JM Ibarra and Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 Big Winner Fyang Smith got real about bashing and cancel culture as they navigate fame and the entertainment industry since their successful stint in the PBB house more than a year ago.
Fyang and JM first captured attention through their natural chemistry on Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 in 2024. What started as a simple connection between the two soon evolved into one of the most followed love teams of their generation, fondly called “JMFyang” by fans. But alongside their growing popularity came the harsh realities of online scrutiny.
In a candid and spicy interview on Hot Takes, JM and Fyang shared how they continue to navigate the highs and lows of being in the public eye.
JM admitted that while he has learned to stay steady amid criticism, there are moments when negativity becomes difficult to ignore.
“Ako, hindi naman ako masyadong naaapektuhan, kumbaga, nauuga lang kapag tumataliwas na ‘yung bashing [at] tumataliwas na sa akin. Nadadamay na ‘yung mga tao sa paligid ko na hindi naman sila ‘yung nasa industriya. ‘Yun ‘yung medyo alarming.”
For Fyang, dealing with negativity meant redefining her relationship with social media. She shared how stepping back online became her way of safeguarding her peace.
“Ako mas hindi na ako active sa social media. Hindi na ako super tulad ng dati na every day ‘yung mga ginagawa ko sa buhay, [pino-post]. Siguro ngayon, mas more on iniingatan ko na ‘yung private life ko.”
JM, meanwhile, takes a more reflective approach and chooses to grow from criticism that comes with good intentions. He underscored how cancel culture often stems from misinformation, making it unfair for artists who are judged without full context. Still, he remains open to change when feedback is constructive.
“Part na ‘yan ng pinasok mo na trabaho so kailangan may acceptance ka na sa gano’n,” he added.
To protect their mental space, the pair shared that they intentionally distance themselves from the industry when needed.
“’Yung mga bagay na konektado sa ginagalawan namin dito sa industriya, kung gusto naming magpahinga, nilalayo muna namin para magkaroon kami ng personal na buhay,” said JM.
READ: JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith to lead first-ever solo film ‘Almost Us’
Fyang revealed that one of their favorite escapes is hiking, something they both turn to when the noise becomes too much. Just recently, the pair hiked Mt. Pulag and Mt. Pinatubo and shared their snaps online to the delight of their fans.
“To the point na mapapaisip na lang kami everytime na nandoon kami sa space na ‘yon na ‘sarap ng ganito ‘no?’”, Fyang added.
“Hindi mo iintindihin ‘yung mga fans na nag-aaway,” JM said with humor as he gave more context on the reality they face as public figures. According to him, some viewers often scrutinize and create false narratives about their ordinary actions and gestures. “As an artist, parang walang point kung magsasalita ka pa kasi kung mag-explain ka man sa part na ‘yan, after no’n meron na naman eh,” he added.
Fyang, meanwhile, stressed that not everything needs to be explained and pointed out that their truth does not rely on public validation.
“Hindi mo kailangan mag-explain sa gano’ng klase ng tao kasi alam mo naman sa sarili mo kung ano ‘yung ginawa mo at alam ng mga nakapaligid sa’yo kung ano ‘yung totoo, so hindi kailangan ng explanation.”
READ: EXCLUSIVE: JM Ibarra says Fyang Smith has become more mature now: ‘Yun yung nakaka-proud’
Looking back, Fyang credited their PBB journey for helping her handle criticism with a stronger mindset.
“Hindi naman nila ako kilala outside [the] camera. Doon lang naman sila magaling eh, mag-bash, doon lang sila magaling. Pero grateful ako sa mga bashers ko. Love you guys, bring it on!” she maintained.
Despite the public scrutiny that comes with fame, JM and Fyang remain grateful for how far they have come. From ordinary individuals inside the PBB house to rising stars navigating the entertainment industry, the duo highlighted how their experiences have shaped them into more grounded and self-aware artists.
As their story continues, the pair is set to bring their chemistry to the big screen in their first lead film Almost Us, a collaboration between Regal Entertainment and Project 8 Projects, hitting cinemas nationwide on May 6, 2026.