Kobe Paras Is Our First Cosmo Crush—And He's Showing Us His Game

Those who get it, get it: when it comes to crushes, we've got plenty. But they gotta pass the vibe check to make it to the hard launch—especially if it's as a Cosmo Crush. And this October, we're making this new series official. Every month, we get up close and personal with our faves who make us feel that spicy thrill and that girlhood kilig with their quick wit, dashing looks, and undeniable charm.

And who better to start with than Kobe Paras? He's been making moves—both on and off the court. We're hitting the ground running with the 27-year-old basketball player-slash-model-and-budding-actor. He's not new to being featured, either. During our quick interview, he reminisced that he was actually a Candy Cutie when he was younger! "But I was a baby pa—like 12 or 13," he shyly recalls.

He never left our radar, though. When he moved back home to the Philippines in 2018, he showed everyone his basketball prowess when he played in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) games as part of the University of the Philippines' Fighting Maroons. He's also represented the Philippines as part of the national team—and even won gold medals for his slam dunks.

These days, he's strutting down the runway during New York Fashion Week (alongside Kyline Alcantara, ofc *wink wink*). He's also starred in Miss Legends, an online miniseries for the game Mobile Legends (also with Kyline!).

He's already got quite the record. And if that's any indication, that makes him all the more perfect to be our number-one pick. ;)

Kobe Paras Is Cosmopolitan Philippines' Cosmo Crush For October 2024

So, how do you feel about being the first-ever Cosmo Crush?

Kobe: I feel honored that Cosmo actually chose me out of their whole list. So, it's a pleasure to represent Cosmo and be the first Cosmo Crush. 

How would you define a crush?

Kobe: Someone you have secretive feelings for.

Does it have to be a secret?

Kobe: I think that's what makes it exciting. Having that secrecy about it. Because you don't go up to someone na crush mo and you're like, 'Oh, you're my crush.' That's kind of like your own secret.

How do you act like when you have a crush?

Kobe: A bit shy. Torpe talaga. Especially if I like the person. It takes me a while to be myself or to stay calm.

Has it always been like that or has it changed for you throughout the years?

Kobe: I feel like it's been like that all my life because my parents were strict before. They would never let me go out. I was always in an all-boys school until college. So, I've always had that sense of shyness and not really aware how to communicate with the other sex.

Who was your first crush?

Kobe: My first crush? Probably Kylie Jenner. I remember watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians at a very young age.

Is she still your crush now?

Kobe: No, iba na crush ko. Local na yung crush ko.

Still a K, I think.

Kobe: Yeah, still a K. And a Y.

How do you react whenever someone tells you that they like you?

Kobe: Till this day, I still feel like, parang I question it. Ba't ako? Tao lang ako. It's cute. People feel that way. So, thank you na lang to my mom and dad for giving me their looks.

For you, what's important when you like someone—is it the looks or is it the personality?

Kobe: At first, you really get intrigued by the looks. So, it's really physical first. But when you get to know someone, that's where the feelings and those feelings come as well. Especially when you get to know the person better, it's a deeper connection.

For those who you feel like have a crush on you, is there something you want them to know about you?

Kobe: I'm just a human being. Just like everyone else. We wake up the same, we go to sleep the same. Use the toilet the same. Dress up the same, I hope. I'm just a human being. Just a regular dude.

PHOTOGRAPHER: JL Javier, assisted by Sean Olalo
ART DIRECTION: Ica Del Mundo
ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Ida Aldana
PRODUCED BY: Alyana Olivar, assisted by Cheska Santiago and Kate Sarmiento
STYLING: Alvin Navarro of Studio 24c
GROOMING: Emman Magpantay
HAIR: Christian Bojo
STORY: Ida Aldana
VIDEOS: Jino Del Mundo and Cherrie Julian
SOCIAL MEDIA: Aina Lizarondo, assisted by Keonna Atienza