John Mark Daniel "JM" Ibarra (born 1999 or 2000) is a Filipino actor. He gained prominence in 2024 as a housemate on the reality television series Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11, where he finished as a finalist. Following his exit from the show, he established an on-screen partnership with Fyang Smith, known as "JMFyang".
John Mark Daniel Ibarra[2] was born and raised in Mauban, Quezon.[3] Before joining the entertainment industry, he was an aviation student with the goal of becoming a pilot.[3] Ibarra has publicly discussed his personal struggles with his father, noting that he channeled these experiences into his performance for the film Child No. 82.[4] He stated that he reconnected with his father following his eviction from the Pinoy Big Brother house.[5]
Career
In 2024, Ibarra competed in Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11, where he finished in fifth place. During the show, he was introduced as "Ang Poginsyanong Pilo-ToBe ng Quezon".[a][3] After the competition, he was paired with fellow housemate Fyang Smith in a love team known as "JMFyang".[6]
In January 2025, Ibarra appeared in the music video for Regine Velasquez's song "Wherever You Are".[7] He made a cameo appearance in the film My Love Will Make You Disappear.[8] Later that year, he voiced a character in the Tagalog-dubbed version of the South Korean film Picnic, working alongside Smith, Nova Villa, and Ces Quesada.[9][6] He also modeled for the clothing brand Bench during Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2025.[10][11]
In July 2025, Ibarra starred in the digital series Ghosting, produced by IWantTFC.[12] He portrayed Wilberto, a soldier from the 1940s, a role which required him to maintain a "stoic, composed presence".[13][14] Ibarra stated that maintaining this demeanor was challenging due to the improvisational humor of his co-stars during filming.[13] The series trailer gained over 12 million views.[14]
Ibarra landed his first lead film role in Child No. 82: Anak ni Boy Kana (transl.Child No. 82: Boy Kana's Son), directed by Tim Rone Villanueva.[15] The film was an entry in the 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival in October 2025.[16] Ibarra played Max, a teenager who claims to be the illegitimate son of a deceased action star, played by Vhong Navarro.[5] Ibarra stated that he used the Meisner technique to prepare for the role.[1] The film tackles social issues such as "nepo babies" and illegitimate children.[17] Stephanie Mayo of the Daily Tribune gave the film 2.5 out of 5 stars, calling it "middling" but describing Ibarra's performance as "commendable".[18]
A sequel to his digital series, titled Ghosting Part 2, was released in November 2025. In the sequel, Ibarra portrayed Macmac, a photographer who resembles his previous character Wilberto.[19] A spin-off series, Girly Pop Diaries, was also released to provide backstory for the characters.[20]
Ibarra was cast in the horror anthology film Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins, an entry to the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival.[21][22] He will play the character James, a college student and victim of bullying who enjoys video games.[23][24] He has expressed a desire to work with actor Joshua Garcia.[25] The film is scheduled to release on December 25, 2025.[23] When asked about future roles, Ibarra stated he is not comfortable performing in the Boys' Love (BL) genre and expressed a desire to be known as a "serious artist" rather than just a "leading man".[26][22][27]
Personal life
In May 2025, Ibarra received death threats on social media from an account associated with the fan of a rival love team, claiming a hitman had been hired to target him.[28] His management agency, Star Magic, condemned the threats and warned of legal action.[29]
Filmography
Key
†
Denotes films or TV productions that have not yet been released
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