Actor JM Ibarra bashfully brushed off talk that he’s being “groomed” as a dramatic actor and leading man, saying he’s simply making the most of the chances that come his way.
“Hindi naman,” he said with a shy smile when asked about his growing heartthrob image. “I was just given an opportunity to do these kinds of projects lately, that’s why I’m taking advantage of the opportunity.”
A proud product of Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11, JM has been steadily carving his own path. He currently stars in the hit iWant series Ghosting alongside perennial screen partner, Fyang Smith.
“Even before we started the project, my heart was already open to it,” he said. “I’m enjoying my work, my screen partner Fyang, and the lessons I’m learning along the way. Every new project, I just try to absorb everything.”
Off-screen, his chemistry with Fyang remains strong, and he said they are happy with their current status.
“From then until now, that hasn’t changed,” he said, adding with a grin, “It’s like our happiness levels up every time we work together.”
Following the success of Ghosting, fans can look forward to Part 2, which is set for release this November.
Apart from their current assignments together, JM and Fyang will pair up again in Regal Entertainment’s upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origin
But JM’s biggest career leap yet comes with his first full-length lead role in Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana, an entry in the 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.
“Of course, I felt pressure and nerves on set,” he admitted. “But the entire production team guided me from start to finish, which made the experience fulfilling.”
Describing the film, he said it tackles a social issue, something many Filipinos can relate to.
“It also touches on family dynamics and current realities. My character, Max, is the illegitimate child of a prominent figure, technically, an unacknowledged nepo baby,” he added.
Child No. 82 screens from Oct. 3 to 12 at Red Carpet Cinemas in Shangri-La Plaza, Cinemalaya’s new main venue.
