2014 is definitely the year for happy celebrity couples. While there are the perpetual break-ups and juicy controversies, let’s end the year on a happy note, shall we?
Here are just some of the biggest celebrity hook-ups of 2014—new couples, newly engaged, and newlyweds.
New Couples
Despite having a reportedly overprotective mom, popstar Sarah Geronimo finally made her relationship with fellow Kapamilya star Matteo Guidicelli known to the public. Speculations were already looming the two young stars even before Sarah’s announcement, especially when Sarah attended Matteo’s birthday and sang “All Of Me” with him. After Sarah’s admission, Matteo said he’s very proud of his girlfriend for finally standing up for herself.
Love certainly looks so much sweeter the second time around when Kapamilya actor and host Luis Manzano got back together with Angel Locsin—four years after they called it quits. Before the most talked about reconciliation of the year (I believe it’s safe to say that), Luis was dating Kapuso actress Jennylyn Mercado and Angel was with Azkals hotshot Phil Younghusband. After splitting up with Phil, Angel admitted on national TV that she still loves Luis (gasp!) but did not confirm if he was the reason for her break-up with the famous athlete. A quick glance at both Angel and Luis’ Instagram feed will confirm that they’re extremely happy where they are now.
In July, two Kapuso stars confirmed their relationship: Lovi Poe and Rocco Nacino. After spending the Holy Week together vacationing in Europe, the two started to grow very fond of each other. Well, I think it would be quite a challenge not to fall in love in Europe. According to an interview with GMA News, Lovi said she loves Rocco’s sweetness and humor, while Rocco simply adores Lovi’s simplicity.
While I’m writing this article, “It’s Showtime” hosts Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia are frolicking the crystal blue waters of Maldives. After roughly seven months of courtship, Billy announced on their noontime that they’re officially a couple. After Billy’s altercation at the Taguig Police Station in September where he was charged of malicious mischief and disobedience to a person in authority, the couple showed maturity and proved that the 10-year age gap doesn’t affect their relationship.
Speaking of age gap: Also in 2014, Ai-Ai Delas Alas confirmed that she’s in a relationship with badminton varsity player Gerald Sibayan. Despite being 30 years her junior, both Gerald’s parents and Ai-Ai’s kids don’t seem to mind the age gap. Ai-Ai also shared that her boyfriend is very mature for a 20-year-old, which is why they get along very well.
Newly Engaged and Newlyweds
In February, right in the middle of performing “Kung Paano Maghiwalay” at the Teatro Hermogenes Ylagan in U.P. Diliman, Aiza Seguerra decided to add a few lines of her own to the play and then got down on one knee to propose to girlfriend and fellow thespian Liza Diño. With a sapphire engagement ring and such a lovingly apt gesture, how can anyone say no to that? Just a few weeks ago, the couple tied the knot in an intimate garden (more like an enchanted forest, actually) ceremony in California.
Before leaving for London, host and endorser Bianca Gonzales arrived at the airport and was handed roses by random airport staff—from the gate to the immigration area. Before checking in, she was asked to “verify a piece of luggage.” As it turns out, the baggage contained a banner that reads “Bianca, please say yes.” Then out of nowhere, PBA cager and Bianca’s longtime boyfriend JC Intal approached her and got down on one knee to pop the big question. Despite spending the first few hours (well, days) of their engagement away from each other, JC’s extravagant gesture doesn’t stop at the airport. During her flight, Bianca got three love letters from her new fiancé—handed by two flight attendants and the pilot.
In a clever rouse, Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda told his girlfriend Neri Naig that she’ll be starring in a new music video with the band Typecast. So, while shooting the last scene in Tagaytay, the projector showed a special message for Neri that beautiful night in May. The projector flashed: “Ako na siguro ang pinakasuwerteng lalaki sa buong Cavite. Dahil mapapangasawa ko ang pinakamagandang babae sa Eastwood… kung papayag siya.” (I think I’m the luckiest man in Cavite because I’ll be marrying the most beautiful woman of Eastwood… If she’ll let me.) Then Chito approached Neri—a ring and a bouquet in hand. To celebrate the newky engaged couple, fireworks lit up the sky. This month, the couple had two weddings: the first was in a courthouse and the second wedding was a beautiful garden ceremony in (where else?) Tagaytay.
Who could forget how Senator Chiz Escudero popped the question to Kapuso star Heart Evangelista? The Senator managed to gather Heart’s closest friends—to his hometown Sorsogon nonetheless!—to witness the event. Heart was escorted to Sen. Chiz’s ancestral house and all the lights were out, but then one by one, Heart’s friends joined her. During dinner, Sen. Chiz got down on one knee and asked for Heart’s hand in marriage. In between tears, Heart managed to say yes. I believe the second best part of the evening was when Sen. Chiz showed Heart a text message from her dad—giving them his blessing. And with daughter and parents reconciled, all is right with the world. The couple is scheduled to marry in an exclusive resort on February 2015—just in time for Heart’s birthday.
I believe a collective “man cry” was heard the night of December 10th when French-Filipino Kapuso Solenn Heussaff got engaged to her long-time boyfriend, Argentine model and businessman Nico Bolzico. It’s a match made in heaven… No, seriously. They really look like ethereal beings of beauty. I mean, wow, that’s a good-looking couple.
And last but not the least, we have the Kapuso Royal Couple: Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. The Kapuso Primetime King first proposed to Marian in Macau on August 2012. However, it was his grand gesture on August 2014 that sent their fans (okay, maybe not just their fans) into a frenzy. Dingdong surprised Marian with a second proposal during her weekend dance show, saying, “I want to do it right this time.” With a Harry Winston diamond engagement ring, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife. As a mere mortal, I can say that if Dingdong’s the one proposing to you, there is no wrong way. But since Marian is not a mere mortal but a goddess, she deserves more than one proposal. Dingdong even said that he could do it (the proposal) over and over again—but there’s no need to ask a third time since Marian said yes. The Royal Couple had their equally royal wedding with 1,200 guests yesterday, December 30, 2014.