We're a few weeks away from ending the year 2024, fam, and in one word, we can tell that 2024 was dramatic. But it's not even a surprise to find that the Internet has subscribed to all the drama. From discovering viral memes to TikTok and Instagram Trends to eating up the latest beauty trends to try, and of course, up to the juiciest celeb news, Cosmopolitan Philippines was here keeping up with all of it.
Now, it's time to do some spicy recap of what kept us all busy in terms of celebrity dating news. Admit it or not, we've seen your eyes light up when it comes to celebrity dating news—whether it was a soft launch, hard launch, the cryptic posts in between...or the worst case of 'em all: breakups.
This year, we've witnessed and followed several intriguing (and some mind-boggling) breakups that obviously, no one asked for. But hey, life happens. Buckle up though, 'coz this is gonna be a long read.
LIST: The Biggest Celebrity Breakups Of 2024
January 2024: Kim Jones and Jericho Rosales
Hear us out: we genuinely weren't prepared to discover that Kim Jones and Jericho Rosales had ended their marriage. The two started dating in 2011, and they tied the knot in 2014. Since 2022, eight years after they settled down, separation rumors between the two have been circulating—but Echo and Kim have been squashing the rumors and have showcased a good relationship in public.
But on January 29, 2024, the rumors turned out to be true. It was the couple's godfather, Ricco Ocampo, who confirmed that the ex-couple parted ways in 2019. Ricco noted that Echo and Kim have remained friends, also assuring that it was an amicable separation—and not because of hatred or ill feelings towards each other.
READ: Jericho Rosales And Kim Jones' Relationship Through The Years
"While the friendship between the two remains, they have decided it is time to lead separate lives. They are encouraging each other to grow, albeit in different directions. It was a mutual decision, an amicable separation, dealt with grace and maturity by both parties," Ricco said in his statement shared with ABS-CBN News.
His statement also read, "The two are filled with gratitude for the memories they’ve made together and the lessons they’ve learned. They have journeyed through the separation with the utmost respect and care toward one another precisely because Echo and Kim are the best of friends and love each other like family."
True enough, Echo and Kim appear to still have that loving and friendly bond despite the end of their marriage. Just a day after their breakup news broke the Internet, the two were spotted having a fun exchange via their Instagram comments.
Before January 2024 came to an end, Echo posted a self-photoshoot which he captioned, "Hmm ramen." Kim was playful enough to leave a cute comment on Echo's post saying, "mmmmn ramen."
At present, Echo and Kim are both thriving in their chosen career paths—Kim with fashion (and books!) and Echo with his acting career. It was also this year when Echo hard launched his new dating status with his Lavender Fields co-star, Janine Gutierrez.
February 2024: Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque
Heads up: February 2024 became the month of love and breakups in the Philippines.Two former celebrity couples (who were engaged) have confirmed their splits this month, with Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque being the first. ICYDK, Dominic popped the question to Bea in July 2023, when he also got Bea's sweet yes to forever. Their engagement occurred two years after they began dating in 2021. But the engagement fell through.
Before they got to personally confirm their separation, TV personality Boy Abunda shocked the public as he reported Bea and Dom's breakup on-air during his talk show on February 6, 2024. Less than a week later, Bea and Dom released a joint statement, shedding light on what went down in their relationship.
In a now-deleted IG Post, Bea and Dom confirmed that they have mutually decided to end their relationship on good terms. Moreover, they requested privacy and kindness. Their statement even highlighted that outside parties have reported about their breakup without their consent.
"After much thought, consideration, and care, we have mutually decided to amicably end our engagement. It was not an easy decision. We wanted to have more time to carefully deliberate and pray about it, but there have been many speculations, questions, and insults. Unfortunately, some even confirmed our break-up without our consent, and some created ridiculous stories that had no basis and were utterly false, so we felt the need to share this announcement with great sadness, for our peace of mind and our families," a part of their statement read.
Their breakup was even marred as reports were released alleging Dom of 1) being a "benefactor to a politician," and 2) having pre-nuptial disagreements with Bea. Dominic released a statement against Cristy Fermin through his legal counsel Fernandez & Singson Law Offices. The statement clarified that Dominic was never a politician benefactor and that he did not have a dispute over a pre-nuptial agreement with Bea, contrary to allegations that floated around post-split.
READ: Dominic Roque Files A Cyber Libel Case Against Cristy Fermin
Bea and Dom both wanted to gracefully move forward from their canceled engagement. Bea turned over a new chapter in her life by focusing on her career as an actress and as an entrepreneur. Bea top-billed a new teleserye this year called, Widow's War. Aside from that, she has also launched her business, Bash Manila, which specializes in travel bags and essentials. As for Dom, he has also been busy with his production company. Just recently, it was also confirmed that Dom is now going out with actress Sue Ramirez.
February 2024: Catriona Gray and Sam Milby
This was the second engagement that made headlines in February 2024. But just to be factual and all, there was no proper confirmation about Catriona Gray and Sam Milby's split. The couple only ever addressed the buzz around their relationship through a statement released by their talent management, Cornerstone Entertainment just before the calendar entered March. On February 28, 2024, Cornerstone clarified details about Catriona and Sam's relationship status. The management confirmed that the couple has been trying to resolve their relationship issues in private.
"While it is true that Sam and Catriona are currently facing some challenges in their relationship, they are actively working on resolving these issues together... We kindly request that everyone respect their privacy during this time as they navigate through this situation. We appreciate the concern and well-wishes from all those who have shown support for the couple," their statement read.
Despite that, people were convinced that the two have quietly called it quits. By May 2024, Catriona was spotted to have deleted her engagement photos with Sam on her Instagram grid. It's unconfirmed whether the posts were archived or deleted. What's clear is that, as of writing, the engagement pics are nowhere to be found in her account. Aside from that, the beauty queen was nowhere to be seen in Sam's 40th birthday party this year.
Also, just this November 2024, the Internet spotted Cat and Sam seated apart from each other during a flight to Canada. The two were seen in a couple of photos uploaded by (again) their talent agency, Cornerstone. Included in Cornerstone's photo carousel were two photos of the former couple seated away from each other. Sam was seated with John Prats, while Cat was sitting alone with her flight read.
Cat is presently accomplishing her advocacies in life, hosting stints, and more activities connected to her beauty queen persona. Meanwhile, Sam is coming back to the acting scene with the release of the TV show, Saving Grace, together with Julia Montes and Sharon Cuneta.
March 2024: Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez
They were the IT couple—two beautiful, gorgeous celebrities married and with two adorable sons as well. They were confirmed to be parents to their eldest son in 2013, and have been married since 2020. But, as we all know, there's more than meets the eye. It might have been a long time coming but Sarah Lahbati officially and personally confirmed her split from Richard Gutierrez in March 2024.
Okay, just in case you're not yet up to speed with the Sarah-Richard arc—separation rumors between Sarah and Richard began in late December 2023. Eagle-eyed netizens were very much curious about the two after they noticed the absence of each other in their Instagram accounts. ICYDK, Sarah and Richard were known for being one of those IG couples who post sweet PDA pics.
So, when their PDA pics were nowhere to be seen for months, the people started to wonder. However, when Richard's mom, Annabelle Rama threw fiery comments...well, the Internet's attention naturally gravitated around Sarah's marriage.
Annabelle was the first to spill details about the rumored broken marriage between Sarah and Richard. She confirmed that the ex-couple hadn't been living together since November 2023. Then came Annabelle's bold statement against Sarah.
"Hindi ko siya (Sarah) nakakausap. Wala akong time makipag-usap sa kanila. Nakikita mo naman, hindi mo na kailangang magsalita pa. Nakikita mo na yan. Si Richard trabaho nang trabaho, 'yung isa nagwawaldas ng pera. 'Yun lang ang masasabi ko diyan," Annabelle declared. Because of this, the term "waldasera" was coined and related to Sarah, which she eventually just laughed off.
Months later, Sarah was making her first acting comeback in 10 years with her teleserye, Nang Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa. In a March 1, 2024 interview uploaded by ABS-CBN News, Sarah confidently announced her single relationship status. Furthermore, she emphasized that they are co-parenting their kids, Zion and Kai.
"Yeah, I mean. there's nothing to hide. And I think it's pretty clear to the public na both of us...I think. Well, of course, it's not ideal for the children, let's go back to the kids. But that's life and that'll be fine. We're good at parenting and we have, you know, we are there for the kids. That's all I'm gonna say," she said.
YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ:
- LOL! Sarah Lahbati Reacts To A Hilarious Comment About Being A ‘Waldasera’
- Sarah Lahbati Reveals She's Not On Speaking Terms With Richard Gutierrez
- Richard Gutierrez And Barbie Imperial Spotted Together In Italy
- Sarah Lahbati, Richard Gutierrez Celebrate Kai's Birthday
This year, Sarah shared with the public how she has moved into her new home, attended global fashion events, and more. The girl was truly thriving on her own. Meanwhile, Richard is coming back with a new teleserye as well calle, Incognito.
July 2024: Maris Racal and Rico Blanco
Here's another shocker. Maris Racal and Rico Blanco's breakup shattered hearts as Maris announced it through a tearful interview.
"Rico and I are over. I'm scared because if I announce it, then it's real," Maris said as she cried in an interview session on Star Magic Spotlight. Maris and Rico publicized their relationship in 2021, but in her breakup announcement, she noted that they have been together for five years.
At the time, Maris emphasized that no "third party" caused their split. She expressed that there were some issues that she had to resolve herself that led to the end of their romance. "I told Rico about it. My problems, my issues sa buhay and he took it like a man. It was a very difficult talk. I love him so much. I love him and he loves me..." Maris broke into tears as she tried to elaborate more,
"It was very difficult but it was a very polite separation. Until the very end of our relationship, it was still full of love and full of understanding. Rico is one of a kind. If only I could skip through my 20s, you know. But I can't. I have to face it. I have to sit with my feelings and acknowledge my changes," she concluded.
Fast forward to November 2024, and Maris once again publicly acknowledged her breakup with Rico, addressing her alleged cheating controversy with love team partner Anthony Jennings (who is also part of this list—more on that later). In her interview, Maris clarified that she cheated on Rico only once, and stressed that she ended things with him completely before acknowledging her feelings and infatuation for Anthony.
August 2024: Kyline Alcantara and Mavy Legaspi
Kyline Alcantara and Mavy Legaspi's supposed breakup started way before August 2024, but it was only that month that Kyline directly addressed the issue.
Before anything else tho, it should be noted that the two never spelled out their romantic relationship outright. It was as if everyone could just read between the lines for the former Gen Z couple. A slight confirmation was disclosed by Kyline in a December 2021 vlog. There, she defined their connection as a "friendship na relationship."
"It's a yes! It's like friendship na relationship. Kung ano meron kami ngayon, it's really our own. The fact that he's always there even though ilang beses ko siya pinu-push away. Kung alam niyo lang, he's always there," Kyline expressed.
Months later, by October 2022, Mavy recalled the first time that he wanted to be more than friends with Kyline in an episode of their past vlog, MavLine on Me. (BTW, yes, the two became a love team called MavLine.) Mavy divulged that he felt like he was romantically falling for Kyline after gradually becoming close friends throughout the times they were working for GMA's Sunday noontime show, All Out Sundays.
Jumping forward to 2023...the IRL MavLine romance seemed to have dwindled for some reason—which the public never got to truly discover. But it was that time that cryptic posts from Mavy's mom, Carmina Villaroel (and also from Kyline's end) surfaced. The posts led the Internet to speculate about what went wrong for the young couple.
Amid everything, Kyline and Mavy remained mum on the reason for their fallout. On August 30, 2024, Kyline finally broke the silence surrounding their breakup. Still, the Sparkle actress didn't reveal any detail that would give the public an idea of why they parted ways.
Instead, Kyline expressed her desire to move on and to leave her past behind, charging it to experience. "In every relationship naman po that I have or had, whether it's professionally, friendly man, or romantic, I always try to learn something from it. Both the good and the bad experiences. Right now, I think we should move on from that experience. I will treasure that moment po kasi siyempre it makes me who I am today—or it made me who I am today with all that happened. I feel grateful that I experienced that po," Kyline proclaimed.
Now, Kyline is currently happily dating Kobe Paras while Mavy is enjoying his singlehood and focusing more on himself.
November 2024: Sue Ramirez and Javi Benitez
Low-key but steady—that was how the public perceived Sue Ramirez and Javi Benitez's relationship. After all, the former couple are in two different industries: Sue with showbiz, and Javi with politics. Although Javi also tried his luck in showbiz, he is currently serving as the Mayor of Victorias City in the province of Negros Occidental.
The romance between Sue and Javi began in 2019. It was only in 2020 when they confirmed their relationship (note: they never denied it tho!) And then, in 2021, Sue and Javi sat down for an interview tackling their relationship. The two talked about the reason for their love, to which Javi said, "Love is a choice." Sue agreed with him and elaborated, "Araw-araw, pipiliin mong mahalin yung tao. Kailangan kahit nakikita mo yung mali at nakikita mo yung pangit, pinipili mo pa rin siyang mahalin araw-araw."
Fast forward to November 2024, Javi confirmed they've been broken up for four months already. The 30-year-old politician emphasized that there were "no outside forces" that caused their separation. "I look back with so much gratitude for the smiles, the laughter, and all the little joys we shared. Sue is a beautiful soul, a gem in the entertainment world, a true talent who showed me that love can be both fierce and gentle," Javi wrote on Instagram.
Javi's breakup confirmation came after Sue was spotted allegedly kissing Dominic Roque in Siargao. Weeks later, Sue herself confirmed that she is getting to know Dom and that they are having a great time together.
December 2024: Anthony Jennings and Jam Villanueva
This one's a bit (a lot) messier than the breakups we've already mentioned above. Based on the turn of events, Anthony Jennings began and concluded 2024 with a bang. The 24-year-old actor rose to fame because of his comedic stints in the hit series, Can't Buy Me Love. The series also led to his love team with Maris Racal, MaThon. Earlier this year, Anthony was confirmed to have been balancing work and his love life, as he was in a relationship with non-showbiz GF, Jam Villanueva.
The year progressed with him and Maris working on several projects together, being cast on a film, and also a new TV series. However, before the year ended, Anthony and Maris were involved in a cheating controversy. On December 3, 2024, Jam posted her sentiments and alleged convo screenshots between Anthony and Maris via her Instagram Stories—and yes, everybody was tuned in.
It was the moment when Anthony and Jam's breakup was confirmed to the public. This came after months of speculations and a series of cryptic posts and reposts from Jam seemingly alluding to cheating. Days after Jam's IG Stories, Maris and Anthony released their respective statements addressing the controversy.
READ: Maris Racal Lost Her Makeup Endorsement Deal Amid Controversy
Maris told her side of the story. While she admitted to cheating on Rico once with Anthony early on, she stressed that she came out clean and called it quits with Rico first before actively sorting out her romantic feelings for her love team partner—who she says claimed that he was already single by then.
"He would tell all the people who were close to me that he was single. So, I was confident to act a certain way around him on the set. Because in the eyes of the people there, we were both single," Maris recalled in her interview. When Jam's cryptic posts surfaced, Maris asked Anthony to release a breakup statement numerous times.
Cut to today, when their so-called relationship was revealed in a bad light. All Anthony could say was, "Sa lahat ng mga nangyari noong nakaraang araw, sa lahat ng mga taong nasaktan ko, especially po si Maris at si Jam, humihingi po ako ng tawad sa dalawang babae. At sa lahat ng mga nadamay ko doon po. Yun lamang po, sorry po," the actor expressed in his 23-second apology.
We know the 2024 season comes to an end—and so did their relationships, but...
We believe it's imperative to note that no matter how interesting or riveting these celebrity couple breakups are—at the end of the day, they are humans who live through the most mundane things in this life: heartbreak and breakups. It just so happens that their chosen professions has them living it out under the spotlight.
In relationships, we all know that it always takes two to tango. But as mere spectators and viewers only of their interviews, IG Stories, posts, and whatnot, there's a limit as to what we can see and perceive about their relationships. We all know there's more than meets the eye. So, while we might find ourselves fixating on the gossip and the juicy details, being kind and responsible with our words is still a must!