A New Year, a new trending, endearing, and captivating real-life showbiz couple.
A few hours into 2021, we all were pleasantly surprised finding out that two Kapamilya stars have confirmed their relationship.
Diego Loyzaga, whom we last saw on Precious Hearts Romances Presents Los Bastardos in 2018, admitted that he is now dating Bagong Umaga star Barbie Imperial. In an Instagram post, he said: “"Happy new year to us. Thanks for making the end of my 2020 memorable. Let's gooo 2021!" with a photo showing them wrapped in each other’s arms.
In this gallery, we see all their intimate moments together, as captured on Barbie’s Instagram, but there is one photo she considers her “favorite”-- one wherein she stands beside Diego in a warm embrace. Their romance was “totally unexpected” she said in the caption.
"Totally unexpected to fall for someone I thought I'd be just friends with forever but I'm really happy to have found both love and friendship with this one. Thank you for making me happy and feel loved. Thank you for everything that you do to make me feel the love I deserve. So thankful for you, thank God for you. #angcheezynibarbie pagbigyan ngayon lang ulit naging ganito," Barbie said, obviously thrilled and overjoyed with her special someone.
Among those who quickly reacted to their relationship reveal was Diego’s mom Teresa Loyzaga, who welcomed their romance wholeheartedly, leaving profound advice on the comments section of Barbie’s post: "Love each other. Respect each other. Protect each other. Speak kind words to each other. Speak kind words of each other. Be happy. You both deserve it." To which Barbie replied: “Thank you po, tita” with a double heart emoji.
Diego’s stepmother and Barbie’s onscreen mother in Bagong Umaga, Sunshine Cruz, likewise sent them well wishes, reacting to Diego’s post: “You both deserve to be happy. Happy New Year Diego and my beautiful Cai,” referring to Barbie’s character in the afternoon drama.
Rumors spread about their growing romance in November last year, when Diego left a comment on a post by Barbie on Instagram showing her bikini photo.
In an interview on Magandang Buhay in November, Barbie first confirmed Diego’s courtship and revealed how she and Diego had been friends for a long time, with other friends teasing and encouraging them to try dating. "Magkaibigan talaga kami before pa. Super close talaga kami. Matagal po kaming hindi nagkita pero isa lang din po ‘yung grupo namin. Tapos ‘yung mga friends po namin, gusto nila ‘Try n’yo kaya mag-date ni Diegs.’ Tapos parang kami, ‘Huwag na, huwag na.”
With the many personal ordeals they faced three years ago, Barbie further said it was not time to start a romance. Her reluctance, she said, was borne out of fear that she could break his heart. "Kaibigan ko siya eh. And alam ko po ‘yung pinagdaanan niya. Ayaw ko maging babae na ibe-break 'yung heart ni Diegs.” They would continue their friendship, she said, since she did not want Diego go back to a difficult situation he had undergone previously.
Diego had also confirmed courting Barbie in a separate Magandang Buhay interview. Asked by Momshie Jolina if there is that special someone, Diego said: “Meron po, tita. Actually guest siya dito (Magandang Buhay) the last time,” hinting that it is indeed Barbie. “Last time Tita noong pumunta siya rito sabi niya nagpaparamdam ako sa kanya…So ngayon, nililigawan ko na siya.”
Their relationship quickly blossomed in the weeks that followed. They were then seen together at an Antipolo museum on a date, before their Bohol escapade as they rang in the New Year as the newest real-life showbiz couple.
Check out more of Barbie’s favorite photos with Diego in this gallery.