Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 housemates Sofia ‘Fyang’ Smith and JM Ibarra are taking exciting steps in their careers with their latest projects, a dubbing role for a Korean film and their first cameo in a major movie.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH ABS-CBN during the Star Magic Spotlight Press conference, Fyang and JM shared their experience of lending their voices to the Filipino-dubbed version of the Korean film Picnic, distributed by Nathan Studios and set to premiere in cinemas nationwide this May.

“Sa Picnic po hindi ho namin ine-expect na ganoon pala ‘yung technicalities doon sa pagda-dub. Ako, sa part ko, nasa isip ko lang mag sasalita ng natural,” JM shared.

Although initially nervous, JM and Fyang expressed their gratitude for the guidance provided by the production team throughout their first dubbing project.

“May pagkamahirap kasi kailangan namin i-base nga ‘yung emosyon, ‘yung sasabihin namin, doon sa actors sa screen,” JM added.

Fyang echoed his sentiments, explaining how dubbing posed a unique challenge compared to their past acting workshops.

“Mas mahirap siya kaysa sa acting kasi sa acting kami mismo ’yun eh, natural namin yon. Hindi namin kailangan mag-adjust sa kung anong emosyon na ilalabas namin kasi natural na sa amin ‘yun.  Pero sa dubbing kasi kailangan kami mismo yung mag-aadjust kasi may emosyon na silang pinakita,” the PBB Gen 11 Big Winner explained. “Kailangan ‘yung boses namin, same sa emosyon na pinakita nila.”

Excited to share their work with fans, JM even teased that Fyang had a singing part in the film.

Picnic explores themes of late-life friendship, following 80-year-old Eun-sim as she returns to her hometown after 60 years and reunites with two childhood friends who never left. Alongside JM and Fyang, veteran actors Nova Villa, Ces Quesada, and Bodjie Pascua also lent their voices to the Filipino-dubbed version of the film.

Beyond dubbing, Fyang and JM also landed their first cameo roles in My Love Will Make You Disappear, starring Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino.

Excited about their first acting experience in a major film, JM shared his enthusiasm for being part of such a significant project, even in a small role.

“Sobrang excited kaming dalawa na mag-cameo doon kasi syempre KimPau iyon,” JM shared. “Alam natin na ganoon kalaki ’yung proyekto na ‘yun and ‘yung time na ‘yun sa part ko kinakabahan ako.”

JM admitted that he felt nervous, knowing he wasn’t yet fully prepared for an acting role. However, he was grateful for the support and guidance he received from the film’s production team and lead cast members.

“Alam ko naman sa sarili ko hindi pa ako actor that time eh and nakakatuwa lang na sila na mismo ‘yung nasa lead roles, sila pa mismo ‘yung nag-ga-guide sa amin ng mga dapat ipakita namin, dapat na emosyon namin and nakakataba ng puso na sila mismo yung nag-guide sa amin,” he added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Star Magic (@starmagicphils)

“Ang babait din ng mga filmmakers na nasa likod ng film na ‘yun lalo si Direk (Chad Vidanes) sobrang bait.”

 Having had the opportunity to work with Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, Fyang shared the invaluable advice they received from the experienced actors.

“Kailangan lang talaga ng natural, hindi kailangan pilit ‘yung acting, kasi ‘yung pilit panget din ‘yung kalalabasan, so kailangan natural din talaga,” she said.