JM Ibarra is Learning to ‘Man Up’ Through All of Life’s Turbulence

When we’re in our childhood, it was just easy to dream without limits and live in the moment. During our teenage years, we began to question ourselves and the world around us, trying to figure out where we fit in. But once we come into our 20s, it’s like the weight is on our shoulders. We often find ourselves searching for someone who looks like us, someone who understands the struggle, in a world where no one else did.

And putting ourselves out there? It’s not always as easy as it seemed when we were younger. Not the carefree leap it once appeared to be. For Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 reality star JM Ibarra, he knows everything about stumbling down, reaching for the stars, and getting up. But it was during his time in the famous house that he truly began to understand and embody the meaning of “manning up.”

Meeting the public’s eye

It’s somehow funny and amusing how one whole year can change the course of our lives. One day, we’re lying in our bedroom, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. The next day, we find ourselves in a classroom, simply trying to make it through the day. Or in the case of the “Poginsyanong Piloto-be ng Quezon,” a few months later, he halts his flight toward becoming a pilot to take a chance on a reality show competition.

Being part of a show as big and controversial as Pinoy Big Brother might seem exciting, but it’s also a world under constant scrutiny. The public’s eyes are always on you, either appreciating or judging every move you make while inside the house. The pressure of being watched can turn moments of personal growth into a public spectacle which makes every decision feel like it’s on display for the whole world to see.

As one of the most talked-about housemates this “legendary” season, 24-year-old JM didn’t really see everything coming. Overwhelmed by the love and support he’s getting from his fans, he’s nothing but grateful.

“I’m grateful for all the support na natatanggap ko from everyone since pumasok ako sa Bahay ni Kuya hanggang ngayon na tuloy tuloy ang career,” he shares. “Yung bawat oras at effort na nilalaan nila para sa akin, sobrang naaappreciate ko.”

Nearly missing being part of the season’s “Big 4,” JM still considers himself a winner. His definition of winning lies not in the title, but in giving his best shot in all that he does and embracing the growth along the way. 

“Ever since, family ko na ang inspiration ko sa buhay. The love and support that I receive from them ang source of my strength habang patuloy ako sa journey ko na to,” he adds. “Winning for me is giving your best shot in all that you do, and as long as you believe in yourself and you see progress as you grow, you’re a true winner.”

When it comes to the public’s attention, JM knows how to handle both support and criticism. “I take every support and criticism as a fuel to do better, to be a better person,” he says. And when asked about the challenges of being under the spotlight, he reflects, “What I’ve learned being in the spotlight? To keep your feet grounded at all times, to take care of all the blessings that God has given you.”

With so many voices offering their opinions, it’s easy to get caught in the noise. How does JM deal with the negative feedback, particularly from those quick to criticize his every move? “Yung mga taong may negative feedback about me, I just ignore them. Focus ako on what I do, sa work, sa mga blessings na natatanggap, and I make sure I do my best and take care of what I have now.” 

His secret? Keeping his eyes on his goals, letting the unnecessary comments slide, and ensuring that he continues to grow, both personally and professionally. After all, he’s a student pilot—ready to maneuver through life’s turbulence with the same determination and focus that guides him in his journey.

Flying through the trajectory

“Man up.” These are the words JM repeatedly answered when he was asked about the biggest lesson he learned inside the house and the piece of advice he wants to tell his younger self. It’s a little bit blunt, but it’s something that he needed to hear.

“Habang buhay kong babaunin siguro yung ‘Man up.’ Kasi if you man up, you start to be more brave sa kahit anong sitwasyon kaya ang sarap niya itatak sa utak,” he explains. 

These simple words carry immense power for the aspiring actor. They serve as a reminder for him to face challenges head-on, to be courageous in every situation, and to carry that strength with him no matter where life takes him. 

Having worn many different hats before stepping into the Pinoy Big Brother house—from being a high school TV broadcaster, a campus crush, a student-pilot—JM is really manning up to the challenge of what’s next. And honestly, he’s still amazed at how everything has come together.

He admits, “To be honest, I just dreamed about it, but never in my wildest dreams did I think 2024 would unfold this way.” And now that it’s happening? He’s simply thankful. “Masaya po ako at talaga naman pong inaappreciate ko muna ang lahat ng opportunities na dumarating sakin. Ang mindset ko ngayon, thankful po ako more than anything.”

But it’s not just about being grateful for the opportunities as he’s also putting in the work. JM continues to focus on learning and perfecting his craft. “Pinag-aaralan ko pa po at pinaghuhusayan ang sarili ko sa performing,” he shares, with a sense of responsibility to return the love he’s receiving to his fans. 

With all of these experiences under his belt, when asked what he’s most passionate about pursuing right now, JM answers with clear intent: “Acting po talaga ang passion ko sa ngayon kaya pinagbubutihan ko po at pinagsusumikapang matuto sa lahat ng workshops na pinapasok ko.”

And he’s currently taking baby steps toward this dream, starring alongside his co-housemate and PBB Gen 11 big winner Fyang Smith in Regine Velasquez’s “Wherever You Are” music video. 

The next flight is…

One thing about JM, he’s always got his game face on and he always stays resolute in everything he does. In fact, during his time in the house, some even accused him of having a game plan—but that’s just JM staying focused, determined, and always true to himself. 

This year, though, he’s shifting gears to level up his acting skills. With a playful grin, he teases, “Before this year ends, siguro magaling na akong umarte!” (laughs)

“I want to gain valuable experience sa pag-arte talaga kasi doon madedevelop yung skills ko, and also it can help me excel in the field of acting,” he adds.

Though JM may have temporarily canceled his flight of becoming a full-fledged pilot, he’s still very much in the cockpit of his present self—navigating his way through the exciting skies of the entertainment industry in the country. With every new project and opportunity, he’s learning to steer through the turbulence and soar to even greater heights.

Motivated by his family, JM shares, “Ever since po when I started in this journey, naging vocal po ako na kaya ko po ako nandito eh para sa kanila. Iniisip ko lang yung mga dreams ko para sa kanila tuwing may kinakaharap ako, then bumabalik po ulit yung eagerness ko na pagbutihin ang aking sarili.”

From reality TV to acting, JM is making sure that his journey is full of passion, growth, and of course, a little bit of fun. Who knows? Maybe in time, he’ll be piloting a whole new chapter in his career, with the same fire that guided him so far. And through it all, whatever it may be, he’s learning to “man up.”

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Produced by the Parcinq Team

Photography by Rxandy Capinpin

Art Direction by Joe Andy

Styling by Dave Arden with

Style Associate Ryebread

Grooming by Mycke Arcano with

Grooming Associate Jam Jacobe

Words and Interview by Jacob Santos

Fashion Film by Ren Lucas

Content Editing by L.A Bendaña

Shoot on Location at The Grey Space Art Gallery

Special thanks to Star Magic