Director Dan Villegas, acclaimed for films like “Exes Baggage” and “English Only, Please,” brings to life a new romantic drama with “Almost Us,” starring the rising love team of JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, collectively known to fans as #JMFyang. The film, produced by Regal Entertainment Inc. and Project 8 Projects, is set to hit Philippine cinemas on May 6, 2026.
A Director’s Instinct and a Producer’s Vision
Dan Villegas recalls his first encounter with JM Ibarra’s talent after watching his Cinemalaya film “Child No. 82,” which had a lasting impact. “That night, I discovered the JMFYANG love team and found myself watching their clips for hours. I was genuinely thrilled by their chemistry,” Villegas shares. Inspired, he pitched a film project tailored for the two. “Everything fell into place when I learned they were under contract with Regal Entertainment.”
Keith Monteverde, who has previously worked with JMFYANG in “Shake, Rattle & Roll,” echoed the excitement. “Even though that project was rushed, JM and Fyang were so good. My mom, [Regal Entertainment head] Roselle Monteverde, and I had been thinking about what project to do next with them. When Direk Dan called to pitch his concept, we immediately said yes,” Monteverde notes.
Why JMFYANG for a Comeback Romcom?
Villegas admits, “I really fell in love with the two of them as a pair. After watching JM’s Cinemalaya movie, I did a deep dive—one of those nights where you start with one video and suddenly it’s 4 a.m. and you’ve just watched hours of JMFYANG. I knew I wanted to work with them.”
Monteverde adds, “When I read the script, all I could think was JMFYANG. The roles perfectly fit their personalities and chemistry.”
High Praise from Regal’s Matriarch
During the film’s media conference, Regal Entertainment head Roselle Monteverde compared Fyang Smith to the legendary Diamond Star, Maricel Soriano. “Fyang reminds me of Maricel Soriano. I grew up watching Maricel, and when I see Fyang, every movement makes me smile. I’m not kidding,” Monteverde shared. A visibly shy Smith responded, “Nakaka-pressure naman. Speechless ako. Maraming salamat po. Nahiya ako.”
Monteverde also highlighted JM Ibarra’s natural acting style and his strong on-screen connection with Smith, stating, “JM has the eyes that truly convey emotion. It’s so natural, it feels like they’re not even acting. I even got carried away by one of their scenes—I was genuinely moved to tears.”
A What-If Story About Friendship and Love
“Almost Us” explores the delicate boundaries and ‘what ifs’ between friends, promising a story that will resonate with anyone who’s wondered about taking a friendship to the next level.
Catch ‘Almost Us’ in Cinemas
The much-anticipated first solo film of the JMFyang love team, “Almost Us,” premieres in cinemas nationwide on May 6, 2026. With direction by Dan Villegas and production by Regal Entertainment Inc. and Project 8 Projects, the film is poised to deliver heartfelt performances and an unforgettable cinematic experience for romance and drama fans alike.
