Fans go all out for JmFyang’s first solo lead film ‘Almost Us’

The love for JMFyang was impossible to miss during the grand launch of their newly released film “Almost Us” at Gateway Cinema, where fans transformed the event into a full-scale celebration of the loveteam’s growing star power.

Organized by Team JMFyang Official, the May 6 launch gathered hundreds of besties (the fandom name of JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith supporters) who filled the venue with banners, cheers and interactive fan activities that turned the cinema into a kilig-filled fan fair.

From photobooths and merchandise stalls to flower booths, game stations and wall notes filled with heartfelt messages, every corner of the event reflected the fandom’s unwavering support for the former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemates.

But the support did not stop at Gateway Cinema.

Simultaneous events are mounted by various JMFyang fan groups in Metro Manila, including screenings at Gateway Cinema by Team JMFyang Official, Fisher Mall by Fyang Angels, Cinema ‘76 by Ninang Air and Ninang Bumble Bee, and Venice Grand Canal Mall through a fandom collaboration effort

Simultaneous screenings were also mounted by various JMFyang fan groups across Metro Manila, including screenings at Fisher Mall in Quezon City led by Fyang Angels, Cinema ‘76 organized by Ninang Air and Ninang Bumble Bee, and Venice Grand Canal Mall through a fandom collaboration effort.

According to Team JMFyang Official head admin Anna Marie Domingo, the vision behind the grand launch was to introduce JMFyang to audiences outside their established fanbase and reach casual moviegoers.

“We wanted to promote the movie outside our fan bubble,” she said. “We wanted to really help Regal Entertainment amplify the promotions through content creators, influencers, movie reviewers and friends from the media.”

Team JMFyang Official says the grand launch is meant to help promote the film beyond the loveteam’s fanbase.

Domingo shared that preparations for the event began around two months before the launch after the film’s playdate was moved from February to May, giving the fandom more time to organize large-scale promotions beyond the usual block screenings.

“We realized maybe we can do another one aside from the block screening wherein we could really promote it to non-fans, to casual viewers,” she explained.

The organizer also revealed that around 59 fandoms, including groups outside the “Pinoy Big Brother” community, were invited to the event.

“It’s the first time in the history of fandoms that somebody did that,” she said. “We’re very proud because we’re opening doors for community building where fandoms can coexist, support each other, rather than always being in competition.”

Asked about the fan-led activities, both JM and Fyang admitted they were deeply touched by how consistent their fans have been since the start of their showbiz journey.

“Very happy, super grateful kami na kung gaano nila kami sinu-suportahan,” Fyang told The STAR.

JM added, “Kung gaano nila kami sinu-suportahan since lumabas kami ng ‘PBB,’ walang nagbabago hanggang ngayon.”

Even Regal Entertainment producer Roselle Monteverde praised the fandom’s dedication.

“Overwhelming in the best way possible. The level of strategy, coordination and sheer dedication is incredible. You can really see the tireless effort and genuine love behind everything they do. JMFyang fandom — consistently showing up, supporting wholeheartedly, and very passionate,” Monteverde told The STAR in a statement.

Meanwhile, JMFyang opened up about their respective characters RR and Janine in “Almost Us,” revealing how today’s generation may find the story relatable.

According to JM, RR reflects the quieter and more torpe side of many men.

“Siguro henerasyon kasi ngayon more on expressive na, wala nang takot, always taking the risk,” JM explained. “Na-highlight din yung pagiging torpe ng mga kalalakihan noon and of course, the insecurities of RR, para magkaroon din ng awareness ang mga lalaki.”

Fyang, on the other hand, shared that Janine’s fierce and expressive personality mirrors today’s fangirl culture and empowered women.

“Sa character ko, na-highlight ko dito pagiging fangirl kasi madami talagang nagfa-fangirl all over the world,” she shared. “And then yung pagiging feisty ng kababaihan.”

The stars also admitted that parts of themselves can be seen in their characters.

“Ako siguro yung ugali ni Janine na super feisty siya, ako ‘yun eh,” Fyang said.

For his part, JM related to RR’s timid nature when it comes to love.

“Yung pagiging torpe ko, ganyan ako noon,” he admitted, before joking, “Pero kung ngayon ‘yon parang intro pa lang, inamin ko na kay Janine.”

Beyond the kilig and best-friends-to-lovers storyline, JM teased that the movie also explores family relationships, particularly the emotional bond between a mother and her child.

“Hindi lang siya swak para sa best friends to lovers. Pwede rin maisip ng audience ang mga nanay nila sa film,” he said.

Fyang echoed the sentiment, saying, “Makaka-relate din yung mga nanay sa movie namin kasi napakita din dun kung gaano ka-grabe magmahal and gaano din ka-intindihin ang mga nanay sa mga anak nila.”

Adding to the excitement surrounding the movie is its official theme song Bahala Na by rising singer-songwriter Kenaniah, who shared that he was shocked when he learned that the track would be included in the film.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it,” he shared, recalling how the song even climbed to No. 1 on Apple Music after being associated with the movie.

“Sobrang surreal and grateful dahil first time mapasama yung song ko sa isang malaking film,” he said, hoping that it wouldn’t be the last time.

Kenaniah also praised the chemistry between JM and Fyang, saying viewers would surely enjoy the pair’s natural connection onscreen.

“Super ganda ng chemistry nilang dalawa, nakaka-kilig,” he said.

“Almost Us” is currently showing in over 165 cinemas across the country.