Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 alum JM Ibarra is still learning the ropes in show business while trying to keep everything normal in spite of busy schedule. In an interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, the rising actor revealed the importance of work-life balance in keeping him grounded amid the demands of work.
“Siguro dahil nagagawa ko pa rin ‘yung mga bagay na gusto ko, ‘yung mga labas sa industriyang ‘to. Kahit maliit na bagay, as long as (nagagawa) ko siya, nakakuha ako ng kahit kaunting happiness lang na hindi galing sa industriyang to. Malaking bagay na sa akin ‘yon. Hindi ko namamalayan na naba-balance ko lang siya,” he said.
JM said that he makes it a point to step back and allow himself time to breathe, especially during breaks in work. In looking forward to the summer season, JM hopes to get time off work, although that would still be dependent on his schedule.
“Plano ko? Magtrabaho. Summer? Siguro kung magkaroon ng bakante. Mga isang buwan akong hindi (muna) magpaparamdam, magpapahinga to be exact. Pero kung wala (time), magtatrabaho. Nag-enjoy naman ako sa ginagawa ko,” he expressed.
Currently, JM is busy working on his first-ever lead movie with his on-screen partner and close friend Fyang Smith, titled Almost Us. The movie is directed by award-winning director Dan Villegas for Regal Entertainment and is up for release on May 6.
To prepare for the role, JM revealed that he immersed himself in workshops to further hone his craft. “It's a film project, so kailangan ko ng maraming workshops. Kahit nakakapagod, kahit wala nang bakante ‘yung araw, singit lang (kasi) doon naman tayo gagaling and siyempre mahalin lang ‘yung trabaho,” he expressed.
READ: LOOK: Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra’s first look for upcoming film ‘Almost Us’
Earlier this month, the production outfit released a first look at the film, which follows two best friends who may have feelings for each other but are afraid to take the risk.
Almost Us marks JM’s second movie project following his stint in a film featured at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, Child No. 82. It also serves as his fourth collaboration with Fyang, having worked with her on Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, their Tagalog dub of Picnic, and the iWant digital series Ghosting.
Having worked closely with Fyang since their PBB days, JM also shared how he has seen her grow over time in an exclusive interview in PUSH Bets.
“Sa dami ng work na kami magkasama, kasama ‘yung journey namin sa loob ng bahay and until now, ‘yun ‘yung bagay na napapansin ko sa kanya. ‘Yung mga bagay na nagagawa niya noon dahil sa immaturity o sa lack na maturity, nagagawa niyang i-avoid ngayon. Hindi ko kasi nasasabi sa kanya ng personal, pero ‘yun ‘yung pinakanapapansin ko sa kanya. And I’m glad habang nagma-mature siya, nakikita ko. Isa ako sa nagiging witness,” he said.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: JM Ibarra says Fyang Smith has become more mature now: ‘Yun yung nakaka-proud’
He also pointed out how Fyang has learned to handle issues surrounding her with more composure.
“Every time na may bago na namang issue, may bago na namang ipinapalabas na alam kong hindi totoo, kumbaga ‘yun ‘yung pinakamalaking napapansin ko sa kanya,” he stated.