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Metro Digital Cover: JM Ibarra on Debuting as an Actor and Living Up to the Entertainment Industry's Standard

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Lance Joseph Martinez

<div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758009966388METRO JM IBARRA SOLO COVER.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>JM Ibarra, as photographed by Dookie Ducay</div><div> </div>In showbiz, many celebrities explore multiple career paths—whether it’s singing, dancing, hosting, and/or acting. But some stars prefer to focus on mastering a single craft, using it as the solid foundation of their careers. Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 alum JM Ibarra has found that core in the craft of acting. Since stepping out of Big Brother’s house, JM has always been firm with and assured of the direction he wanted to take in showbiz.When asked which career path he envisioned for himself, the young actor didn’t hesitate to say that his heart has always been set on acting.“Una pa lang naman, mula paglabas ko ng Bahay ni Kuya, very vocal na ako pagdating sa goal ko dito sa industry na ito, gusto ko talaga ‘yung pag-arte, ‘yung acting,” JM revealed in an exclusive interview with Metro.Style during his <a href="https://metro.style/people/2025/9/11/future-perfect-jm-ibarra-and-fyang-smith-make-a-mark-as-a-loveteam-in-the-digital-series-ghosting-1200" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Metro digital cover shoot</a> alongside loveteam partner Fyang Smith. Still, JM was quick to clarify that while he remains open to trying out other ventures, it is acting where he sees himself thriving. For him, happiness is key, and acting gives him that sense of fulfillment.“Siguro, ready naman ako i-explore lahat ng fields na meron dito sa industry, pero nakikita ko ‘yung sarili ko na mag-e-excel sa acting field, at mas masaya—of course, ‘yun naman ‘yung mahalaga e. Kung saan ka masaya. Kung saan ka masaya sa ginagawa mo at kung ano‘ng ikasasaya mo sa trabaho mo,” he explained.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758010783429image_JM FYANG METRO3184.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div> </div>JM recently debuted in iWant Originals’ romantic-fantasy series Ghosting alongside Fyang. Despite being their first acting project, both newcomers drew positive reviews for their chemistry and performances.When asked about how he felt reading all the good feedback, JM admitted it gave him the push to do even better.“Nakaka-boost ng eagerness pa para sa trabaho, nakaka-boost na—more pa, gusto pa namin umarte kasi ang dami nilang magagandang komento na ibinibigay sa amin. Nakaka-boost ng confidence,” he said.JM also confessed that the warm reception from fans came as a surprise, making the experience even more rewarding.“Sobrang nakaka-happy ng feeling, of course, kasi hindi rin naman namin in-expect habang ginagawa namin ‘yung project na ganoon ‘yung magiging dating sa kanila, na matutuwa sila sa performance namin. So, ayun, lalo lang kaming na nanggigigil na galingan ‘yung mga next project namin. Kasi hindi lang din naman para sa amin, kundi para sa fans, para sa mga manonood din talaga,” JM added.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758011317662image_JM FYANG METRO0887.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div> </div>Although JM and Fyang had already worked together on different projects before, Ghosting marked the first time they acted side by side under a scripted storyline. For JM, the transition felt surreal at first, especially when it came to shooting romantic scenes.“Noong una, hindi [naman] siya awkward. Siguro, hindi [lang] kami sanay na kami ‘yung magka-eksena, especially sa mga kilig scene, naiilang. Hindi naman awkward feeling. May ilang kami sa isa’t-isa na ‘totoo ba ‘to?’” he admitted.But as filming progressed, both actors quickly adjusted, learning to channel emotions naturally into their roles.“Pero natanggal naman namin sa sarili namin ‘yun hanggang sa tumatagal na nasanay na kami na kaming dalawa ‘yung magka-eksena. Nasanay na kami na gawing natural ‘yung emosyon na kailangan namin ipakita, ‘yung dialogue,” JM explained.The adjustment came with practice, he added, emphasizing how the demands of the set pushed them to adapt and improve.“Nasanay lang kami na paulit-ulit lang namin ginagawa, mapatrabaho o mapasabahay lang, kasi mahalaga ang oras kapag nasa set e. So, sinanay lang namin hanggang sa nakapa na namin,” he shared. “Pinaghandaan namin ‘yung roles namin nang kaming dalawa para bukod sa gusto namin bigyan ng magandang mapanood ‘yung fandom namin, gusto rin namin panghawakan ‘yung kalidad ng mga artista ng ABS-CBN Kapamilya. Ayaw namin na mawala sa amin ‘yung ganoon. Gusto namin ma-maintain ‘yung quality na mayroon ang isang Kapamilya artist.”<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758011714388image_JM FYANG METRO3144.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div> </div>As for what lies ahead, JM, who also stars in the Cinemalaya film Child No. 82, envisions bigger opportunities for himself and his love team with Fyang. While more acting projects are already in the pipeline, he revealed a dream goal he hopes they could one day achieve together.“Ngayon, gusto ko magka-blockbuster film talaga kaming dalawa. Together, gusto ko talaga—lalo ngayon, mahirap ma-achieve ‘yung bagay na ‘yon since digital na pinapanood ‘yung pelikula o serye,” he concluded.As JM continues to strengthen his passion for acting, it’s clear that he’s ready to carve out his own place in the industry—one project and one role at a time.<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1758012161610image_JM FYANG METRO0808.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

As JM Ibarra continues to strengthen his passion for acting, it’s clear that he’s ready to carve out his own place in the industry—one project and one role at a time.

As JM Ibarra continues to strengthen his passion for acting, it’s clear that he’s ready to carve out his own place in the industry—one project and one role at a time.

JM Ibarra on Living Up to the Entertainment Industry's Standard

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JM Ibarra on Living Up to the Entertainment Industry's Standard

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published September 16, 2025 08:00 PM PHT

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Updated September 17, 2025 10:22 AM PHT

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