Contributed by Melissa G. Bagamasbad
The Filipino-Canadian leading man of the now-showing “Freakier Friday” came home to the Philippines last week to promote his new Hollywood movie.
It’s hard to pinpoint the highlight of Manny Jacinto’s “Freakier Friday” event—is it when he spoke Tagalog so well, he sounded like he’s always lived in the Philippines? Or when he played Pinoy Henyo like a pro, and greeted and hugged the fans who participated? Or it could just be how dashing he looked, as he walked “Freakier Friday’s” purple carpet. Whatever the highlight may be for the media and the fans who attended, there’s something for everyone. Manny plays Eric Reyes, the Filipino-British chef who’s engaged to Lindsay Lohan’s Anna in “Freakier Friday.” And so it was a treat for many Filipinos when Manny finally came home, and attended the Philippine premiere of his movie. Below are some highlights of the event.
- When Manny spoke Tagalog well, you’d think he’d always lived in the Philippines.
Manny included some Tagalog phrases and sentences while speaking and with the way he spoke, you’d never guess that he migrated with his Filipino parents at three years old! Aside from speaking what he calls his “first language,” Manny said he still understands it. His fan meet had him sprinkling words and phrases like, “Anak,” “Maraming salamat,” “Kamusta po kayo,” “Mahal ko kayo,” the whole time with hardly any accent. Pretty impressive.
2. When Manny played Pinoy Henyo and interacted with his fans.
Of course, a Filipino game for a Filipino fan meet. Lucky fans got called onstage to play Pinoy Henyo with Manny. Manny was able to give the answers expertly, and he even met and hugged his Filipino fans. We’re not surprised if those fans didn’t take a bath for a week after Manny hugged them.
3. When Manny emphasized the importance of representation.
For audiences who attended the Philippine premiere of “Freakier Friday,” Manny was able to walk in and introduce the film to them. When host Sam Oh asked Manny how he felt walking into a room full of people about to watch his film, he answered, “It’s cool walking into a theater, where people look like me.” We felt that, Manny. We felt that.
There are a lot more Manny moments that we can’t believe we experienced in the flesh and really, we can’t get enough of him playing Eric Reyes in “Freakier Friday.” Don’t miss the sequel to the beloved “Freaky Friday” movie. It gives life lessons aside from comedy and adventure. (Tip: Watch it with a parent or a sibling for more feels.)
Photo courtesy of Melissa Bagamasbad
“Freakier Friday” is STILL SHOWING IN CINEMAS.
