JM Ibarra earned his well-deserved applause from viewers and filmmakers following his breakthrough performance in “Child No.82,” which also marks his first film and first Cinemalaya debut.
Photo: JM Ibarra/Instagram
On X, “Sunshine” director Antoinette Jadaone praised JM’s strong screen presence and comedic timing.
HUSAY NI JM IBARRA!!! Very Strong debut acting performance in a film!
Drama ✅
Comedy (grabe ang comedic timing!) ✅✅✅
Screen presence ✅✅✅
Kilig (partida di pa nya loveteam kaparega nya ah) ✅Big leading man potential!!!! #ChildNo82 #Cinemalaya
— Toñet (@tonetjadaone) October 4, 2025
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN, “Child No. 82” director Tim Rone Villanueva expressed his strong belief that the PBB Gen 11 alum has what it takes to become one of the industry’s next leading men.
“The best quality of JM na nakita namin, hindi lang ako, is ‘yung focus and determination niya. Kapag sinabi niyang gagawin niya, na kaya niya, he really means it. Talent, discipline and talino—nakita namin during the shoot, makikita din ng mga manunuod (The best quality we saw in JM—not just me—is his focus and determination. When he says he’ll do something and that he can do it, he really means it. Talent, discipline, and intelligence—that’s what we saw during the shoot, and that’s what the audience will see too),” the director shared.
Casual viewers also applauded the rising star for his strong acting performance.
My first Cinemalaya this year is so good! Child No. 82 is a charmer. I’m not familiar with JM Ibarra but he’s a real stunner: He anchors the film with palpable vulnerability but with stern determination needed. A real actor in a making.
— Brian Dexter (@DandyBoyBrian) October 5, 2025
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