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Category: Stars Beyond Sports

  • CJ Cansino laughs off ‘Boyfriend ni Alliana’ tag

    CJ Cansino laughs off ‘Boyfriend ni Alliana’ tag

    In an era where athletes are just as visible online as they are on the hardwood, CJ Cansino is proving he can handle both arenas with the same ease.

     

    The Meralco Bolts guard recently found himself at the center of a lighthearted online joke after several sports pages began referring to him as “boyfriend ni Alliana” — a playful nod to his relationship with lifestyle content creator Alliana Dolina. Instead of brushing it off, Cansino leaned in.

     

    For those who follow the couple, the humor wasn’t surprising. Their relationship has long carried a barkada-like energy — playful, teasing, and rooted in friendship. Whether it’s Alliana posting content or CJ dropping comments underneath, their exchanges often turn into mini comedy skits for fans.

     

    And according to Cansino, that’s exactly how it’s always been.

     

    “Wala naman, parang mag-bestfriend naman talaga kami ni Alliana,” Cansino shared. “Dinala ko na lang sa social media para makita din ng mga tao.”

     

    “Actually ‘yon ‘yong palagi kong ginagawa sa kaniya, eh. Palagi siyang naiinis sa akin,” he said with a laugh. “Pero gano’n naman talaga ‘yong relationship naming dalawa. Talagang inaasar ko siya palagi. Maiinis siya pero maya-maya okay na kasi siguro sanay na din siya sa akin.”

    Soon enough, the basketball world joined the inside joke.

     

    After a strong outing against Magnolia, where Cansino tallied 23 points, six rebounds, and four blocks, PBA Rush highlighted his performance with a cheeky caption:

    “GRABE ‘YUNG BOYFRIEND NI ALLIANA!


    CJ Cansino delivers a solid performance for the Meralco Bolts, logging 23 points, six rebounds, and four blocks against the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup!”

     

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    Rather than shy away from it, Cansino reposted the feature with a witty response of his own:

    “Makapag-caption ‘tong PBA, kala mo ako ‘yung non-showbiz boyfriend.”

     

    Even his birthday wasn’t safe from the running gag. The East Asia Super League chimed in with:

    “Happy birthday pala sa boyfriend ni Alliana!


     ENJOY THE DAY, CJ!


     Wishing to see more half-court bombs in Year 26.”

    Cansino’s answer? “Salamat ha!”

     

    Behind the humor, however, is a player steadily building his identity in Philippine basketball. The former UP Fighting Maroons captain continues to carve out his role with Meralco, letting his game speak just as loudly as the online banter.

     

    If anything, the viral nickname only adds another layer to his public persona — proof that in today’s game, personality and performance can coexist.

     

    On social media, he might be “boyfriend ni Alliana.”

     

    On the court, he’s still CJ Cansino — and he’s making sure people remember that too.

     

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  • Dwight Ramos gets global spotlight in B.LEAGUE’s Valentine fan vote

    Dwight Ramos gets global spotlight in B.LEAGUE’s Valentine fan vote

    Valentine’s Day in Japan’s B.LEAGUE is no longer just about roses and chocolates — it has become a celebration of charisma, connection, and fan love through the league’s annual Most Attractive Player project.

     

    Now entering its 2026 edition, the fan-driven event highlights the personalities and off-court appeal of B.LEAGUE players, giving supporters a chance to vote for the players who resonate with them the most. This year’s project features 55 nominees, with one representative chosen from each B1, B2, and B3 club.

     

    What makes this year different is the introduction of the International Award, a new category voted on exclusively by overseas fans. The addition signals how far the B.LEAGUE’s reach has grown, as it continues to attract attention beyond Japan and embrace its expanding global audience.

     

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    Among the nominees drawing international buzz is Dwight Ramos, who represents Levanga Hokkaido. The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay has built a strong following in Japan, not only through his steady on-court production but also through his relatability and presence off it.

     

    Ramos has been a consistent contributor for Hokkaido in the 2025–26 season, averaging 12.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3 assists. His visibility peaked further when he recently helped lead Team Asia — a squad composed largely of Filipino players — in the league’s All-Star festivities, reinforcing his role as one of the most recognizable international faces in the competition.

     

    As fans cast their Valentine’s votes, Ramos’ nomination reflects more than popularity. It highlights how Filipino players continue to leave a lasting imprint on the B.LEAGUE, connecting cultures and communities through the game — and, in this case, through a little Valentine’s Day charm too.

     

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  • Gabe Norwood embraces a new role in the PBA Finals as game commentator

    Gabe Norwood embraces a new role in the PBA Finals as game commentator

    Gabe Norwood didn’t drift far from the PBA spotlight after calling time on a storied playing career. Instead, he simply changed his angle.

     

    Only weeks after officially retiring, the former Gilas Pilipinas mainstay found himself back in the Finals—this time with a headset on, calling Games 4 and 6 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel and TNT. For Norwood, it was both unfamiliar territory and a natural fit rolled into one.

     

    “It was fun, it always helps to have a great game and to work the Finals is a special opportunity,” Norwood told One Sports after Game 6, which sealed the championship for San Miguel.
     “A lot of people would like the opportunity. And I’m lucky enough I got called back for a second game,” he added.

     

    The transition didn’t come out of nowhere. Long before he became known for his defense, versatility, and longevity on the court, Norwood was a journalism major at George Mason University. That academic background quietly resurfaced when he was invited to join the RPTV and Cignal broadcast panels.

     

    This wasn’t his first brush with broadcasting either. A few years ago, Norwood also called a Ginebra game during the Commissioner’s Cup Finals against the Bay Area Dragons. Off the court, he has remained active in media, co-hosting the “Let It Fly” podcast alongside fellow former PBA players Jared Dillinger and Sol Mercado.

     

    Still, calling a live Finals game, he admitted, is a different beast. 

     

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    “I mean, like I said, the game moves so fast. On a pod, you can kind of sit down, relax, go back, edit and do things like that but you have to be kind of on par with things when the game is live,” Norwood said.

     

    “And also understanding when you should just let the game play and not say anything. So, just really trying to understand those instances and how you can impact the viewers’ experience the most that you can,” he added.

     

    For someone who spent years reading plays before they happened, the challenge now lies in timing—knowing when insight adds value and when silence lets the moment breathe. It’s a different rhythm, but one Norwood seems eager to master.

     

    “Yeah (I enjoy it). I mean it’s something, it’s a new challenge, right? You still get to be around the game and share my insight and experiences in a different way,” he said.


     “The game moves really fast so just trying to time up things and be a little bit better with that but it’s something I enjoy.”

     

    As for whether this is the start of a full-time broadcasting chapter, Norwood is keeping things light—and honest.

     

    “We’ll see if I keep getting called back. If the phone stops ringing, that means I wasn’t very good and it’s probably assign to someone else,” he said with a smile.

     

    For now, though, the early returns suggest that Norwood’s feel for the game hasn’t faded—he’s just found a new way to share it.

     

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  • Teenage Filipina Olympian Tallulah Proulx turns to K-pop to stay grounded

    Teenage Filipina Olympian Tallulah Proulx turns to K-pop to stay grounded

    Teenage alpine skier Tallulah Proulx has carved her name into Philippine sports history, becoming the first Filipina—and the youngest Filipino athlete—to qualify for the Winter Olympics. At just 17 years old, Proulx earned qualification in both the giant slalom and slalom events, transforming a lifelong dream into a landmark achievement for a country still building its presence in winter sports.

     

    As she prepares to compete on the sport’s grandest stage, Proulx remains remarkably grounded, crediting her strong support system—and an unexpected source of balance—for helping her navigate the pressure that comes with making history.

     

    “I think it really comes down to the community, my supportive coaches, my family, of course, my teammates and my friends always uplift each other every day,” Proulx shared in a media interaction. “And then also besides that, I think that I also have other interests and other things that keep me grounded.”

     

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    Among those interests is her deep love for K-pop, which the young skier says provides both comfort and joy amid the grind of elite competition. Proulx revealed she is a fan of groups such as Red Velvet, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, BTS, and RIIZE, and even attended a TOMORROW X TOGETHER concert during their U.S. tour.

     

    “I have loved K-pop since I was in the sixth grade or something, but I really love it. And I know Filipinos love it too,” she said. “But I come back home and if I’m having a hard day, I just put on my headphones. I listen to some of my favorite songs.

     

    “Or just also I feel like there’s such a good community with K-pop, like my friends that like K-pop, we always support each other. I think just having another outlet of joy really just helps me in all aspects of life, including in my competitions,” she added.

    Beyond music, Proulx draws strength from her Filipino roots. A Filipino-American, she has made a conscious effort to stay connected to her heritage—something that played a major role in her decision to represent the Philippines internationally rather than the United States.

     

    “So I actually have a lot of family back in the Philippines. My father’s family is from Eastern Samar in Visayas,” she shared. “And so I have a lot of family back there. And they have been so supportive, especially recently, of course.”

     

    Her choice was also deeply personal, made in honor of her late grandmother.

     

    “Also, I have my Filipina grandma. Actually, she passed away, unfortunately, last spring,” Proulx said. “But I was always, of course, connected with her. And she introduced me to all of the Filipino foods. Of course, lumpia is my favorite, but I love pancit and so many other dishes that she introduced to me,” she concluded.

     

    Proulx’s journey into alpine skiing began almost as early as she could walk. She first tried the sport at just three years old during a family vacation in Tahoe, California. What started as a childhood experience quickly turned into a passion, and by the age of seven, she was already competing in races.

     

    Her steady rise was fueled by years of international exposure and competition, including a strong showing at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, where she finished 16th out of 44 competitors. That event proved pivotal, serving as both a confidence booster and a stepping stone toward Olympic qualification.

     

    Now, with Proulx and fellow Filipino athlete Francis Ceccarelli set to compete in the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, the Philippines is entering a new chapter in its sporting narrative—one that stretches beyond traditional arenas and into the snow-covered mountains of Europe.

     

    Their qualification represents more than individual success. It is a breakthrough moment for Philippine sports, a signal that Filipino athletes can excel even in disciplines long considered outside the country’s athletic identity. For a new generation of hopefuls, Tallulah Proulx’s journey stands as proof that with passion, support, and belief, even the most unlikely dreams can become reality on the world stage.

     

     

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  • NBA trainer Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews makes iconic rooftop shot in Tenement 

    NBA trainer Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews makes iconic rooftop shot in Tenement 

    For most visitors, The Tenement in Taguig City is already a basketball landmark. For Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, it became something even bigger—a stage where skill, symbolism, and Filipino basketball culture collided.

     

    Matthews, one of the most respected shooting coaches in the world, capped his Manila visit with a moment that instantly etched itself into local hoops lore. Standing on the rooftop of the famed housing complex, he calmly launched a shot that kissed the backboard and dropped through the net below, making him the first to attempt—and convert—a basket from that height.

     

    The shot wasn’t just about range or spectacle. It demanded finesse.

     

    “I had to use my pointer finger to soften the ball up because I was so high that the ball was coming so hard. So I had to have touch to hit the backboard. That’s not really a shot from that far, and you’d have to use the backboard for it to go in,” he said.

     

    Crowds gathered below erupted as the ball fell, but the moment carried even more weight for Matthews. The Tenement court, long celebrated online, has featured murals honoring icons like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Luka Doncic. 

     

     

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    By the end of the day, Matthews found himself added to that storied wall.

     

     

    “You know, my entire life, I saw this amazing court online. I saw the legendary people— Michael Jordan, Kobe, Luka—everybody had a mural here,” he said. “So to shoot from the roof and to make a shot and to have a mural here, it’s a dream come true, man. It’s like basketball heaven for me.”

     

    Beyond the viral moment, Matthews spent his time connecting with local hoopers—sharing insights, watching exhibition games, and soaking in the country’s unmistakable basketball energy. For him, the Philippines stands apart.

     

    “In the Philippines, the love and the passion just go really deep in the blood. People and the passion here is, to me, number one,” Matthews said. “It’s true love here for the game.”

     

    His visit also served as a preview of what’s to come. Matthews is in Manila as part of Red Bull’s build-up to Red Bull Half Court 2026, with the Philippines set to host the World Finals later this year—an event expected to draw the global basketball community to the country.

     

    “There’s going to be so many people coming here who are going to see what the Philippines life is about, and its passionate love for the game of basketball,” he said.

     

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  • Filipino Volleyball’s Dual Threats: PVL Stars Who Shine On and Off the Court

    Filipino Volleyball’s Dual Threats: PVL Stars Who Shine On and Off the Court

    In the Philippines’ vibrant volleyball scene, several Premier Volleyball League (PVL) athletes are not only dominating the court but also making waves in fashion, modeling, and media — proving that elite sport and personal branding can go hand in hand. These players balance demanding athletic careers with influential off‑court personas that extend their reach far beyond the net.

     

    Rachel Anne Daquis — The Queen of Court and Cover

     

    Long before she joined the Rachel Anne Daquis Thunderbelles, Rachel Anne Daquis was already a household name in Philippine volleyball, known for her power, leadership, and charisma on the court. A former FEU Lady Tamaraw and national team standout, she was crowned “Queen Tamaraw” during her collegiate years and has worn multiple club jerseys across two major domestic leagues.

     

    Behind the spikes and serves, Daquis cultivated a strong media profile, appearing on FHM Philippines’ October 2014 cover and earning a spot among the country’s sexiest women, which boosted her crossover appeal beyond sport. She has also taken on ambassador roles and pursued entrepreneurial ventures like RAD Fitness and a bakery in Spain, illustrating a unique blend of athletic success and lifestyle influence.

     

    Majoy Baron — Middle Blocker, MVP, and Style Muse

     

    Majoy Baron has long been admired not just for her on‑court dominance — including a UAAP MVP and multiple Best Blocker awards — but also for her modelesque presence and social media influence. Often featured in fashion editorials and collaborating with beauty and lifestyle brands, Baron bridges the gap between sport and style, engaging fans through creative content and runway‑ready looks.

     

    Kim Kianna Dy — Skillful Opposite and Chic Influencer

     

    Kim Kianna Dy brings her volleyball IQ and powerful play to PLDT’s lineup, and she’s equally known for her engaging personal brand online. While her athletic achievements include significant roles with top collegiate and professional teams, her off‑court persona blends sport with everyday fashion, casual style posts, and lifestyle collaborations that resonate with fans.

     

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    Michele Gumabao — From UAAP Champion to Pageant Podium

     

    Michele Gumabao perfectly captures the multi‑faceted athlete’s journey — a decorated volleyball career at De La Salle University and in the PVL, combined with high‑profile ventures in modeling and pageantry. A Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2018 titleholder and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 2nd runner‑up, Gumabao’s presence transcends the court, promoting athleticism, grace, and media visibility for women in sport.

     

    Vanie Gandler — Cignal Standout and Lifestyle Influencer

     

    Vanie Gandler has emerged as one of the PVL’s exciting young talents with the Cignal HD Spikers, earning praise for her scoring prowess and all‑around play. Off the court, she exudes a relaxed, style‑savvy influencer vibe, regularly sharing lifestyle content, brand partnerships, and fashion‑forward posts that complement her athletic narrative.

     

    Jessey de Leon — Architect of Style and Sport

     

    Jessey de Leon stands out not only as a PVL competitor with PLDT but also as a licensed architect and fashion‑forward model. While balancing design studies and elite sport, de Leon has collaborated with lifestyle and fashion brands, showcasing how diverse passions can coexist with high‑level volleyball commitments.

     

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  • Steph Curry’s Sneaker Free Agency: Ranking the Top 5 Sneakers He’s Rocked This Season

    Steph Curry’s Sneaker Free Agency: Ranking the Top 5 Sneakers He’s Rocked This Season

    Steph Curry’s sneaker choices this season have become almost as compelling as his on‑court play. After a landmark announcement in November 2025 that ended his 13‑year partnership with Under Armour and set Curry Brand free to operate independently, the Warriors superstar entered sneaker free agency with no rush and seemingly infinite options.

     

    With no current endorsement contract tying him to a single label, Curry has been spotted in a wide range of shoes from legacy brands, modern performance lines, and even global competitors — turning every arena appearance into a subtle statement and an exploration of sneaker culture worldwide.

     

    Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita” — Homage on the First Night

     

    One of Curry’s most symbolic sneaker moments came immediately after the Under Armour split when he wore the Nike Kobe 6 Protro “Mambacita” at a Warriors pre‑game warmup in San Antonio.

     

    The Kobe 6 “Mambacita,” released as a tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant, holds deep emotional significance in the basketball community. Curry explained after the game that he wore it as a personal tribute to Kobe’s influence and legacy, saying it gave him “good energy” and reflected the respect he has for the late champion.

     

    This choice was meaningful not only because it honored a legend, but also because it marked Curry’s first known non‑Under Armour footwear sighting in a highly visible NBA arena.

     

     

    Anta KAI 3 — Transitioning to Performance Options

     

    As the season progressed, Curry expanded his rotation to include high‑performance shoes from competitor brands. One notable pair was the Anta KAI 3, which he was photographed wearing during road game warmups.

     

    The Anta KAI 3 is Kyrie Irving’s signature model for the Chinese brand Anta — a team that has been gaining traction globally. Curry wearing them in warmups sent a strong signal: he’s not just exploring nostalgic retro styles — he’s also testing performance footwear from any brand with legitimate basketball tech.

     

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    Li‑Ning JB 4 “Batman” — Global Brand Representation

     

    Curry’s free agency tour also swung into international territory with the Li‑Ning JB 4 “Batman,” the signature sneaker of teammate and star Jimmy Butler’s Li‑Ning line.

     

    Seen during a Warriors game against the Orlando Magic, this choice didn’t just make a fashion statement — it highlighted how sneaker culture has become global, with Chinese brands like Li‑Ning now fielding performance models that top NBA stars trust on major stages.

     

    Butler himself reacted publicly to seeing Curry in the shoes, noting that he wasn’t even expecting Curry to wear them, adding to the intrigue around how far Curry’s sneaker freedom may stretch, even wearing a “Robin” colorway of the sneakers himself. A nod to being Robin to Curry’s Batman.

     

    Nike Sabrina 3 — A Statement of Solidarity

    Another meaningful pick came in the form of the Nike Sabrina 3, the signature shoe of WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu. Curry was photographed in these during a game where Ionescu was in attendance, making the moment feel like a concerted nod to women’s basketball and equality in sportswear representation.

     

    Wearing the Sabrina 3 wasn’t just a stylistic choice — it was a signals that, in this era of sneaker autonomy, Curry can use his visibility to champion peers and the broader basketball community, not just performance benefits.

     

    Adidas Harden Vol. 10 — Respect for Rival Lines

     

    Curry’s exploration hasn’t been limited to Nike and Li‑Ning. He even turned heads by wearing the adidas Harden Vol. 10, James Harden’s signature line, during pre‑game practice.

     

    Though not worn in actual NBA minutes, stepping into an adidas signature model — especially one tied to a contemporary rival — was a striking visual reminder: Curry is evaluating all corners of the basketball footwear world. Nothing is off‑limits.

     

    More Than Just Footwear — A Cultural Exploration

     

    Curry’s sneaker rotation also touches on lifestyle and heritage models (from brands like New Balance and PUMA), further signaling that this period is less about short‑term endorsement and more about curiosity, respect, and influence.

     

    For the first time since early in his career, Curry isn’t bound to a shoe contract; he’s free to wear what he wants, when he wants — and the sneaker world is watching every step. With Nike, adidas, Li‑Ning, Anta, and others all vying for his next move, his choices don’t just reflect his style — they reflect a pivotal moment in basketball’s cultural landscape. 

     

     

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  • Love Off the Court: Filipino Athletes and Their Celebrity Partners

    Love Off the Court: Filipino Athletes and Their Celebrity Partners

    From championship arenas to red carpets, some of the Philippines’ biggest sports stars are sharing the spotlight with equally high-profile partners from entertainment, media, and the digital space. These athlete-celebrity relationships have captured public attention—not just for who they are, but for how seamlessly their worlds collide.

     

    Ray Parks Jr. & Zeinab Harake

     

    One of the most talked-about unions in recent memory, Ray Parks Jr. and Zeinab Harake turned their real-life love story into a modern fairytale. The veteran Gilas Pilipinas guard and the top-tier content creator married in June 2025 following a widely followed engagement that featured mutual proposals—one in the Philippines and another in Japan.

     

    Parks, known for his calm leadership on the court and stints abroad, has often credited Zeinab as a grounding presence during transitions in his career. Harake, meanwhile, has brought fans along for the ride through her vlogs, offering glimpses of their life that helped humanize one of Philippine basketball’s most recognizable names.


    Kiefer Ravena & Diana Mackey

     

    Kiefer Ravena’s relationship with Diana Mackey unfolded quickly—but not quietly. The former UAAP MVP and Gilas mainstay married the beauty queen and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate in June 2025, just months after their relationship became public in late 2024.

     

    Ravena, who has played professionally both locally and overseas, has long kept his personal life guarded. That made the announcement all the more surprising—and warmly received. Mackey, a former Miss World Philippines candidate, has since become a steady courtside presence, offering visible support as Ravena continues to balance leadership responsibilities and international commitments.

     

    Carlos Yulo & Chloe San Jose

     

    Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo has found a different kind of balance away from the gym with influencer Chloe San Jose. While both have kept details of their relationship relatively private, the pair have become familiar faces at high-profile events, including the 2025 ABS-CBN Ball.

     

    Yulo’s rise as one of the most decorated Filipino athletes of his generation has placed him firmly in the national spotlight. San Jose, known for her lifestyle and fashion content, complements that visibility, with the couple often embodying a modern blend of sports excellence and pop-culture relevance.

     

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    Bianca Gonzalez & JC Intal

     

    Long before athlete-celebrity pairings became commonplace, Bianca Gonzalez and JC Intal quietly built one of the most enduring partnerships in Philippine sports and media. The respected TV host and the retired PBA player tied the knot on December 4, 2014.

     

    Intal, once known as the league’s “Mr. Intensity,” transitioned smoothly into life after basketball, while Gonzalez remained a mainstay in broadcasting and advocacy work. Together, they’ve become an example of stability—balancing public careers with family life while largely staying away from the celebrity rumor mill.

     

    EJ Laure & Bugoy Cariño

    Volleyball star EJ Laure and actor Bugoy Cariño represent a younger generation of athlete-celebrity couples navigating life in the public eye. The Nxled Chameleons veteran and the former child actor have been together for years and share a daughter, Scarlet.

     

    Laure, a former UAAP standout, has spoken openly about how motherhood reshaped her perspective both on and off the court. Cariño, now taking on more mature acting roles, has likewise embraced family life, with the couple often praised for their openness and authenticity.

     

    Jimmy Alapag & LJ Moreno

     

    A staple of Philippine basketball history, Jimmy Alapag’s partnership with actress LJ Moreno predates much of today’s social-media-driven celebrity culture. Married for over a decade, the former PBA MVP and Gilas captain and the former actress have built a life largely centered on family, faith, and transitions beyond basketball.

     

    As Alapag moved into coaching and management roles, Moreno stepped away from showbiz, choosing a quieter life abroad with their children—proof that not all athlete-celebrity stories need constant spotlight to endure.

     

    More Than Just Power Couples

     

    What ties these relationships together isn’t just fame—it’s visibility, balance, and mutual support. Whether navigating overseas careers, post-retirement life, or the pressures of national attention, these Filipino athletes and their celebrity partners continue to show how personal stability can coexist with professional excellence.

     

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  • “Opinion niyo ‘yan, i-respect ko”: Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure on dealing with public criticism

    “Opinion niyo ‘yan, i-respect ko”: Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure on dealing with public criticism

    Two of the Philippines’ brightest stars in women’s volleyball, Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, continue to capture the attention of fans both on and off the court. With numerous individual accolades and team honors for Alas Pilipinas and their respective clubs in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), the duo has established themselves as not only top-tier athletes but also household names in the local sports scene.

     

    Being professional athletes and public figures, however, comes with intense scrutiny. Rondina and Laure have both experienced criticism from fans and the media, which they openly discussed in a recent appearance on the talk show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” In the conversation, the two stars reflected on the lessons they learned from facing public backlash, highlighting the pressures of being in the spotlight.

     

    For Rondina, the most memorable instance of “bashing” came in 2024, not because of her performance on the volleyball court, but due to a social faux pas: she admitted she did not know about SB19, a popular Filipino boy band. The revelation drew a wave of criticism online, with some fans questioning her cultural awareness.

     

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    “Aminado naman ako na hindi ko naman intensyon ‘yon and at least that pangyayari is may natutunan ako and it is being more cautious kung hindi naman kilala and maging maingat na lang,” Rondina said, reflecting on the experience. She emphasized that while the criticism was initially difficult, it ultimately taught her to navigate public interactions with more awareness and care.

    For Laure, public scrutiny has been a different, yet equally valuable learning experience. The seasoned player reiterated that all forms of criticism have taught her to focus on what truly matters: self-improvement and maintaining perspective amidst external pressures.

     

    “Kung sino ‘yung nakakakita ng paghihirap mo, sila ‘yung parang may ano talaga, kung ano ‘yung kailangan ko pang i-improve sa sarili ko. Opinion niyo ‘yan. I-re-respect ko ‘yan, parang ganun na lang,” Laure said. Her reflection underscores a maturity that comes from balancing the demands of professional sports with the constant presence of social media and fan commentary.

     

    Both Rondina and Laure serve as examples of how top athletes in the Philippines handle the dual pressures of performance and public expectation. While the accolades and spotlight are often celebrated, the reality of being a professional athlete also includes navigating criticism, managing personal image, and maintaining focus on long-term goals.

     

    Their candid discussion on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” offers fans a rare glimpse into the human side of professional volleyball, showing that even the country’s most successful players encounter challenges off the court. By sharing their experiences, Rondina and Laure not only provide inspiration for young athletes but also highlight the importance of resilience, humility, and perspective in professional sports.

     

    As the PVL season continues, both stars remain focused on their teams and the next milestones in their careers. Yet, their experiences with public scrutiny will likely continue to inform how they engage with fans and handle the pressures that come with being among the Philippines’ most prominent athletes.

     

     

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  • Rain delays, pedicures, and cheers: ‘Adopted Filipina’ Donna Vekic soaks in Manila

    Rain delays, pedicures, and cheers: ‘Adopted Filipina’ Donna Vekic soaks in Manila

    Before Donna Vekic even struck a ball on Tuesday, Manila had already tested her patience—and won her over.

     

    Rain clouds hovered over the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, pushing the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open schedule back by several hours. Instead of stressing, Vekic leaned into the delay the way a seasoned traveler would, turning unexpected downtime into a moment to relax and reset.

     

    “It was a long wait today, but I was watching some tennis in Australia. I had a pedicure, I was eating some food and talking to some friends, trying to stay relaxed but focused,” Vekic shared with a laugh.

     

    When the skies finally cleared, so did any doubt about her readiness. The Croatian breezed past Kyoka Okamura, 6-2, 6-2, setting up a Round of 16 appearance—but the win felt like only part of the story.

     

    By then, Vekic had fully embraced her unofficial new role as Manila’s “adopted Filipina.”

     

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    Each point she won was greeted by cheers usually reserved for homegrown favorites, and Vekic made sure to return the energy—smiling, acknowledging the crowd, and clearly enjoying the moment.

     

    “It’s very nice. I feel very welcomed, and hopefully I can stay here the whole week because it’s really a big pleasure playing in front of them,” said the 29-year-old.

     

    Her warm reception isn’t entirely surprising. Earlier this season, Vekic crossed paths with Filipina star Alex Eala at the WTA ASB Classic and the Kooyong Classic, matches that introduced her to the passion of Filipino tennis fans. During Eala’s Australian run, Vekic jokingly expressed hope that the same fans would “adopt” her too.

     

    In Manila, that wish seems to have come true.

     

    “It was great to play today. The crowd was amazing, and it was a good match, so I’m really happy with the performance,” she added.

     

    As Vekic gears up for her next match at the Philippine Women’s Open against Mariia Tkacheva, she does so not just as a visiting contender, but as a player clearly enjoying the city, the crowd, and the unexpected comforts—rain delays, pedicures, and all—that come with tournament life in Manila.

     

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