For 1990s film heartthrob and model Matthew Mendoza, the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal was more than an awards night — it marked a deeply personal milestone.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Mendoza shared what he described as a “proud dad moment,” celebrating the success of I’mPerfect, a film whose victories went beyond trophies to affirm the power of inclusive storytelling.

“I’m so happy for Ate Bea and the whole I’mPerfect family,” Mendoza wrote after the film clinched Best Picture and Best Ensemble — two of the most coveted honors of the night. His message reflected gratitude, pride, and a quiet confidence in a project that resonated with both audiences and jurors.

At the heart of the film’s triumph was Krystal Go, whose performance earned her the Best Actress award. Mendoza’s congratulatory message carried added warmth, underscoring pride not only in her win but in what it represented. In an industry often slow to embrace difference, I’mPerfect emerged as proof that authenticity and empathy can still prevail.

Mendoza also echoed the film’s growing rallying cry, #YesWeCan — a phrase that has evolved into a statement of belief and possibility. The film’s success, he suggested, was the result of a collective effort by artists, producers, performers, and audiences willing to meet stories of compassion and dignity with openness and support.