JMFyang spotlighted: Next-gen loveteam reflects on fame, pressure and ‘Almost Us’ success

Rising stars JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, collectively known as JMFyang, reflect on their growing careers and the pressures that come with the newfound recognition as new actors during the latest episode of the Star Magic Spotlight presscon held last May 21.

The onscreen couple has quickly become one of the most sought-after loveteams of the new generation, with projects showcasing not only their onscreen chemistry but also their exceptional acting, earning praise from fans and audiences alike.

They also recently starred in their debut romantic-comedy film “Almost Us,” directed by Dan Villegas, which surpassed P30M at the box office within its first two weeks and continues its extended cinematic run nationwide.

JMFyang is also currently appearing in another new romance-drama series, “Love Is Never Gone,” now streaming on Prime Video, as supporting characters, together with main leads Joshua Garcia and Ivana Alawi.

During the press conference, the pair admitted that they never expected their debut film to reach its impressive box-office numbers, revealing that pressure outweighed expectations throughout production.

“Wala kaming expectation habang gumagawa ng film, eh, parang mas lamang yung pressure — ganon na ginagawa namin siya hanggang matapos na wala kaming i-ni-expect ganon,” JM said.

“Actually, pinag-usapan namin right after kami matapos ma-film yung buong movie, totoo, ‘pag first film mo, kakabahan ka talaga and kami nung time na pinag-usapan namin, sobrang na pre- pressure kasi ang daming expectations,” Fyang added.

Coming from their first project as JMFyang in the 2025 series “Ghosting,” the duo reflected on how they transitioned into their first film together and how different their new characters were compared to their earlier roles, and on embracing more layered and emotionally driven roles.

JM described his character RR in “Almost Us” as significantly more complex than the roles he previously played.

“Mas malalim si RR. Kahit isang straight yung backbone niya as a best friend lang. Pero yung lalim niya, mas complicated siya compared dun sa dalawang character na pini-play ko sa ‘Ghosting.’ So, challenging,” he said.

For Fyang, her character Bulots in the same film offered a deeper emotional journey compared to Janine in “Ghosting.”

“Si Bulots kasi meron siyang hugot. Meron siyang lalim na hindi mo makikita kay Janine sa ‘Ghosting,’” she explained. “Mas na-challenge ako sa karakter ni Bulots kasi malaki yung pressure sa kanya pagdating sa pag-aaral.”

Both artists also credited their growth to workshops and the guidance of direk Dan and have received praise from viewers for delivering performances many described as natural and effective despite being relatively new actors.

Fyang also revealed one of the most valuable lessons she learned, which encouraged them to imagine emotional memories stored inside boxes that they could open and close when needed for scenes, something she found highly effective and believes she will carry with her throughout her acting journey.

“Hindi siya typical na workshop. Simpleng-simpleng sentence lang, pero nakakadalawang linggo kong pinag-aralan ’yon. Na-realize ko noon yung difference ng film acting sa TV acting,” JM added.

As praise for their exceptional acting continues to grow, both stars acknowledged that the recognition also brings with it greater expectations and expressed hope that more non-fans would get to watch and appreciate the film, not only for them but also for the people behind the production.

“Honestly, yung pressure nandito pa rin. Though kahit ang daming nag-ta-translate na successful na yung film, nasa third week na. Sana marami pang hindi fan ang makapanood. Sana marami pang hindi fan yung maka-appreciate ng pelikula,” JM said.

“Totoo. And, every time nga na nababasa namin na blockbust, ganito-ganyan, parang hindi siya nag-sink in sa amin. Kasi, at the same time, yung nga tulad na sinabi niya, gusto namin na may mga casual viewers pa na makapanood, ma-appreciate yung movie namin,” Fyang added.

When asked how they handle the pressure amid growing praise for their acting since their “Pinoy Big Brother” days, JM and Fyang said that they share a similar mindset when it comes to improvement and growth as artists.

“Parang sa amin every time nakaka-feel kami ng pressure, fuel na namin yun para mas paghusayan pa kung ano yung path na gusto naming daanan, yung craft namin pagbutihan pa,” JM said.

He also emphasized that workshops alone are not enough if there is no genuine passion for the work, that true growth comes from love for the craft itself, noting that when an actor is truly invested in what they do, the outcome naturally follows.

Fyang, meanwhile, expressed her deep love for her job, underscoring how passion plays a key role in sustaining her commitment and drive as an actress.

JM shared that he learned from Cinemalaya and various directors that a first project often sets a standard that challenges them to do even better in succeeding ones. Because of this, he said they feel added pressure as a loveteam, as there is a need to create stronger stories and further expand their reach in future projects.

Fyang agreed by saying that if they were to do another film, the pressure would likely be even greater than what they felt with “Almost Us.” She admitted that the expectations would naturally double as they continue to grow in the industry.

Looking ahead, she also reflected on the “what if” thoughts that come with their rising careers, saying that what keeps them grounded and motivated are their fans, adding that without them, the film would not have reached blockbuster status.

“Kasi hindi naman ma-bo-blockbust din kundi dahil sa kanila (fans). Kung gagawa kami ng panibagong film, siguro mas doble na yung pressure kung ano ang naramdaman namin sa ‘Almost Us.’ Siguro mas doble talaga siya,” she emphasized.

When asked about their experience working with veteran stars in “Love Is Never Gone,” they both noted how challenging and different their roles were compared to their previous projects as JMFyang.

Fyang shared that her character was a major shift from her real-life personality, requiring a noticeable transformation in her performance.

She also added that despite Dina Bonnevie being known for being strict, she was able to build a close working relationship with her on set.

“Ang laking pressure nun, kasi kami as an actor, nag-overthink din kami, kung tama ang ginawa namin,” she said.

Meanwhile, JM expressed that he had to deeply study his character, describing it as more complex and challenging than his previous role.

“Siguro as an actor, naka-focus ako sa craft, mapaghusayan ko, magawa nang tama yung role ko mababato sa akin,” JM added.

The pair also shared the most meaningful advice they received while working on the series. JM talked about the importance of professionalism and a strong work ethic.

“Pakikisama sa lahat ng katrabaho mo,” he said, underscoring the importance of fostering good working relationships on set and treating everyone with respect as part of building strong work ethics rather than relying solely on technical advice.

“One thing I learned from Miss D is that you have to be on time,” Fyang added, emphasizing the importance of valuing time, showing respect for those who arrive punctually, and recognizing that such discipline is something that eventually comes back to you.

As the pair continues to navigate their newfound fame, rising blockbuster expectations and a growing list of opportunities, JMFyang remains grounded in their shared commitment to growth, storytelling and the craft that first brought them together.

Alongside the pressures and recognition that come with their success, they also carry the lessons, gratitude and experiences shaped by their filming in “Almost Us.”

Beyond their individual performances, both expressed pride not only in how far their debut film has come but also in each other’s personal and professional growth throughout their journey.

They concluded the media call by extending their gratitude to their supporters, acknowledging the crucial role their fans continue to play in their success and encouraging audiences to keep supporting their projects.

“Almost Us” has reached its third week in cinemas nationwide, while “Love Is Never Gone” is currently streaming on Prime Video.