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Fyang Smith Gets Real, Candid, and Reflective on Authenticity and Embracing Criticism

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Lance Joseph Martinez

<div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757990750920METRO FYANG SMITH SOLO COVER.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Fyang Smith, as photographed by Dookie Ducay</div><div> </div>Celebrities are no strangers to criticism and bashing, but in the age of digital media, they have become even more rampant. But while some celebrities choose to avoid reading comments altogether to protect their mental health, others turn them into motivation to improve. For Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 Big Winner and iWant&#x27;s Ghosting lead star Fyang Smith, it’s the latter.In an exclusive interview during her Metro digital cover shoot alongside loveteam partner JM Ibarra, Fyang opened up about how she manages to face online criticism head-on.Recently, she was the subject of online scrutiny when certain videos of her, being her unfiltered and playful self, surfaced. They raised questions about the line between confidence, rawness, and authenticity (and too much of it). The up-and-coming Star Magic actress—who has also dabbled in music through her debut album and concert titled <a href="https://metro.style/metro-style/people/2025/6/23/highlights-what-went-on-at-fyang-smith-s-forever-fyang-album-launch-1623" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&quot;Forever Fyang&quot;</a>—was also criticized for her performance. Fyang, in her willingness to learn about the ways of the industry she now moves in, doesn&#x27;t shy away from negative feedback. In fact, she reads as many comments as she can, including those that are below the belt, as they may offer her insight for improvement.The comments do hurt sometimes, of course, especially for an artist who knows she still has so much to learn. But instead of letting them weigh her down, Fyang said, &quot;Siguro, tine-take ko na lang siya as constructive criticism... Stay positive, everybody! Stay happy lang! Happy day!&quot; <div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757988521465image_JM FYANG METRO0887.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>On Fyang: Gray asymmetric puffer dress by Morisette Magalona</div><div> </div>While she doesn’t let negative comments affect her deeply, Fyang absorbs all the positive ones to fuel her passion even more. After her acting debut in iWant&#x27;s digital series Ghosting, where she stars alongside JM, Fyang couldn’t hide her joy over the warm reception they received.“Nakaka-touch siya na, alam mo ‘yun, parang malawak kasi ang industriya e, so baguhan pa lang talaga kami, and noong nabasa namin ‘yung mga comments na parang hindi kami baguhan, s‘yempre nakakatuwa naman kasi hindi rin naman kami easy-easy lang,” she said.She added that the support motivates her and JM to keep exploring acting as a craft.“Parang gusto rin namin na i-explore kung ano talaga, kung gaano kalaki ‘yung industriyang ‘to. Kung gaano kalaki ‘yung pag-acting. Gusto rin namin siyang i-explore. Masaya kami na maganda ‘yung impact sa kanila ng acting namin,” Fyang opened up.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757990192241image_fyang smith for metro 1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>On Fyang: Silver dress by AJ Javier</div><div> </div>Following her breakthrough performance as Jaja in Ghosting, Fyang is determined to improve in acting and pursue it as her primary career path.“Sa ngayon, feeling ko magfo-focus ako sa pag-acting, kasi, don’t get me wrong, grateful ako na meron akong album, na meron akong concert na sold-out... Masaya ako na na-experience ko na nagkaroon ako ng album launch. Sobrang happy ako kasi hindi naman lahat nagkakaroon ng gano’ng opportunity na magkaroon ng isang album,” she pondered.While she acknowledges that this might mean fewer opportunities for her in singing and dancing, Fyang expressed confidence in where her newfound passion lies.“But for now, I’d say na mas gusto kong mag-focus sa pag-acting ko kasi kaya kong mag-excel doon. Confident ako na kaya kong i-portray ‘yung ibibigay sa akin na role... Confident talaga ako kasi mas masaya ako sa pag-acting,” emphasized Fyang, who is also part of the cast of the upcoming horror movie, Shake, Rattle, &amp; Roll Evil Origins, an official Metro Manila Film Festival entry.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757990631779image_fyang smith for metro 3.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>On Fyang: Silver corset by Maison Soriano</div><div> </div>In line with the concept behind her digital cover shoot, Fyang revealed her ultimate dream for the future. Alongside JM, she hopes their hard work will one day lead to recognition.“Siguro ako, sa aming dalawa, of course, best actor and best actress awards talaga. So, &#x27;pag may ibinibigay sa aming project, or kung may ibibigay man sa aming project, gagalingan namin talaga... kasi ang hirap talaga magka-awards, especially ‘pag big screen ang labanan,” she said.With her passion, determination, and enthusiasm, audiences can expect actress Fyang Smith to shine even brighter in the years to come.<div> </div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1757991178942image_JM FYANG METRO1440 (1).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div> </div>Photography by Dookie DucayMetro Head: Christina LopezSittings Editor: Geolette Esguerra, Kate Paras-Santiago, Randz Manucom, and Grace Libero-CruzManaging Editor: Rick FormalejoCreative Direction and Post-Processing by Vince CanlapanFashion Associate: Carla BuyoStylists: Adrianne Concepcion (Fyang), assisted by Via Abarra and Cent Bermas; Perry Tabora (JM), assisted by Kris de LeonMakeup Artists: Japeth Mike Purog (Fyang), assisted by Johnrey Milliano and Mark Ruben Camarao (JM), assisted by Cynthia BermejoHairstylists: Aryan Buccat (Fyang) and Mark Joseph Carbonilla (JM)Art Director: Alfred AmadoEditorial Assistants: Iya Baring and Krystel MatiasVideographer: Como Se Dice MediaShot on location: Salarymanx4649 in Forbestown, BGCSpecial thanks to iWant, Star Magic, Gidget dela Cuesta, Portia Dimla, Vaughn Hautea, Rens Dingli, and EESOME, BGC

"Ghosting" star Fyang Smith opens up about how she handles criticism and which direction she'd like to take for her career.

"Ghosting" star Fyang Smith opens up about how she handles criticism and which direction she'd like to take for her career.

Fyang Smith Gets Real, Candid, and Reflective on Embracing Criticism

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Fyang Smith Gets Real, Candid, and Reflective on Embracing Criticism

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published September 16, 2025 08:30 PM PHT

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Updated September 17, 2025 10:22 AM PHT

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