The rising loveteam of JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith—collectively known as JMFyang—officially steps into a new milestone as they headline their first solo film, "Almost Us". After gaining popularity from "Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11" and riding the momentum of their big-screen debut in "Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins", the pair now takes center stage in a project that puts their chemistry and growth as actors front and center.
Directed by Dan Villegas, the filmmaker behind beloved romantic hits like Walang Forever and English Only, Please, "Almost Us" marks his return to the romantic comedy genre—this time with a more modern, Gen Z-driven perspective. The film leans into themes of growth, choices, and the painful yet necessary act of letting go. From its trailer alone, the story hints at a familiar yet refreshing trope: best friends turning into lovers, layered with a contemporary twist that reflects today’s digital age, fandom culture, and emotional complexity. Adding an interesting angle, Fyang’s character is portrayed as a fangirl deeply infatuated with a fictional character played by Dustin Yu.
During the grand mediacon, Direk Dan shared that the project began quite organically—after coming across clips of JMFyang, he was instantly charmed by their dynamic. This led him to reach out to producer Keith Monteverde and pitch the idea of creating a film for the pair. On set, both JM and Fyang earned praise for their professionalism, strictly following Direk Dan’s rules: be on time, know your lines, and always come prepared. Their dedication did not go unnoticed.
Producer Roselle Monteverde also expressed her admiration, revealing that she has already watched the film multiple times. She even likened Fyang to a young Maricel Soriano, citing her natural emotional depth, while describing JM as uniquely expressive—particularly highlighting how his eyes add nuance and intensity to his scenes.
"Almost Us" explores the complexities of modern love, focusing on the fragile space between friendship and romance—where timing and unspoken emotions shape the fate of a relationship. At its core, the story follows two people with an undeniable connection who are repeatedly pulled apart by circumstances, forcing them to confront the painful reality of a love that was almost meant to be. It dives into themes of relationships influenced by social media, fandom, and the fear of loss, while emphasizing the emotional weight of “what could have been” rather than offering a conventional fairytale ending.
The film also features a special participation from Dustin Yu, something JMFyang expressed deep gratitude for. According to them, Dustin was the perfect fit for the role—especially as the object of Fyang’s fangirl affection in the story. Dustin, for his part, shared that he had no hesitation in accepting the project, having already built a connection with the pair during their promotions for "Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins".
Light moments from the set were also shared during the mediacon, with JMFyang recalling their most unforgettable scenes—particularly a jeepney sequence filled with playful banter and improvised jokes that made the scenes even more entertaining. Joining them in the film are Sam Samarita, Yuki Takahashi, and JM Salvado, all of whom were present at the event and shared their own experiences working on the project.
Watch videos below as Direk Dan Villegas, JM Ibarra, Fyang Smith, and the rest of the cast take us behind the scenes in filming "Almost Us".
"Almost Us" opens in cinemas nationwide on May 6, 2026.
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