‘Magnifico’ child stars, then and now

Isabella de Leon and Jiro Manio (left) reenact their “Magnifico” poster (right) .

After 11 years, former child actors Isabella de Leon and Jiro Manio reunited and recreated the poster of the late Maryo J. delos Reyes’ internationally acclaimed movie “Magnifico,” which won for them various acting awards.

But this time, it’s Isabella’s turn to carry Jiro on her back.

“Thank you for carrying me 11 years ago, Kuya Jiro. Now let me return the favor,” Isabella wrote in Filipino in a recent Instagram post.
“Life hasn’t been easy. But I hope you keep in mind that our worth isn’t measured by the number of times we have fallen, but by how we pick ourselves up.”

Isabella added: “Direk Maryo may not have seen this reunion, but I’m sure he’s in heaven, smiling as you try to make your comeback. The industry that loves you so is waiting for you.”—ALLAN POLICARPIO