One exciting project after another keeps coming in for newcomers Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra, who both entered showbiz through “
Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11
,” where Fyang emerged as the Big Winner.
For their latest assignment, the two ex- “
PBB Gen 11
” housemates—fondly known to fans by their ship name JMFyang—are lending their voices to the Tagalized version of the Korean film “Picnic,” a touching story that centers on the bond between an elderly woman and her two lifelong friends. It’s a quiet yet heart-piercing reflection on aging and the beauty of life’s simple memories, perfectly timed for Mother’s Day. “Picnic” is now showing in over 100 cinemas nationwide.
Fyang brings a fresh emotional depth to the young Eun-sim, while JM voices the young Tae-ho. Playing the older versions of the characters are veteran actors Ces Quesada and Bodjie Pascua, with Nova Villa also joining the main trio to complete the ensemble.
During their interview on
Kapamilya Chat
, Fyang turned giddy when asked how it feels to work alongside icons of Philippine cinema, even though she and JM are still considered newbies in showbiz. You could really see the admiration in her eyes. They were naturally drawn to the veterans, and as JM put it, “Sobrang gaan ng awra nila na hindi ka mahihiya ‘pag nakikita mo sila. At every time na nag-uusap sila, talagang makikinig ka sa usapan nila.”
Taking on a dubbing project like “Picnic” was a unique challenge for both. Since it relied solely on voice acting, they had to channel all emotions just through tone and timing, making sure that their lines are syncing with the scene perfectly. JMFyang shared that they had a quick crash course on the basics of dubbing before they started the actual recording. For Fyang, there was an added difficulty, as she had to sing in the film. She admitted singing isn’t really her strength, though she’s been taking voice lessons and thinks she’s improving.
After this experience, both JM and Fyang are game for more dubbing projects in the future. JM, who’s a huge anime fan, wishes to one day lend his voice to his all-time favorite, “Naruto.” Fyang’s dream dubbing project would be the Korean drama “The Legend of the Blue Sea.”
Keeping with the movie’s title, they were asked who they’d bring along if the two of them went on a picnic. “Wala,” they said in unison, as if reading each other’s thoughts. But they wouldn’t mind bringing each other’s families. Not many people know this, but off-cam, their families have also become close because both parties are driven by the same goal of supporting the loveteam all the way. JMFyang’s success is also their family’s success.
They also support each other when it comes to solo projects. Even when Fyang isn’t physically by his side, JM still involves her in his decisions as much as possible. He said he always considers how Fyang might feel, as he knows he wouldn’t be where he is without her. In turn, Fyang is JM’s biggest cheerleader, who pushes him to do his best especially when he needs that extra motivation.
JMFyang also teased about an upcoming digital series where they’ll star as the leading man and leading lady, and both are super excited to start filming, curious to see how their dynamic will play out on set, since this will be their first series together.