There are many paths to stardom. Some rocket to fame through viral moments, while others climb steadily—step by step—from childhood dreams to becoming high-caliber actors of their time.
Then there are those who burst onto the scene unapologetically themselves, not hiding behind façades or manufactured personas, but revealing their true selves layer by layer, character by character.
For more than a decade, the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house has served as a launchpad for dreamers from all walks of life—offering a unique space of isolation, friendship, and emotional growth. Inside those walls, contestants form connections, overcome challenges, and embark on deeply personal journeys. It’s a place where aspirations are tested, and transformations quietly take root.
In its 11th edition, PBB introduced a fresh wave of faces, stories, and heart. Among them emerged a new power duo—a love team capturing the pulse of a generation: Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra. Both new to the limelight, yet unafraid to speak with unfiltered truth. With authenticity at their core, they represent a new kind of artist—driven by passion, depth, and boldness that defines today’s Gen Z generation.
Fyang Smith: Redefining the Real Glow-Up
Fyang Smith is many things: expressive, bold, transparent, and deeply in touch with who she is and who she’s becoming. Long before PBB, she had already built a digital community that saw reflections of themselves in her content. During the pandemic, when the world slowed down and realness rose to the surface, she stood out for one simple reason—she was unfiltered. She wasn’t trying to impress. She was just being Fyang.
Her time inside the PBB house only deepened that connection. Viewers saw her messiness, her laughter, her mistakes, and her growth. So, when she emerged as the grand winner, she became living proof that in this age, overpowered by filters, realness still triumphs.
“Si Fyang ngayon is very mindful na siya,” the young artist reflects. “Kasi kung before, very inconsiderate siya. Kung ano-ano lang ‘yong lumalabas sa bibig niya. Wala nang bawian, masaktan ka man.”
Growth, for Fyang, wasn’t instant. It was earned—task by task, conversation by conversation, lesson by lesson. And behind her bold energy and infectious kanal humor is a young woman with quiet, burning dreams. Not many know this, but acting was never her first love. Her dream? To become a general surgeon. But life has a beautiful way of rerouting us—and it was during an acting workshop that something inside her clicked.
That spark grew into a fire. Even after leaving PBB, she continued her workshops, landing acting roles in the hit film My Love Will Make You Disappear alongside Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino. She even lent her voice to a Tagalog-dubbed South Korean movie, Picnic, along with JM.
From content creator to breakout actress, her evolution feels both surprising and natural, like watching a plot twist that was always meant to be. She credits much of her change to ‘Kuya’ himself. “Lahat ng ikabubuti ko, talagang itinuro sa akin ni Kuya,” she says with conviction.
In the whirlwind of new fame, endorsements, schedules, and public scrutiny, Fyang finds peace in the little things—especially coffee. A self-proclaimed coffee lover, she often dreams of starting her own café. And that’s the beauty of her journey—it’s unfolding, with dreams parked gently for later, not forgotten but patiently waiting their time.
As character growth takes time, Fyang accepts the fact that some people might not totally get convinced of changing how they once perceived her. “Kahit anong pagkita ko ng pagbabago, still ‘yong perspective nila, same pa din. So, ako, parang ginagawa ko nalang, pinapakita ko nalang kung ano ang nabago ko sa sarili ko.” That’s what makes her story so resonant—she never claims perfection. She’s messy. She’s figuring things out. She’s growing, even when no one’s watching. And maybe that’s the kind of inspiration this generation needs—not the polished, but the progressing.
Her future in the industry is just beginning, but already, she holds on to her own definition of success: contentment.
“Masasabi kong successful na ako kung kontento na ako. Masaya ako sa bagay na ginagalawan ko.”
As she continues to experiment with genres, deepen her craft, and learn more about who she is outside the spotlight, Fyang is slowly shaping not just a career but a legacy. One that proves that authenticity is power and that sometimes, fate writes better stories than the ones we planned.
Forging Deeper Connections with JM Ibarra: Quiet Depth, Loud Impact
JM Ibarra is the calm and collected depth of Fyang’s burst of energy. Dubbed the “Poginsyanong Pilo-ToBe ng Quezon,” JM might not have taken home the grand title, but he walked away with something arguably more meaningful—the genuine love of people who saw themselves in him.
A breadwinner, a dreamer, and someone who stepped way out of his comfort zone, JM is not your typical fame-seeker. He’s quiet, grounded, and often misunderstood for it.
“Basically, ‘yong pagiging tahimik ko, madalas akong naju-judge. Akala nila mayabang ako. Ganito. Ganyan. Which is mali. Mas masarap lang maging tahimik. Mas masarap makinig kaysa magsalita para sa akin.”
In an industry that rewards volume—louder personalities, bolder presence—JM reminds us of the power of quiet confidence. He’s not trying to go viral. He’s not chasing clout. He’s chasing growth.
“I’m working for myself,” he says simply. “Alam ko kung bakit ako nandito at para kanino ko ginagawa ‘to…kaya mas pinapahalagahan ko na lang yung mga nasa circle ko.”
Though he recognizes the pressures of fitting into the world of showbiz, JM isn’t rushing. He’s carving out his space at his own pace. From the emotional journeys inside the PBB house to his current projects with Fyang, every step is a step closer to the kind of actor he wants to become.
“Gusto kong ma-break ‘yong image na ex-housemate. Mas gusto kong makilala bilang actor.” Such a mindset is what sets him apart. He doesn’t see himself as a celebrity but as a craftsman—someone who wants to master the art of storytelling. Whether through drama, action, or even comedy, JM is hungry to explore it all. Whatever role that may be.
Interestingly, though he’s part of Gen Z, JM often finds himself resonating more with Millennials. He isn’t glued to social media. He prefers to take things slow over doom-scrolling. In most cases, he notices that those whom he usually meets are really into social media—more on the purpose of befriending for TikTok, for collaborations. However, the young actor prefers and values real connections with others.
For JM, success isn’t measured in followers or fame—it’s peace and contentment. “Kung masaya ka sa ginagawa mo, success na para sa akin ‘yon. Hindi naman sinasabing successful ka ay dapat may naka-set kang goals. As long as masaya ka sa ginagawa mo, masaya ka sa trabaho mo, that’s success for me.”
With his steady, quiet determination, JM reminds us that greatness doesn’t always shout—it often whispers and is reflected in great works. And while he dreams of one day becoming a multi-awarded actor, he’s more focused on the now—on learning, absorbing, and slowly stepping into his own power.
Gen Z on the Rise: Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra
In a world that often tells young people to rush, to perform, and to present a curated version of themselves, Fyang and JM are choosing a different path. One that honors truth. One that honors growth. One that allows them to change, to stumble, to discover.
They are the kind of artists who are not trying to be perfect—they’re just trying to be real. And in doing so, they become something even more powerful: relatable.
Their stories remind us that dreams don’t have to follow a timeline. That it’s okay to pivot, to experiment, to fail, and to begin again. Whether it’s a dream deferred like Fyang’s medical aspirations or a dream rekindled like JM’s love for acting—what matters is staying open.
Because sometimes, the next chapter isn’t one you write—it’s one you bravely walk into. As they continue to navigate fame, criticism, and creative reinvention, one thing is clear: they are not just your typical rising stars. They are mirrors of a generation that’s not afraid to feel, to question, and to grow.
Creative Direction & Photographed by Em Baun
Shot on location: In the Studio – Manila
JM Ibarra:
HMUA: Dexter Gonzalgo
Stylist: Miguel Quilang
Black suit: Fatima Beltran
Sofia Fyang Smith:
Stylist: Adrienne Conception
Makeup: Japeth Mike Purog
Hair: Aryan Buccat
Special Acknowledgment to: Star Magic Philippines
Video: Mary Jane Manglicmot
Overall Coordination: Angel Altura | Niccole Mendoza
Shoot assisted by: Trillian Galicia, Junko Bartolo, Victoria Salvador
