For first-time actors JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, stepping into their roles in the iWant Originals series Ghosting felt like stepping into another world—literally and emotionally.

Fresh off their Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 stint, the two now find themselves as the lead pair in a romantic supernatural series that blurs the lines between life, death, and love. But for JM and Fyang, the real challenge wasn’t just acting as a restless spirit or a heartbroken girl trying to heal—it was watching themselves not as JM and Fyang, but as Wilberto and Jaja.

“It’s different when you're just being yourself on reality TV,” JM shared with a nervous laugh during a behind-the-scenes interview. “But when I watched myself in the series for the first time, ang dami kong napansin. Am I moving my hands too much? Am I saying this right? Nakakahiya.”

Fyang echoed the feeling. “There were moments I had to look away from the screen! Sobrang conscious ako. Pero at the same time, I was proud. We did it. We really acted.”

This raw honesty adds another layer of charm to Ghosting, a series that doesn't just tell a story about moving on from love and life—it’s also about stepping into the unknown, much like JM and Fyang are doing with their acting careers.

More Than Just One Kind of Ghosting

The series takes its name from two meanings of the word "ghosting"—the popular millennial term for being suddenly ignored or left without closure, and the literal sense of encountering ghosts.

In the story, Fyang’s character, Jaja, escapes to her lola’s quiet provincial home after being ghosted by a guy she cared about. But instead of finding peace, she meets Wilberto (played by JM), a charming—but very much dead—local. What follows is a strange, slow-burn romance between the living and the spirit world.

But if you ask the cast, some scenes hit a little too close to reality.

A Fresh Start in a New Light

While the supernatural elements hook the audience in, it's the emotional honesty that grounds Ghosting. Directed by romcom veteran Ted Boborol (Vince & Kath & James, Finally Found Someone), the series delicately weaves grief, love, and letting go into eight binge-worthy episodes.

And at the center of it all are JM and Fyang, navigating unfamiliar territory both as actors and as onscreen lovers—awkward, uncertain, and completely relatable.

They may be haunted by nerves now, but their chemistry is anything but lifeless.

Catch the Premiere

Ghosting streams exclusively on the newly revamped iWant starting Saturday, July 19 at 8PM (PHT). Catch JM and Fyang's hauntingly awkward but heartfelt acting debut—and maybe discover that ghost stories, like love, aren’t always what they seem.

Unlock iWant Originals for just ₱35 per month. Stream the feels, the frights, and the firsts—only on iWant.

From Living Rooms to Backyards

Saturday mornings meant gathering in living rooms to watch “Rock ’n’ Wrestling” cartoons, and Sunday afternoons were for WWF Superstars. On playgrounds and backyards, kids reenacted the Hulkster’s dramatic poses and moves. One recalled trying the leg drop and leg-wrapped body slam, playing for hours until dinnertime drew them in.

Hogan gave children a hero they could emulate, someone who always seemed to win. “Hulkamania was more than entertainment; it was a promise of excitement and hope,” wrote a fan nostalgic for the era.

Nickelodeon’s Rare Moment

In 1991, Hogan appeared on Nickelodeon’s “Stories from Growing Up,” sharing his childhood struggles with weight and confidence. The special offered a glimpse behind the persona: a young boy learning to overcome challenges, to transform himself, just as he encouraged his young fans to do.

A Cultural Phenomenon

Hogan’s influence reached far beyond wrestling. He starred as Thunderlips in Rocky III and led an exercise tape and toy workout kit that inspired kids to get moving.

The Real American Hero

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described Hogan as “a superhero to a generation,” recalling how children in Tampa Bay saw him as a local icon, a man they felt they knew. Fans on social media echoed the sentiment: “To kids of the ’80s and ’90s, Hulk Hogan was a real‑life superhero”.

Enduring Echoes

Even years later, adults remember the surge of energy at the mention of Hogan’s catchphrases. One teacher shared a cherished memory of a 6-year-old who mimicked Hogan, “Ocelot859” on Reddit said the child’s “moxy and charisma” reminded them of the power of unfiltered childhood joy.

Today, those childhood memories remain vivid. Parents who once donned blond wigs and bandannas as childhood fans now share videos of their own children imitating his drills, proof that Hogan’s influence spans generations.

A Hero’s Lasting Legacy

Hogan’s passing leaves a void in the wrestling world. But for legions of fans, now parents themselves, his spirit endures in their homes and hearts. The memories he created were simple but profound: a strong hero, a clear message, and boundless childhood imagination.

In a world of changing heroes, Hulk Hogan remains timeless. His life reflected the power of storytelling and the magic of belief. And for many, that made growing up a little brighter, a bit stronger, and full of Hulkamania.

More Than a Remake: A Cultural Rebirth

Director Mae Cruz-Alviar and the creative team behind the show didn’t simply copy the Korean original, they transformed it. The story’s core remained: a guarded caregiver named Patpat (played by Joshua Garcia), his brother Matmat (Carlo Aquino), who lives with autism, and a successful yet emotionally scarred children’s book author Mia (Anne Curtis). Together, they wrestle with the ghosts of their past, uncovering old wounds and learning how to heal.

But this version unfolds with a uniquely Pinoy flavor. From the characters’ personalities to the backdrop of familiar landscapes, every detail was chosen to reflect how Filipinos experience pain, connection, and healing.

Instead of cherry blossoms and Korean winters, we see lush local scenery and sunlit countrysides. Filipino homes replace glass-walled hospitals. And yes, even the language shifts the tone. Where the Korean version may have leaned into restraint, the Filipino version isn’t afraid to show vulnerability, the kind that comes out during family dinners, late-night confessions, or quiet moments of prayer.

Scenes Rewritten for the Filipino Heart

Some of the Korean drama’s iconic scenes were respectfully adapted, or entirely reimagined, to match the Philippine setting and emotional rhythm. Supporting characters were restructured to reflect Filipino family dynamics, while scenes around mental health were softened and localized to better match the nation’s current awareness and openness.

“Kailangan namin i-handle na ‘wag biglaan ‘yung audience, na ‘wag sila ma-overwhelm,” said Director Cruz-Alviar. “So there is careful handling in telling the story but also staying true to the core of the show.”

Mental health isn’t an easy topic in any culture, but in the Philippines, where stigma and silence still surround conditions like depression and autism, telling this story required deep sensitivity and care. The production team partnered with advocates, therapists, and even visited special schools to portray the characters truthfully and respectfully.

A Personal Story for the Actors, Too

For Joshua Garcia, the role of Patpat hit close to home. “Nakaka-relate ako sa kanya kasi parehas kaming mapagmahal na kapatid at nangungulila sa nanay,” he shared. “Pati ‘yung pagka-burned out ng character ko, naramdaman ko rin.”

Meanwhile, Carlo Aquino underwent immersion sessions and intensive workshops to authentically portray Matmat, a person on the autism spectrum. The result? A performance that’s grounded, moving, and rooted in real-life experiences.

Anne Curtis, returning to teleseryes after years, gives life to Mia Hernandez, a role she describes as complex but ultimately healing. “It’s a healing story and it’s a beautiful journey of love,” Anne said. “Every Filipino… will be able to relate to the story of healing, pain, and love.”

An Advocacy, Not Just a Show

Beyond being a primetime teleserye, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay serves a bigger purpose. It’s an advocacy to understand and destigmatize depression, trauma, and the struggles of individuals with special needs.

At a time when many still whisper about mental health, this show speaks boldly, yet gently. It reminds viewers that it’s okay to feel broken. It’s okay to seek help. And it’s okay to not be okay.

And in true Filipino fashion, the story doesn’t end in sorrow, it ends in connection, healing, and hope.

When Fiction Casts a Shadow on Fact

In Sins of the Father, Gerald Anderson plays Samuel Trinidad, a principled man who becomes the unwilling heir to a financial scam masterminded by his estranged father, portrayed by John Arcilla. The narrative is filled with common red flags of fraudulent schemes: charismatic leaders, too-good-to-be-true promises, and investors left with empty pockets.

This portrayal, while fictional, can unintentionally cast a long shadow on real businesses operating in similar industries. And that’s where Ascendra International finds itself at a crossroads.

A Fresh Start That Risks Being Misread

Ascendra is no stranger to the skepticism often associated with network marketing. Despite having respected and experienced leaders like CEO Engr. Jurgen Daniel Gonzales and CSO Joseph Lim, the company’s entry into the financial services sector arrives during a time when public trust is fragile.

The popularity of Sins of the Father could magnify that fragility. The teleserye may lead some to conflate Ascendra’s legitimate business model with the very scams the show warns against. After all, the buzzwords, “networking,” “financial freedom,” “passive income”, are shared across both narratives, albeit in very different contexts.

The Positive Side: Awareness and Opportunity

On the flip side, the spotlight from Sins of the Father might actually help Ascendra, if navigated carefully. The show is raising public awareness about red flags in financial dealings. This gives Ascendra a unique opportunity to differentiate itself from scam-laden models by highlighting its transparency, AI-driven tools, and insurance-focused platform.

Ascendra’s emphasis on low-cost, need-based insurance products and structured mentorship for its agents sets it apart from the hype-driven, recruit-heavy strategies portrayed in the show. Its business model leans toward product-first, not recruit-first, and that may resonate more deeply now that audiences are more critical and cautious.

The Risk: Guilt by Association

Still, perception is a powerful thing. Even the most well-intentioned startups can fall victim to public misjudgment, especially in a culture shaped by teleseryes, viral news, and internet speculation. With Sins of the Father painting a dramatic picture of financial betrayal under the guise of investment brilliance, Ascendra may find itself needing to clarify that it is not part of a get-rich-quick narrative.

The company must work twice as hard to emphasize the difference between ethical network marketing and deceptive financial schemes. Consistent messaging, transparent operations, and community engagement will be critical in building trust, especially among Filipinos who have seen friends or relatives fall victim to investment fraud in the past.

Why Reputation Management Matters More Than Ever

As the drama unfolds in the teleserye, complete with crypto wallets, sudden deaths, and billions in stolen funds, real companies like Ascendra are left to manage the aftermath in public perception. The responsibility lies in proving through action that not all networking companies are the same.

CEO Engr. Gonzales and his team must continue to educate the public about how Ascendra’s model works, what safeguards are in place, and how individuals can truly benefit from entrepreneurship grounded in real value, not promises.

Truth Over Drama

The timing may be challenging, but it also presents a chance for real change. If Ascendra can rise above the noise and prove itself through transparency, education, and results, it won’t just weather the teleserye storm, it may lead the industry toward a new era of ethical, purpose-driven network marketing.


If you’re curious about how network marketing can empower, not exploit, Filipinos, now’s the time to ask questions, seek transparency, and choose wisely. Visit Ascendra International’s official platforms, attend a training session, or talk to a partner to see the difference for yourself. In an age of information and imagination, it's truth, and not just television, that should guide your financial future.

Betty, played by Charo Santos, is a retired English teacher finding her rhythm in life after work. Ryan, portrayed by Dingdong Dantes, is a grieving engineer still haunted by the sudden loss of his wife. They meet by chance and, through shared moments and emotional healing, form a connection neither of them expected.

“It is a story about love, however you want to define it,” Santos shared during a press event. “It’s only Betty and Ryan who can define the beautiful kind of relationship that they have.”

The film steers clear of conventional romance formulas. While early thought and buzz focused on the “older woman, younger man” pairing, both the stars and the director insist the story digs deeper than stereotypes. “Ang interesting sa pelikula na ito ay babasagin nito ang kahulugan ng label,” Dantes said.

Villamor revealed the idea of the pairing surfaced seven years ago and took shape through multiple rewrites. The pandemic reshaped not just the storyline but the perspective from which the narrative is told. “The good thing was that the script was distilled to its very essence,” she said.

Shot in just 13 days, the film benefited from a chronological shooting schedule, allowing the chemistry between the leads to grow naturally. Despite being first-time co-stars, Santos and Dantes built a rapport on and off camera that director Villamor described as “10 out of 10.”

Their chemistry is visible in the trailer’s now-viral “great love” moment, where Betty wonders if we only ever get one true love in a lifetime. It's a question that lingers throughout the film, challenging both characters, and viewers, to think about how they define love and companionship.

In one scene, Betty muses on the beauty of routine, a detail that anchors the emotional realism of their relationship. They shop for groceries, drink together, and swap stories, are just some of the ordinary moments made extraordinary by the intimacy they build.

The supporting cast includes Shamaine Buencamino, Joel Saracho, Max Collins, Al Tantay, and Soliman Cruz, adding depth to Betty and Ryan’s world. One dinner scene sees Tantay’s character question Ryan’s intentions, a reminder that not everyone understands a bond that exists outside the lines.

In a world full of noise, Only We Know offers a soft yet resounding reminder: sometimes, the most meaningful relationships are the ones that don’t need explanation. Just understanding.

Catch Only We Know in cinemas starting June 11 and witness a love story that’s as thoughtful as it is tender, one that invites you to feel, not define.

Likewise, Kim shared how excited she is to fulfill her parents’ wish of seeing her walk down the aisle.

“It’s a gift for my parents. I’m looking forward to the time na sinunod ko yung pangarap nila kasi gusto nila makitang ikasal kami. Kaya rin si Jerald naunang mag-propose sa parents ko bago sa akin,” she expressed.

They also reflected on their experience filming the hit primetime show “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” where they played as husband and wife.

“Madali siya kasi aside from magkasintahan tayo, magaling na aktres si Kim,” Jerald said.

“It’s easy to work with Jerald because I know him as an actor kaya mas napapadali yung work ko tapos kapag nasa isang project kami, we study the script together kahit nasa bahay kami,” Kim added.

Get to know more about Kim and Jerald’s story and catch upcoming guests on “Stars on Stars” available on Jeepney TV’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. For more details, follow Jeepney TV on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, and subscribe to its YouTube channel.

For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, or visit corporate.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.

Download “Punk N Roll”

About Road To Braga
Formed in 2021, Road To Braga currently consists of:
• Vergio – Vocals & Guitar
• Verrel – Bass
• Dimas – Guitar
• Jeremy – Drums

Inspired by legendary acts like Stray Cats, Johnny Thunders, Motorhead, and Social Distortion, Road To Braga carries the spirit of Punk n’ Roll as the core identity of their music and message.

Tracklist - "Punk N Roll" EP
1.Hidup di Jalan
Channeling the spirit of '70s punk bands like Ramones and The Clash, this track screams rebellion and the untamed life of youth with no rules.
2.Lonely
A melancholic yet danceable tune, reflecting fear of loneliness with emotionally rich lyrics over upbeat instrumentation.
3.Lancang
A sharp critique of opportunistic individuals with no backbone, served with bold riffs and biting lyrics.
4.Jeruji
A tale of false freedom and wild living, told through catchy rock n roll grooves and stylish flair.
5.Mana yang Katanya Merdeka
The EP's final track delivers a powerful social-political message about inequality and hypocrisy in a country that calls itself "free." A true punk anthem for the disillusioned.

"'Punk 'n' Roll' is not just the name of our release-it's who we are,"
- Road To Braga


For more information: Shockss Record

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Here's my late review of the MMFF entry "The Kingdom"