MANILA, Philippines — Former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemates JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith are officially set to debut as a love team in the upcoming iWantTFC original series, “Ghosting.”
The project, described as a romantic comedy, was formally unveiled during a press event held on May 20th. The event provided details on the series premise, its cast, and its intended platform as an exclusive original offering from iWantTFC.
Adding to the reach of the announcement, the press conference was also livestreamed across ABS-CBN’s social media platforms, allowing a wider audience to witness the official launch and the introduction of the new screen pairing.
Formation of a New Tandem
The pairing of JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith marks a significant step for the artists who first gained public recognition during their stint in “PBB Gen 11.” Their chemistry while inside the iconic yellow house often garnered attention, leading to anticipation from fans regarding potential future projects together. This official casting in “Ghosting” confirms their solidification as a designated on-screen love team, a popular and often successful dynamic within the Philippine entertainment industry.
For both Ibarra and Smith, this series represents a pivotal moment as they transition from reality television personalities to lead actors headlining a major streaming platform’s original content.
Inside the World of “Ghosting”
“Ghosting” is positioned as a unique rom-com that blends elements of the supernatural with contemporary themes. The series centers around the concept of spectral presence intersecting with modern life, specifically through the eyes of its two lead characters.
JM Ibarra is set to portray the character of Wilberto, a ghost whose existence is rooted in the 1940s. This role places Ibarra in a period setting while existing within a modern narrative frame. Fyang Smith will star as Jaja, a character reflective of the current digital age — a present-day influencer whose life presumably takes an unexpected turn upon encountering the spectral Wilberto.
The interplay between a character from the past and one deeply entrenched in contemporary online culture is expected to provide the core comedic and romantic conflict and development of the series.
The Supporting Ensemble
The series features a key supporting cast that adds layers to the narrative:
* Kobie Brown is cast as Vhal, who is introduced as Jaja’s boyfriend. His character serves as a catalyst for a central conflict point, as he is described as ‘ghosting’ Jaja – using the modern term for abruptly cutting off all communication without explanation.
* Vivoree takes on the role of Emma, Jaja’s best friend. Emma’s character is noted for her interest in the spiritual world, suggesting she may play a role in connecting Jaja with the supernatural elements of the story, particularly Wilberto.
* Gello Marquez portrays Tony, a ghost from the 1970s. Tony is characterized as a ‘fun ghost’ and is specifically noted as being Wilberto’s best friend within the spectral realm. His presence suggests a parallel narrative or support system for Wilberto as he navigates his ghostly existence and presumably interacts with the living world.
This ensemble cast provides the foundation for the series’ intertwining relationships and plotlines, blending romantic entanglements with supernatural encounters.
The Official Launch Event
The May 20th press event served as the official platform to announce the series and its cast. Key figures from the production were in attendance, highlighting the significance of the project for iWantTFC and ABS-CBN.
Among the attendees present were Creative Manager Mel Mendoza Del Rosario and Director Ted Boborol. Their presence underscores the creative leadership guiding the series production. They were joined by the main cast members: Gello Marquez, Vivoree, Kobie Brown, JM Ibarra, and Fyang Smith.
The event structure, including its livestreaming on ABS-CBN’s social media platforms, indicates a strategic effort to generate immediate public awareness and engagement, leveraging the existing fanbase of the lead stars and the network’s digital reach.
Looking Ahead
The debut of JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith as an official love team in “Ghosting” on iWantTFC signals the platform’s continued investment in original content and the cultivation of talent emerging from popular reality programs like “Pinoy Big Brother.” The combination of a unique supernatural-rom-com premise and a newly formed, popular pairing sets the stage for “Ghosting” to become a keenly watched addition to the streaming service’s library.
Details regarding the specific release date for “Ghosting” are expected to be announced in the future.
