Latest news with #Jacinto


Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is Manny Jacinto? Filipino-Canadian star returning home to Manila for Freakier Friday premiere
Lights, camera, Manila! Manny Jacinto brings Hollywood heat to the Philippines with Freakier Friday. The Filipino-Canadian star Manny Jacinto is heading back to his roots - but this time, he's arriving in full blockbuster style. On August 5, the actor will walk the red carpet at the Philippine premiere of Freakier Friday, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday. Set to take place at the Main Atrium of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the event will see Jacinto making a special appearance that's sure to draw crowds and cameras alike. And for lucky fans? There's a chance to witness the spectacle in person - with details on how to attend expected to drop soon. But who exactly is Manny Jacinto? Born in Manila and raised in Canada, Jacinto rose to fame playing the lovable and clueless Jason Mendoza in the hit series The Good Place. He later took on more dramatic roles as Yao in Nine Perfect Strangers and Qimir in The Acolyte, further proving his range. His growing Hollywood résumé also includes Top Gun: Maverick, where he played pilot Fritz, and the English dub of Netflix's Trese, voicing Maliksi. Manny Jacinto role in Freakier Friday In Freakier Friday, Jacinto plays Eric, the fiancé of Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan), one of the film's central characters. The sequel brings back both Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis as the iconic mother-daughter duo, Tess and Anna Coleman, who once famously swapped bodies after a mysterious fortune cookie incident. Set years after the original, the new film explores yet another chaotic body-swap - this time involving four women: Anna, her daughter Harper (Julia Butters), her soon-to-be stepdaughter Lily (Sophia Hammons), and Tess. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, Freakier Friday also features returning cast members Chad Michael Murray (Jake) and Ryan Malgarini (Harry), along with new faces like Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and The Parent Trap's Elaine Hendrix. With a fanbase growing across the globe and now a major Disney role under his belt, Jacinto's Manila visit is a full-circle moment - and Filipino fans will be watching.


Filipino Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Manny Jacinto to visit PH to promote ‘Freakier Friday'
Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto is set to visit the Philippines to promote his upcoming film Freakier Friday, the sequel to the 2003 hit movie Freaky Friday. In a video interview with Filipino-American journalist Yong Chavez posted on the CBO Channel's X account, Jacinto confirmed the visit. 'Hi, Philippines! I will be coming to visit to promote the film, Freakier Friday. I hope to see you guys there soon,' the actor said. The actor added that he is currently practicing speaking in Tagalog, something he says he 'always' does. As of writing, no official date has been announced for the visit. It is also unclear if other cast members will be joining him. In Freakier Friday, Jacinto plays Eric Reyes, a chef and single father leading man of Lindsay Lohan. The film marks a major role for Jacinto following his performances in The Good Place, Top Gun: Maverick, The Acolyte, and Trese. Jacinto was born in the Philippines and raised in Vancouver, Canada. He has expressed interest in working with Filipino writers and producers for future projects. He is also set to appear in the upcoming thriller films The Knife and Balestra.


Time of India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From Manny Jacinto to Tom Rodriguez: Filipino actors redefining charm, talent, and star power
While Korean and Thai actors have been gaining prominence over the globe, there are also many talented stars from the Philippines. From powerful performances to unforgettable charm, these actors, singers, and media personalities have become icons in their own right. Here are some of the most charming and talented Filipino male stars who continue to steal the spotlight. Manny Jacinto The Filipino-Canadian actor, born August 19, 1987, first captured widespread attention with his breakout performance as Jason Mendoza in the critically acclaimed NBC comedy The Good Place (2016–2020). Before that, he built his career through small television roles that steadily showcased his range and charisma. His success on the small screen led to appearances in major films, including Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022). In 2024, Jacinto stepped into the Star Wars universe as the mysterious Stranger, also known as Qimir and in the Disney+ series The Acolyte, earning praise for his darker, more complex portrayal. Beyond live-action, Jacinto brought his voice talents to animation, playing Scott Denoga in Disney Channel's Hailey's On It! (2023–2024). Dennis Trillo Born on May 12, 1981, he is a multi-awarded Filipino actor known for his bold and versatile roles. He gained widespread recognition for playing Eric del Mundo in My Husband's Lover, the first gay-themed primetime series on Philippine TV. His critically acclaimed performances include Simoun in Maria Clara at Ibarra and Colonel Yuta Saitoh in Pulang Araw, both aired on GMA and streamed on Netflix. Trillo's breakout came in 2004 with Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita, earning him his first acting award. With over two decades at GMA Network, he's earned the title of "Drama King," proving his staying power in both drama and romance. Coco Martin Born Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno Jr. on November 1, 1981, he began his career in independent cinema before breaking into mainstream television - bringing an intensity and realism that set him apart. Known for his versatility, he has built a powerhouse career as an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. From gritty action to emotional romantic dramas, his work has earned both critical and popular acclaim. His impressive list of accolades includes two FAMAS Awards, two Gawad Urian Awards, ten PMPC Star Awards for Television, eight Box Office Entertainment Awards, and recognition from the ASEAN International Film Festival. He is also among the highest-grossing Filipino stars of all time and his cultural impact extends far beyond the screen. Inigo Dominic Pascual He has proven he's more than just the son of Piolo Pascual. Born on September 14, 1997, he has steadily built a name of his own as a singer, songwriter, and actor in both local and international scenes. His breakthrough came in 2016 with the hit single Dahil Sa'yo - the first song to top Billboard Philippines' Top 20 chart and winner of "Song of the Year" at the Awit Awards. The track marked the start of his ascent as one of OPM's modern voices. On screen, Iñigo has taken on diverse roles in films like Relaks, It's Just Pag-ibig, Crazy Beautiful You, and For the Hopeless Romantic. In 2020, he starred in the coming-of-age film Boyette: Not a Girl Yet, and in 2022, expanded to Hollywood through the Fox musical drama series Monarch, showcasing his talent to a global audience. Tom Rodriguez Born Bartolome Alberto Mott on October 1, 1987, stepped into the spotlight after joining Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up. What began as a reality TV debut quickly turned into a full-fledged acting career. Over the years, he has taken on a wide range of roles - from romantic leads to complex characters. Some of his most notable performances include My Husband's Lover, where he portrayed one half of a groundbreaking same-sex love story, as well as key roles in Mulawin vs Ravena, Someone to Watch Over Me, and I Heart Davao. He also appeared in the hit comedy film Here Comes the Bride. As of 2025, he remains an exclusive talent under GMA Network and GMA Pictures, continuing to thrive as one of the network's most recognizable stars. Billy Crawford The Filipino actor and singer, born May 16, 1982, is known for his early success as a child performer on That's Entertainment and in films like Lost Command and Sandakot Na Bala. At 12, he moved to the U.S. to study performing arts and soon performed as a backup dancer for Michael Jackson at the 1995 MTV VMAs. Crawford has since earned accolades including a FAMAS Award, an NRJ Music Award, and the Ani ng Dangal Award from the NCCA, marking him as a standout talent in both local and international entertainment. Paulo Avelino The Filipino actor, singer, model, and film producer, born on May 13, 1988, rose to prominence through hit television dramas such as Walang Hanggan (2012), Bridges of Love (2015), and The General's Daughter (2019). On the big screen, Avelino is best known for portraying General Gregorio del Pilar in the acclaimed historical films Heneral Luna (2015) and its sequel Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral (2018), where he played the title role. His film credits also include the horror-thriller Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay, further showcasing his versatility as an actor. Joshua Garcia Born October 7, 1997, the actor first caught public attention as a contestant on Pinoy Big Brother: All In in 2015. Since then, he has steadily built a name for himself as a talented actor, dancer, and commercial model. He rose to fame with his breakout role in the 2016 MMFF box-office hit Vince and Kath and James, followed by his standout performance in the primetime drama The Good Son. Known for his emotional range, Garcia has become a staple in teleseryes like The Greatest Love, Ngayon at Kailanman, The Killer Bride, and Unbreak My Heart. On the big screen, he has taken on a variety of roles in films such as Love You to the Stars and Back (2017), I Love You, Hater (2018), the thriller Ang Mga Kaibigan Ni Mama Susan (2023), and the romantic drama Un/Happy For You (2024), showcasing his growth as one of his generation's most promising leading men. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.


GMA Network
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
‘Pingkian: Isang Musikal' returns for Tanghalang Pilipino's 39th season this September
Following a sold-out debut and sweeping wins at the 2024 Aliw Awards—including Best Musical—Tanghalang Pilipino's "Pingkian: Isang Musikal" is set to return to the stage this September for the company's 39th season. The powerful production once again brings to life the brilliance and bravery of Emilio Jacinto, the young revolutionary known as the "Brains of the Katipunan." The musical opens on September 12 and will run until October 12 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City. Written by Palanca Award-winner Juan Ekis, with music by Gawad Buhay-recognized composer Ejay Yatco and directed by theater stalwart Jenny Jamora, "Pingkian" delivers a riveting portrayal of Jacinto's passion, ideals, and ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of Filipino freedom. The musical explores the complexities of youth, leadership, and nationhood in the final years of the Philippine Revolution and the early stages of the Philippine-American War. At the heart of the musical is actor Vic Robinson, reprising his critically acclaimed role as Emilio Jacinto, also known by his nom de guerre 'Pingkian'—a Tagalog term for a flint that sparks fire. Through a series of dreamlike flashbacks and fevered hallucinations, audiences witness Jacinto confront his past, his beliefs, and the ghosts of revolutionaries who shaped the nation's history. Joining Robinson is a stellar ensemble: Gab Pangilinan as Catalina de Jesus and Florencio Reyes, Tex Ordoñez-De Leon as Josefa Dizon, Kakki Teodoro as Jose Rizal, and Paw Castillo as Andres Bonifacio, with Almond Bolante, Joshua Cadeliña, and Marco Viaña rounding out the principal cast. The ensemble also features standout performers from the Philippine theater scene, bringing dynamic energy and movement under the choreography of Jomelle Era. Visually and sonically, the production is a feast. The design team includes Carlo Villafuerte Pagunaling (Production Design), D Cortezano (Lighting), GA Fallarme and JM Jimenez (Projection), and TJ Ramos (Sound). The technical ensemble, led by Kiefer Sison, ensures the seamless fusion of historical narrative and modern theatrical storytelling. "Pingkian" stands out not only for its artistic excellence but also for its deep cultural resonance. The musical celebrates Jacinto's intellect and revolutionary contributions, including his authorship of the Kartilya ng Katipunan—the seminal manifesto of the movement, which emphasized liberty, equality, and moral conduct. One of the youngest leaders in the Katipunan, Jacinto became a general at 17, shaping the ideological core of the revolution with pen and sword. This revival aims to ignite a deeper connection with today's audiences, especially younger generations, reminding them of the cost of freedom and the power of youth to shape history. It is a timely homage to a hero whose short but meaningful life continues to inspire patriotism and critical reflection on Filipino identity. Tanghalang Pilipino's "Pingkian: Isang Musikal" is more than just a historical retelling—it is a bold, urgent call to remember, resist, and reimagine the nation's path forward. Theatergoers can secure their seats through TicketWorld and Ticket2Me. —CDC, GMA Integrated News


Express Tribune
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Simone Ashley's limited F1 role highlights Hollywood trend of sidelining actors of color
When Apple Original Films announced that Bridgerton star Simone Ashley had joined the cast of F1, fans anticipated a substantial role. Ashley was spotted filming at several Grand Prix locations, suggesting her part would be more than just a cameo. But according to early viewer reactions from recent advance screenings, Ashley's role in the final cut reportedly lasts only a few seconds. Despite on-set images showing her in multiple scenes, many—especially those featuring co-star Damson Idris—appear to have been significantly reduced. This disappointment echoes a broader issue in Hollywood: the recurring pattern of casting actors of color with fanfare, only to marginalize their presence in the final product. This issue isn't isolated to Ashley. In Top Gun: Maverick, directed by F1's Joseph Kosinski, actor Manny Jacinto underwent extensive pilot training and filmed numerous scenes. However, he later learned at the premiere that most of his scenes had been cut. Speaking to GQ, Jacinto said, 'Tom Cruise is writing stories for Tom Cruise,' pointing to how the spotlight often remains tightly controlled. Other high-profile examples include Ray Fisher's Cyborg in Justice League, whose storyline was heavily trimmed; Kiersey Clemons and Zheng Kai, whose roles were barely visible; and John Boyega in Star Wars, whose character was demoted over time and minimized on international posters. These incidents aren't just about editing—they reflect an industry that uses diverse casting in marketing while diluting representation in storytelling. As a result, actors like Ashley have taken matters into their own hands. She recently executive produced and starred in Picture This. Jacinto echoed a similar sentiment: 'We can't wait for someone else to do it. We have to make them for ourselves.' Still, the responsibility shouldn't fall solely on the actors. Until studios treat representation as integral—not optional—stories like this will keep repeating.