’s a huge win for the community. Now you have representation—main characters with an extra chromosome, sharing a love story and a story of family, culture, and support that has never been told before.”
Akiko Thomson-Guevara, former national athlete and current chairperson of Special Olympics Philippines, shared that the producers consulted their organization to portray individuals with Down Syndrome more accurately.
“I’m so excited. Just watching that teaser—it’s so well done. It’s beautiful to see them, because they’re being seen.”
As a mom to a daughter with Down Syndrome, Akiko believes the film will help challenge outdated views:
“I think it just brings even greater awareness. Whatever misconceptions people may have will be shaken.”
Elmer Lapeña, Chairman of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc., was equally enthusiastic: “I’m excited na makita yung pelikula. I’m sure it will be very, very nice.”
A Holiday Release With Heart
I’m Perfect opens on December 25, offering families a touching story about acceptance, independence, and the universal desire to love—and to be loved in return.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
’m Perfect follows the story of Jiro and Jessica, two young adults with Down Syndrome who experience friendship, connection, and first love. The film explores their desire for independence and how their families navigate love and overprotection.
It is one of the few mainstream Filipino films to place individuals with Down Syndrome at the center of the story—portraying them not as side characters but as protagonists with their own feelings, dreams, and agency. It marks a significant step for inclusive representation in local cinema.
Earl Amaba and Krystel Go portray Jiro and Jessica. They are joined by veteran actors Tonton Gutierrez, Joey Marquez, Sylvia Sanchez, and Lorna Tolentino, with Zaijian Jaranilla playing Jiro’s brother.
The film is directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, known for Kita Kita. Her storytelling style—warm, heartfelt, and rooted in human connection—shapes the emotional tone of the movie.
The film uses an authentic and respectful approach. With guidance from organizations like Best Buddies Philippines, Special Olympics Philippines, and the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, it aims to depict people with Down Syndrome with accuracy, dignity, and empathy.
Advocates praise I’m Perfect for offering genuine representation. Leaders like Michelle Aventajado, Akiko Thomson-Guevara, and Elmer Lapeña share that the film allows young adults with Down Syndrome to be seen, heard, and celebrated—something not often highlighted in mainstream media.
