Photographed by Angelo Tantuico
At the main atrium of SM Mall of Asia, cheers erupted when actor Manny Jacinto attended the Philippine Premiere of Freakier Friday.
Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto returned to his roots last week, gracing the premiere of Disney’s Freakier Friday at SM Mall of Asia. The event, which began with a fan meet at the mall’s main atrium, saw hundreds gather to welcome one of their own back to the local stage.
Jacinto, who stars as Eric Reyes opposite Hollywood stars Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, reflected on the surreal moment. “It’s a dream, honestly,” he shares during the fan meet. “I was born here, so a local boy who gets to act opposite Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis is wild to me. Never would’ve thought, but here we are!”
Greeted by cheers, the actor addressed theater audiences in both English and Filipino: “Sobrang excited to be here, sana mag-enjoy kayo, and maraming-maraming salamat (Really excited to be here, I hope you enjoy, and thank you very much).” He also admitted to a touch of premiere jitters: “It’s a little nerve-wracking because it’s my fellow Filipinos, because I hope I did you guys proud, but I’m so excited for you guys to see it.”
A sequel to the beloved 2003 film, Freakier Friday reunites Curtis and Lohan as Tess and Anna Coleman. Years after their original body-swapping adventure, Anna is now a mother navigating the complexities of a blended family, when lightning strikes twice. Directed by Nisha Ganatra and based on Mary Rodgers’ novel, the film also features Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Chad Michael Murray, Vanessa Bayer, and Mark Hammon.
With its mix of family bonds, magical mishaps, and humor, Freakier Friday offers a fresh yet familiar take on the beloved story. And now, it arrives in Philippine cinemas for audiences to enjoy together.
