February is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and one special actor is having his big-screen debut.

Paolo Pingol, born with Down Syndrome, had this life-long dream of becoming an actor. Despite his condition, his dream is coming true.

You may recognize him from a fast-food commercial. Now, the 24-year-old will star in an indie movie with Candy Pangilinan and Jasmine Curtis.

The film, entitled "Star na si Van Damme Stallone," will give a closer look to the life of people with Down Syndrome and the struggles they face.

Filmmaker Randolph Longjas said Pingol's unmatched determination to reach his dream speaks volumes.

Now that Pingol's acting dream came true, he said he is gearing up for the next step--to win an award.

"Star na si Van Damme Stallone" is an entry at the 2016 Cine-Filipino Film Festival that will run from March 16 to 22.

- ANC's The Daily Serve, February 26, 2016