The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Isabella E. Cuartero
When asked if being in a real-life relationship is necessary to effectively portray romantic scenes on screen,rising actor and reality TV star JM Ibarra said that what matters most is the depth of connection between actors.
“Ang malaking bagay dito is ‘yungpagkakakilanlan niyo sa isa’t isa. ‘Yung lalim nung bond niyo together. Parang hindi naman kailangan na may label. Hindi naman kailangan naligawan mo. Hindi naman kailanganna kayo. Ang importante kilala niyo‘yung isa’t isa.”
He added that he would not hesitate once his feelings are certain.
“Kung may magustuhan man ako, wala na, dire-diretso na ‘to. Wala nang bawian.”
JM described his relationship with Fyang Smith as something rooted in deep familiarity and understanding rather than in formal labels, likening it to a bond built through time and trust.
The two graduates of Pinoy Big Brother debut as a loveteam via the film, Almost Us, which opens in cinemas on May 6.
The young actor emphasized Fyang’s strong personality and kind nature.
“’Yung pagkakakilala ko sa kaniya, sobrang strong na babae niya, sobrang family-oriented, sobrang caring at mapagmahal.”
When asked what he has learned from her, he cited her patience and positive influence in his life.
“Unang-una ‘yung pasensya. Kasi sa’ming dalawa siya ‘yung mas may mahabang pasensya. Sa lahat ng bagay, sa trabaho, sa lahat. Pangalawa, ‘yung pagiging masayahinniya. Ang liwanag na agad nung araw‘ pag andiyan si Fyang.”
The pair—alongside Dustin Yu, YukiiTakahashi, Sam Samarita, JM Salvado, and Baus Rufo—lead their first film project under Direk Dan Villegas.
During the grand media conference (#NationalAminanDay) in Quezon City last April 12, Villegas shared his early impressions of the pair:
“Na-in love ako du’n sa dalawa. Na-impress ako sa (kanila sa) Cinemalaya. I really want to work with these two.”
Almost Us is an upcoming romantic-comedy film directed by Dan Villegas and produced by Regal Entertainment in collaboration with Project 8 Projects. It marks the first major film pairing of JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, following their rise after “Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11.”
“Almost Us” is described as a romantic comedy about friendship, unspoken feelings, and “what ifs.”
“Kuwento siya ng dalawang mag-best friends, si RR at si Janine. May lihimsiyang pagtingin.”