Celebrity couples are everywhere—they date, go public, and sometimes, they break up. When they do, many assume it's just another publicity stunt. But the truth is, breakups hurt celebrities just as much as they do anyone else. Case in point: Mikee Quintos.
The Slay star publicly confirmed her breakup with now-ex-boyfriend Paul Salas. It was an emotional confirmation done during an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on April 1—and no, unfortunately, it wasn't an April Fool's joke.
"Opo, hiwalay na kami," Mikee said after a long pause following Tito Boy's direct inquiry about the status of her relationship with Paul. The two Kapuso stars had been dating for almost four years.
Mikee disclosed that it has only been a month since they mutually decided to go their separate ways. The reason? It wasn't because of a third party or anything. But she preferred that people would hear the reason from Paul himself.
"First wala pong third party. 'Yung bakit, I think it's better if you hear from him. Honestly, before today, pinag-iisipan kong mabuti kung magsasabi na ako sa public o hindi. Mahirap 'to for me. It's a big jump. 'Yung feelings ko, kino-kontra 'yung iniintindi ko sa brain ko, lahat," she said.
Mikee expressed how hard it is for her to still come to terms with the outcome of her relationship with Paul. She wasn't ready to bare it all, Mikee says. "Hindi naman sa ayaw kong i-share, pero, I think there's a right time for it. Pagdaanan ko nalang po muna. And then, eventually 'pag okay na ako—'pag okay na ako."
Despite her tearful admission, Mikee declares having no regrets at all. She has realized that they made the right decision and that fate will work its way around them if they're really meant for each other. "Ngayon nagiging clear nga na ito nga 'yung tama for us. Mutual naman na decision ito. Bata pa kami and sincere ito from the bottom of my heart. Pinanghahawakan ko lang ngayon 'yung faith ko...Kung kami, kami. I won't try to control things."
When asked if she fought for their love, she responded, "Oo naman. I think more than expected pa. Wala akong regrets."
Mikee Quintos and Paul Salas' relationship
It took a while before Mikee and Paul admitted their relationship to the public. In one of their earlier interviews, the couple shared how they discussed announcing their love life, given that Paul was a bit hesitant due to his past celebrity romance. He also previously dated Barbie Imperial.
While Mikee patiently waited for Paul to be comfortable with everyone knowing about their romance, Paul worked on himself. It was only in May 2022 that Paul admitted to dating Mikee.
"Medyo nagkaroon ng trauma talaga. In-admit ko sa kanya [Mikee] 'yun. Ang tagal ko na ring inamin sa sarili ko na nung naging kami na dun ko lang nakikita. Pero nakita ko 'yung worth ng relationship namin, dun ko nasabi na tatalon na ako para sa kanya," Paul said in a 2023 media conference.
ALSO READ: Mikee Quintos Admits Feeling Down Because Of Her Lack Of Projects
Later on, the two found the perfect balance between their love and their career. Paul recently starred in the series, Shining Inheritance. Mikee is currently top-billing the drama series, Slay, while also hosting a variety show called Lutong Bahay.
Sifting through Mikee's Instagram, we've noticed fewer photos with Paul already, except for one that led us to discover their upcoming movie. Yes, apparently, the two are set to star in their first-ever romantic comedy film together, Sweet As Chocolate. There has been no confirmed release date yet as of writing.
