Watch: Fyang Smith says JM Ibarra is still courting her

Fyang Smith has confirmed what fans have long suspected — JM Ibarra is courting her. But don't expect a love story to unfold on cue. The actress made it clear at the media conference for their upcoming film "Almost Us," held at Valencia Events Place in Quezon City on April 12, that she's in no rush to say yes.

"Tungkol sa aming relationship, nililigawan niya po ako. Nanliligaw pa rin siya sa akin hanggang ngayon" (Regarding our relationship, he is courting me. He is still courting me up to now),” Fyang told reporters, her tone warm but measured.

When pressed on why she hasn't accepted his courtship, she was candid: "Masyado pong mabilis. Hindi maganda kung mamadaliin namin ang isang bagay na hindi naman kailangang mamadaliin. Ang focus namin ngayon ay ang career namin" (It's too fast. It wouldn't be good to rush something that doesn't need to be rushed. Our focus right now is our careers).

JM, for his part, didn't deny a thing. "Totoo naman yung narinig ninyo. Since then, naman, naging vocal ako sa part na 'yun," (What you heard is true. Since then, I have been vocal about that part), he said — calm, unbothered, and clearly still in it for the long haul.

Director Dan Villegas, who helms the film, said his interest in JM was sparked by a standout performance at Cinemalaya. "He truly impressed me, which made me eager to work with him. That same night, I looked into their loveteam. I'm grateful for the generosity of Keith and Roselle Monteverde — everything just came together," he said.

Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra (Regal Entertainment)

Producer Roselle Monteverde, meanwhile, saw something special in Fyang — a spark reminiscent of a Filipino screen legend. She admired the young actress as a younger version of Maricel Soriano.

"Almost Us" is a joint production by Regal Entertainment and Project 8 Projects, reuniting director Dan Villegas with filmmaker and producer Antoinette Jadaone — the creative duo behind some of the most beloved Filipino romance films in recent memory.

The film follows two young people suspended between friendship and love, navigating the messy, unspoken feelings of a relationship that never quite crosses the finish line. Woven with vulnerability, quiet humor, and aching longing, it captures a bittersweet truth: some connections leave a mark even when they don't last.

Villegas, known for emotionally resonant works like English Only, Please, The Breakup Playlist, and Walang Forever, brings his signature touch to the project — guiding JM and Fyang through their first major big-screen collaboration.

JM delivers a sincere, layered performance that signals a new chapter in his career. "This film is very close to my heart because it shows a kind of love that isn't perfect," he shares. "It's messy, it's real, and it's something a lot of people will see themselves in."

Dustin Yu (Regal Entertainment)

Fyang matches him beat for beat with natural warmth and disarming emotional honesty. "What I love about Almost Us is how honest it is," she says. "It doesn't try to force a fairytale. It shows how love can be right, but the timing can still be wrong — and that's something many of us go through."

The two first caught the public eye as housemates on Pinoy Big Brother, where their chemistry sparked a passionate and loyal fan base. Now, they're bringing that same electricity to the big screen.

"Almost Us" opens nationwide on May 6.

Main photo credit: Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra (Regal Entertainment)