Rising stars JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith could not hide their excitement after receiving praise from veteran actors during the grand media conference of ‘Love is Never Gone’.
Among those who commended the young actors were seasoned performers Michael de Mesa, Dina Bonnevie, Ara Mina, and Epy Quizon.
Michael, who plays one of Fyang’s parents in the series, expressed strong confidence in the young actress’ potential.
“For a newcomer, she really has something to offer and I believe, she will be one of our future best actresses si Fyang,” he said.
He added, “Magaling siya. She knows her job, she knows her character.”
Dina echoed his sentiments and shared how impressed she was with Fyang’s performance.
“She is a multi-faceted performer,” she said. “But I was amazed na she was able to deliver. Magaling itong bulilit na ito.”
Ara, meanwhile, admitted she initially misunderstood Fyang’s personality.
She said she first thought the actress was aloof, but later realized she was simply shy, and agreed that she is talented.
Ara also had kind words for JM, particularly noting his attitude on set, saying she admires his humility and hopes he remains grounded.
Epy, on the other hand, highlighted the strong potential of both JM and Fyang, recognizing their capabilities as emerging actors.
Both JM and Fyang admitted feeling pressure working alongside industry veterans, especially since Love is Never Gone marks a major project for them.
“Kami honestly ni Fyang, una palang ang nasa mata namin yung knowledge na ma-adapt namin working with these veteran actors kahit sila direk Manny [Palo], sila direk Jojo [Saguin]. Dun kami nakafocus,” JM shared.
Despite the pressure, he emphasized their mindset: “Siguro, hindi na lang kami nagpapatalo sa pressure, sa kaba na nafe-feel namin. Siguro mas naka-focus kami sa ma-a-adapt sa project na ‘to –– sa matutunan namin after gawin ‘tong project na ‘to.”
Fyang agreed, saying the nerves were present from the very beginning.
“Of course, ito yung first series with JM din and kasama yung mga veteran actors and actresses, grabe. At tsaka yung time na nag storycon palang kami, grabe na yung kaba naming dalawa kasi nga first [time],” she said.
She added that the anxiety remained even toward the end of production: “Hanggang ngayon na patapos na yung series na ‘to, sobrang grabe pa din ng kaba namin kasi siyempre kailangan naming aralin ano yung roles namin.”
Fyang also highlighted how supportive their co-stars have been throughout the process.
“Of course, yung mga co-actors naman namin sobrang generous nila. Pag kunwari nahihirapan ka na sa eksena mo, pag nadr-drain ka na, very generous lahat ng kasama namin dito.”
In the series, JM plays Ronnie Manalang, the best friend of Teo (Joshua Garcia), while Fyang portrays Raya Verona, the youngest daughter of the Verona family.
Top-billed by Ivana Alawi and Joshua Garcia, Love is Never Gone is the first Filipino series shot in Morocco and will premiere on May 8 exclusively on Prime Video.
