The “JMFyang” fever has officially reached the big screen. In a highly anticipated press conference held recently for their upcoming film “Almost Us,” breakout stars JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith opened up about their transition from reality TV housemates to bona fide cinema leads. Directed by the master of modern romance, Dan Villegas, the film explores the “almost” stories—where love is present, but timing and circumstances refuse to align.
As you guys know, I am incredibly excited to watch ALMOST Us because it marks the highly anticipated big-screen debut of the JMFyang love team, bringing the undeniable chemistry between JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith from the Pinoy Big Brother house to a full-length feature. Under the direction of the rom-com master Dan Villegas, the film promises a grounded and relatable Gen Z perspective on the “almost love” trope, exploring the messy and often painful gray area between best friendship and romance. Beyond just the “kilig” factor, the movie’s focus on the fear of risking a deep bond for a relationship—combined with the meta-layer of JM and Fyang’s real-life dynamic—makes it feel like a personal and authentic “love letter” to the fans who have followed their journey from the very beginning.
During the media briefing, the chemistry between the two was palpable as they addressed questions regarding their off-screen relationship and the emotional depth required for their roles.
The Press Conference: In Their Own Words
When asked about the significance of the film and their growth as actors, JM and Fyang provided sincere insights into their journey. Here are their responses verbatim:
JM Ibarra on the realism of the film:
> “This film is very close to my heart because it shows a kind of love that isn’t perfect. It’s messy, it’s real, and it’s something a lot of people will see themselves in. I’m 100 percent sure that once they watch this, Fyang’s strength as an actress will leave a stronger mark.”
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Fyang Smith on the theme of “Almost Love”:
> “What I love about Almost Us is how honest it is. It doesn’t try to force a fairytale. It shows how love can be right, but the timing can still be wrong—and that’s something many of us go through. Working with JM, he’s really good. I was amazed by how he portrayed RR, my best friend.”
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Director Dan Villegas on the duo’s potential:
> “I think these two will go far because they’re not only talented, they also have the right attitude toward work. From there, we built the story about a girl who becomes obsessed with an idol, while her best friend fights for her.”
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A New Generation Love Team
“Almost Us” marks a major milestone for Regal Entertainment and Project 8 Projects, positioning JM and Fyang as a powerhouse pairing for a new generation. The film doesn’t just lean on “kilig” moments; it tackles the complexities of social media, fandom culture, and the fear of losing the person closest to you while chasing a distant dream.
Supporting the lead duo is a talented ensemble including Yuki Takahashi, Sam Samarita, JM Salvado, and Baus Rufo, with a special appearance by Dustin Yu. “Almost Us” is set to premiere in cinemas nationwide on May 6, 2026.
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