Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 alum and Ghosting star JM Ibarra couldn’t help but feel grateful as he had an advance celebration for his 25th birthday organized by Team JM Ibarra.
In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, JM shared his birthday wish, not only for himself, but also for the people who have supported him throughout his journey.
“Ang birthday wish ko lang, hindi lang para sa akin, para sa lahat na rin na nandito, na sumusuporta sa akin at (sa) lahat ng nakapaligid sa akin is peace of mind lang talaga kasi ayon yung mahalaga ngayon. Sa panahon ngayon, parang ang daming tao na naghahanap ng kanilang peace of mind, so ‘yon yung wish ko,” JM said.
Reflecting on turning 24, JM revealed the greatest life lesson he has learned so far—one that he has carried since his time inside the PBB house.
“Greatest lesson ko is yung naging mantra ko na to man up. ‘Yon yung best lesson na nakuha ko kay Kuya (Big Brother), na until now, binabaon ko pa rin talaga siya. Kasi kapag nire-remind ko lang sa sarili ko na, 'JM, man up, man up, man up', may lakas ako ng loob sa lahat ng bagay, sa lahat ng trabaho na pinapasok sa industriya. So, ‘yon yung the best,” he stated.
JM also expressed his gratitude for the continuous projects coming his way even after his PBB journey.
“Thankful ako na naging parte ako ng PBB Gen 11 talaga, sobra. Kasi doon nag-start na mabago yung buhay ko. Doon ko nakilala ‘tong (mga) mabubuting tao na ‘to—Team Child No. 82, Team Ghosting and the rest na nakilala ko sa industriyang ‘to,” JM said.
According to JM, Pinoy Big Brother opened doors to more opportunities and meaningful connections.
“Kung hindi ako dumaan sa PBB, siguro hindi ko rin sila makikilala. At ‘yon yung part na sobrang thankful talaga ako, hindi lang sa mga blessings na natatanggap ko, kung hindi rin nakakilala ako ng mabubuting tao na ito, itong mga ‘to nang dahil sa PBB,” he added.
Looking back, JM said he has no regrets about his PBB stint.
“Yung journey ko sa PBB, sobrang grateful lang ako. It was great, sobra. Wala akong pinagsisisihan. Wala akong pinagsisihan kasi mapa-good man or bad experience ko sa PBB, ‘yon din yung rason kung bakit nandito ako ngayon,” JM said.
“Wala akong pwedeng tanggalin at wala akong gustong tanggalin sa mga ‘yon. Sobrang thankful lang ako. Sobrang thankful ako na nangyari yung mga bagay na ‘yon, masama man o mabuti,” he added.
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Currently, JM stars in the iWant digital series Ghosting alongside fellow PBB Gen 11 alum and onscreen partner Fyang Smith. The two are also part of the upcoming Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, the latest installment of Regal Entertainment’s iconic horror anthology, marking their first movie project together. JM previously appeared in the Cinemalaya film Child No. 82.
With multiple projects lined up, JM said his focus remains on honing his craft.
“Naka-focus lang ako talaga sa career ko as an actor. Gusto ko talaga mahasa yung craft ko. So hanggat kaya pa, hanggat may edad pa, hanggang ‘di pa sumasakit yung likod natin, talagang hahasain ko until makuha ko yung gusto ko makamtan,” he expressed.