Fyang Smith's "Forever Fyang" album launch wouldn’t be complete without the presence of her onscreen partner, JM Ibarra.
Loud cheers blasted the New Frontier Theater last Sunday night, June 22, when Fyang and JM went all out for their duet performance of “Tayo Hanggang Dulo.”
In an interview with reporters, the rising star shared a special moment she had with JM which boosted her confidence before stepping onstage.
"‘Di kami same ng dressing room talaga, pero lumipat siya sa dressing room ko kasi may mga ibang tao daw sa dressing room niya. And may kasama din kasi siya sa dressing room niya — madaming tao, so lumipat siya sa dressing room ko,” she began.
“And then, lumapit ako sa kanya, sabi ko, ‘kinakabahan ako.’ Sabi niya, ‘bakit ka kakabahan? Kaya mo ‘yan! Andito na nga ‘yung mga tao tapos ngayon ka pa kakabahan.’ Pinapalakas niya talaga ‘yung loob ko,” she recalled.
Fyang also shared how their chemistry on stage has evolved.
“Siguro nature na namin dalawa ni JM na ganon — very comfortable,” she said. “And siguro, nasanay na din kami mag-perform sa harap ng maraming tao kasi ilang beses na kami nag-[provincial] show (at) umabot na sa international.”
One of Fyang’s favorite segments in her album launch was their heartfelt duet performance, admitting that even she was surprised at how it turned out.
“Ngayon ko lang na-realize — grabe ang lapit pala. Pinapanood ko, (sabi ko) ‘hala grabe siya.’ Pero ayon, tulad nga ng sabi ko, nature na din namin kasi nasanay na kami,” she said.
JM also had his own spotlight at the event, performing his rendition of TJ Monterde’s “Palagi.” He flaunted a ring he was wearing in the middle of his performance, delighting the crowd.
The PBB winner, who was also wearing a ring all night long, did not elaborate nor confirm if the ring represented their real status. “Singsing ko po ‘to,” she told reporters.
When asked about the real score between them, she refused to comment and immediately diverted her attention to another question.
During a fan meeting last April initiated by a beauty brand she endorses, Fyang gave their supporters a much-needed assurance, showing an alleged "promise" ring.
WATCH: JM Ibarra, Fyang Smith give assurance to JMFyang supporters | PUSH TV
“‘Wag kayo masyadong selosa Jampong, JMFyang, Slayers," she said. "Alam niyo mas malala pa kayong magselos kesa sa akin. Ako 'yung nai-stress, kaming dalawa 'yung nai-stress every time na nagseselos kayo."
"Hindi pa ba sapat ‘yung assurance na binibigay namin? Hangga’t hindi natatanggal ‘tong singsing na ‘to (showing a ring), ibig sabihin okay kami,” she added.