Fresh off the success of their silver screen debut, Star Magic artists JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith took center stage at the Star Magic Spotlight Press Conference held on May 21, 2026, at the Dolphy Theatre, ABS-CBN.
The duo JMFyang reflected on their transition from digital stars to becoming the country’s next certified box-office hitmakers following the phenomenal run of their movie, Almost Us. When asked if they ever envisioned Almost Us becoming a massive commercial success, both stars admitted to being overwhelmed by the initial pressure rather than focusing on the numbers.
“Wala kaming expectation habang ginagawa yung film, mas lamang yung pressure. Ginagawa namin siya hanggang matapos nang wala kaming ineexpect,” JM shared honestly.
Fyang echoed his sentiments, opening up about the anxiety that comes with a film debut and their shock at the movie’s incredible gross revenue of 23M on its first week: “Kapag first film mo, kakabahan ka talaga. Kami nung time na pinagusapan namin, sobrang nappressure kami kasi ang daming expectations,” Fyang confessed. “Hindi kami masyadong nageexpect na yung gross niya talaga is umabot sa ganyan kalaking halaga.”
The transition from their hit digital series Ghosting to the feature film Almost Us required both actors to shed their lighter personas and dive into much heavier, more complex roles. JM and Fyang opened up about the stark differences between their past and present characters.
“Siguro mas malalim si RR. Yung lalim niya mas complicated siya kumpara sa dalawang characters na pinlay ko sa Ghosting, kaya challenging. Narealize ko yung difference ng film acting at TV acting.” JM on playing RR.
“Si Bulots kasi meron siyang hugot, meron siyang lalim na hindi mo makikita kay Janine sa Ghosting, so mas nachallenge ako. Yung character kasi ni Janine… happy-happy lang siya, ang pinoproblema niya lang lagi lovelife. Si Bulots kasi, malaki yung pressure sa kanya pagdating sa pag-aaral, kasi yung mommy niya is attorney, and gusto ng mama niya same sila maging attorney.” Fyang on playing Bulots.
JMFyang highly credited their breakthrough performances to the guidance of critically acclaimed director Dan Villegas. The box-office duo shared valuable acting gems they learned on set that completely changed their approach to the craft. “Hindi siya typical na workshop. Ang sinabi lang niya sa akin nun: JM halatang ginagalingan mo, wag mo galingan.’ Doon ko narealize yung difference [ng film].”
Meanwhile, Fyang shared an emotional technique passed down by the director that she still uses today: “Up until now, dala ko parin yung sinabi ni Direk Dan. Every time na may breakdown moments, think about one box. And then every box, meron siyang mga memories. Kumuha ka ng isang box, pag nakuha mo yung isang box na yun, after mo makuha yung emosyon na yun, iclose mo ulit, para makamove-on ka.”
With their undeniable chemistry, box-office power, and newfound artistic depth, JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith have officially cemented their status as the new formidable pair to watch in Philippine cinema. Catch Almost Us in theatres nationwide. For more updates, follow @starmagicphils on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.
