The author poses with Manny and gifts him with a back scratcher during the interview.
Hollywood’s newest leading man isn’t just another pretty face. He’s proudly Filipino.
Manny Jacinto, dubbed the “Pambansang Jawline ng Pilipinas” by his fans, thanks to his jawline that could cut glass (chiseled, symmetrical and camera-ready from every angle), is back in the country for Disney’s “Freakier Friday.”
His homecoming feels nothing short of cinematic.
Manny has been winning hearts internationally with his magnetic screen presence, but for Filipinos, there’s a deeper connection. He’s one of us — a Filipino-Canadian who carries his heritage with both pride and charm.
This visit, in particular, was a Filipino win on many levels.
Thanks to Disney Philippines’ Bea Antonio, Pam Mariano and the entire team, we had the rare opportunity to get a visit from the talent and sit down with Manny for a one-on-one interview during his Manila stop.
It wasn’t also just a standard Hollywood press day, but we got to interview him in Tagalog for most of the conversation. Hearing Manny switch so seamlessly between English and Filipino wasn’t just refreshing. It was a reminder of the global reach of Filipino talent and the pride that comes with representing it on the world stage.
Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto has been winning hearts internationally with his magnetic screen presence. His latest project is Disney’s ‘Freakier Friday,’ a sequel to the beloved body-swap comedy and 2003 box-office hit ‘Freaky Friday.’ The film introduces him to an even wider audience. But for his kababayan, it will always have the added layer of seeing ‘one of our own’ standing tall in a big-budget Hollywood film.
Born in the Philippines before moving to Canada at the age of three, Manny grew up in a family of engineers and even started down the same path in college with the same course. But the arts had other plans.
He began as a dancer, then took a leap into acting — a move that landed him roles in “The Good Place” and Disney’s “The Acolyte” as the enigmatic Qimir. He credits a key Filipino trait for his success.
“My mom used to say, ‘Tigas ng ulo mo!’” he laughed. “Being pasaway — stubborn — actually helped me. It meant I didn’t give up, even when things got tough.”
And while many know Manny for his onscreen charisma, meeting him in person revealed an even more magnetic personality. He’s effortlessly warm, humble, attentive and quick with a laugh and appreciation.
That combination, paired with his Hollywood polish, makes him an instant crowd favorite. It’s one thing to admire someone on screen; it’s another to realize they’re just as engaging without a script.
When Manny arrived at the News5 headquarters, he was greeted with the kind of welcome only a Pinoy newsroom can pull off: warm hellos, a gift of sweet corn at his desk and laughter echoing across the room. “This is like my childhood,” he grinned.
But beyond the interviews and photo ops, we wanted to get to know Manny in a way that felt uniquely Filipino. So, we came up with a quick-fire game: “Pak na Pak or Chararat.” The idea? To find out how much he relates to, embraces, or side-eyes classic Filipino habits — the same antics you might see in a Pinoy household, and perhaps even in his own family growing up in Canada.
Here’s how it went:
We’d throw out a scenario or habit, and he’d rate it instantly — either Pak na Pak (a big yes) or Chararat (a definite no). The results were equal parts hilarious and telling.
Wearing shoes inside the house? “Chararat!” he said without hesitation, earning approving nods from everyone in the room.
Dinuguan? “Chararat nung bata ako… pero ngayon, Pak na Pak!” Clearly, taste buds can evolve, even across borders.
Takeout a la Sharon Cuneta, bringing your own containers to a party? His face lit up. “That’s me! I take out food with a Pyrex. Pak na Pak!”
By the end of the game, one thing was certain: Manny hasn’t lost touch with the quirks that make Filipino life so colorful, and hearing him say, “Pak na Pak” like a true local? Instant classic. It was the kind of moment that turned into an inside joke for everyone who witnessed it, and the clip is destined to be replayed by fans.
The Manila trip wasn’t just about press junkets. Manny made it a point to reconnect with his kababayan through food, language and culture. His schedule was packed, but his vibe remained consistent as he interacted with fans and even indulged in those small, genuine exchanges that made all the difference.
Disney’s “Freakier Friday,” the film he’s here to promote, is a sequel to the beloved body-swap comedy and 2003 box-office hit “Freaky Friday,” and Manny’s role marks another major step in his already impressive career.
The film is set to introduce him to an even wider audience, but for Filipinos, the project will always have the added layer of seeing “one of our own” standing tall in a big-budget Hollywood film.
As he left for his next event, still smiling and gracious, Manny felt every bit the hometown hero we can proudly claim — one who’s making it big without losing sight of where he came from.
From swapping scripts with Lindsay Lohan to sharing laughs over sweet corn in a newsroom, Manny has proven that you can go far while carrying home with you. If his “Freakier Friday” press tour is any indication, this is only the beginning of his leading-man era.
