“Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” ex-housemates and onscreen partners JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith are proud of each other’s performance while filming the iWant Originals romantic supernatural series “Ghosting,” now streaming exclusively on iWant.
In the series, Fyang portrays Jaja, a college student who retreats to her grandmother’s provincial home after being ghosted. There’s also Wilberto (JM), a mysterious local who turns out to be a restless soul. What begins as a story of moving on evolves into an unexpected romance that blurs the line between the living and the dead.
The two are joined by “PBB Connect” ex-housemate Kobie Brown, “PBB Lucky 7” ex-housemate Vivoree, “PBB Kumunity” ex-housemate Zach Guerrero, Kapamilya singer Gello Marquez and veteran actresses Peewee O’Hara and Ces Quesada.
“Ghosting,” which is helmed by Ted Boborol (“Vince & Kath & James,” “James & Pat & Dave,” “Finally Found Someone” and “Taiwan That You Love”), explores the themes of longing, connection and love that transcends the ordinary — even the afterlife.
At the media huddle, Fyang and JM shared that they take pride in one another as they debut in their first series together.
“Nakaka-proud because while we were on set, hirap na hirap siya (doing a scene with) kay Tonyo (character of Gello),” added Fyang. “He (JM) had a lot of adlibs na bawal siya tumawa. He takes on the role of a soldier during the 1940s. Yung sundalo nung 1940s hindi sila ganun magbiruan. So, at that time of taping, it was hard. I saw it na he was having a hard time na nag-a-adlib si Gello kasi nakakatawa talaga si Gello. Super nakaka-proud siya. Naks!”
Fyang also admitted that it was difficult for her to carry on with the scene every time Gello was doing his ad-lib. “Dun ako pinakanahirapan like every time may scene ang lahat and JM had to do adlib as well, I couldn’t help but laugh. There was this one time na naka-ilang takes because tawang-tawa kami sa kanya, Gello’s adlib. And kung enjoy (moments), I think lahat naman po.”
For JM, the almost kiss scene with Fyang was the toughest part. “Because hindi ko nakikita, eh, kung malapit na ba or ano. So, they had to guide us,” explained the actor. “But the rest of the taping days, I super enjoyed it. Kahit sobra mapagod, I didn’t feel it once I got home because I really enjoyed it.”
The teaser-and-official trailer of “Ghosting,” which was launched early July, has racked up over 30 million views across social media, proving the strength of the love team’s fandom.
As per the media release, “Ghosting” is one of the flagship titles of the newly revamped iWant, which now features a more personalized and sleeker interface that places “Filipino feels” at the heart of streaming favorite shows, movies and live content across all devices.
Besides “Ghosting,” Fyang and JM will star in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2025 official entry, “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins.”
Both are enthusiastic about participating in the film.
“I’m also excited because my role is different as compared to this (‘Ghosting’). I’m extra excited to portray the character (in the film),” said JM.