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.

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.

After a five-year hiatus from teleseryes, Judy Ann is back in full force, taking on the role of a president in the action-packed "The Bagman." Alongside co-stars John Arcilla and Arjo Atayde, she dives into the eight-part drama, currently in production. The excitement is palpable as Judy Ann returns to the small screen, showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility. Recently, the “Bagman” team surprised her on set with a heartfelt mini birthday celebration, showcasing the camaraderie and warmth within the production.

"we tackle sensitive topics. I really don't want to romanticize drugs, mental health, etc. I want to make this different and magkaroon talaga ng impact and makatulong talaga kami sa ibang tao na we need to take responsibility for our own life," shared Andrea who echoed the sentiments of he co-stars.

"Senior High" opens with the reunion of twin sisters Luna and Sky, both played by Andrea, who have completely differnt personalities. Luna is smart and bubly, while Sky is indifferent to others out of resentment to Luna and their mother Tanya, which is played by Angel Aquino, for abandoning her with her grandmother.

Sky will enter a whole new world when she joins Luna at the prestigious Northford High. She will get to know more about the different cliques in school, including the group of the wealthy bullies and siblings Archie, portrayed by Elijah, and Z, played by Daniela Stranner, Z's rockstar boyfriend Gino, played by Juan Karlos, and their friend Poch, which is portrayed by Miggy Jiminez). While the other faction of sugdents are the "good ones" who have dirty secrets of their own - Obet played by Kyle and young couple Tim and Roxy portrayed by Zaijian and Xyriel.

The sutdents of Northford High will be in hot water when Luna dies after falling from a blacony. It will be ruled as a suicide, but Sky is convinced that someone pushed her sister. Sky will become determined to seek justice and in the process, she will uncover a lot more shocking twists than she has ever imagined. Did Luna really commit suicide? What are the secrets of the students?

"Senior High" is directed by Onat Diaz and Andoy Ranay, the same directors of the hit revenge series "Dirty Linen." It also features Tommy Alejandrino, Gela Atayde, Baron Geisler, Mon Confiado, Sylvia Sanchez, Desiree Del Valle, Kean Cripriano, Ana Abad Santos, Gerald madrid, Inka Magnaye, Agneli Bayani, Ryan Eigenmann, Rans Rifol, Rap Robes, Kakki Teodoro, and Floyd Tena. ABS_CBN Entertianment and iwantTFC present a Dreamscape Entertainment productin, "Senior High," starts its airing thsi August 28 from Mondays To Fridays at 9:30PM on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and TFC.

Many people expressed their disappointment with the episode and criticized the Batang Quiapo team for stereotyping Muslims. In response to the criticism, Coco Martin personally went to the office of Senator Robin Padilla, a prominent Muslim figure in government, to apologize for any offense caused by the episode. He admitted that he didn't know much about Muslim culture and assured the senator that he and the team would work to learn and understand more about it.

 

 

According to Director Manny Palo, even faced with the problems of Covid-19 and shutting down of the network, they continue their work even though they are uncertain if their project will still be shown on TV or not.

Now, 'Walang Hanggang Paalam' has finally shown its last episode, a teleserye that people and its artist will remember for the rest of their lives. It is a project that gave a different outlook on life and the entertainment industry.

As they wave their goodbyes in the ending scene of the series, we were able to grasp a moment to ask the actors, "When is the right time to say goodbye?" Fortunately, the cast shared their thoughts about saying goodbyes.

Co-produced by ABS-CBN and leading Turkish production company Limon Yapim, the weekly Turkish series star Özge Özberk as Suna (mother) and Mert Yazıcıoğlu as Yusuf (son), both well-known and successful talents in Turkey.

ABS-CBN continues to bring its hit and acclaimed programs to audiences worldwide. Starting this year, more of the company’s hit titles will be seen in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

ABS-CBN is a trusted content provider in the global market through ABS-CBN International Distribution, with over 50,000 hours of programs present in over 50 territories all over the world.

ABS-CBN shows are currently available in the Philippines on A2Z, the Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube and Facebook, and iWant TFC streaming platform.

Visit https://www.abs-cbn.com/internationalsales/about for more details. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.abscbnpr.com.