Newbie loveteam JM Ibarra and Sofia “Fyang” Smith marked a milestone with their debut film “Almost Us”!
In a Facebook post, production label Regal Entertainment announced that the duo’s romantic comedy film earned five million gross on its opening day last May 6.
“GRABE KAYO. Thank you for making #AlmostUs earn over ₱5 MILLION+ nationwide on opening day!,” Regal Entertainment wrote in the caption.
In an interview with The Philippine STAR, JM and Fyang shared how their characters in the film reflect both past and present relationship dynamics that today’s audiences can relate to.
JM described RR as shy and insecure, saying the film highlights “yung pagiging torpe ng mga kalalakihan noon,” unlike today’s more expressive generation.
Fyang shared that Janine represents modern fangirl culture and “yung pagiging feisty ng kababaihan.”
Both stars also see themselves in their roles. “Super feisty siya, ako ‘yun eh,” Fyang said, while JM admitted, “Yung pagiging torpe ko, ganyan ako noon.”
Beyond the romance, the movie also explores family and motherhood. “Hindi lang siya swak para sa best friends to lovers. Pwede rin maisip ng audience ang mga nanay nila sa film,” said JM.
Fyang, meanwhile, shared: “Makaka-relate din yung mga nanay sa movie namin kasi napakita din dun kung gaano ka-grabe magmahal and gaano din ka-intindihin ang mga nanay sa mga anak nila.”
Watch as they spill their love preferences in this fun “This or That” challenge with The Philippine STAR.
The film, directed by Dan Villegas, is now showing in 130 cinemas nationwide.
