When actors are paired up to form love teams, the hope of the studio is that the pairings stick—and click—with fans. Take, for example, Guy and Pip, Vi and Doods or Sharon and Gabby; they don’t even need last names.
These days, actors are also “shipped” by fandoms. Shipping comes from the word relationship and is when fandoms try to pair two people together. Often their names are combined like Bennifer (Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez) and Brangelina (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie). Results, as proven by the latter, may vary.
For their first launch of the year and just in time for Valentine’s Day, Sparkle introduced three new love teams for its TikTok Kilig Series. The talent management arm of GMA produced a series of skits starring Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo, Marco Masa and Ashley Sarmiento, and Bryce Eusebio and Princess Aliyah. They will be released from Feb. 8 to Feb. 29 on Sparkle’s official TikTok account.
We asked the pairs about how they express their love to the people who matter, and what was the most lavish gift they’ve ever given.
Allen is the sentimental type and said he prefers sharing a meal and giving meaningful gifts. “I gave a Pandora bracelet with charms from Disneyland to Aki. Sobrang naturally s’ya kasi hilig talaga n’ya mga gift na may sentimental value,” he said. Allen and Sofia call each other “Aki.”
Allen Ansay (left) and Sofia Pablo
Sofia admitted to being more of the “experiences” type. “I like dining in different restaurants because I’m a foodie, and traveling to different countries every now and then!”
The most lavish gift she’s ever given was an iPhone 14 Pro Max to her mother. “She was happy and surprised because she wasn’t expecting I’d be able to purchase a new phone for her without her knowing,” Sofia said.
Best gift
Marco shows affection by checking up on his closest from time to time. “I ask how they are or tell them, ‘Ingat sa work,” or assure them that I’m just a call or text away if they need someone to talk to.”
Ashley Sarmiento (left) and Marco Masa
Ashley also makes time for the people who matter to her. “I give or make them gifts, write them letters on their birthday, and treat them to meals sometimes when I get my paycheck,” she said.
One New Year’s Eve, Ashley wrote letters for her entire family. “I think it was the best gift I’ve ever given because it made my sisters and mother feel loved and appreciated, and that’s what’s important to me when I give gifts to people I cherish.”
Bryce coyly said he gives jewelry. “Meron kasi akong best friend. Masaya ‘yung reaction nya nung binigay ko ‘yun sa kanya. Pinost pa nga n’ya ‘yun e.”
Princess Aliyah (left) and Bryce Eusebio —PHOTOS COURTESY OF GMA SPARKLE
Princess is a hugger. Her love language is physical touch. “Whenever I have time na kulitin sila or yakapin … I hug or kiss them.” She also gave her mother the latest iPhone after noticing that the one she was using was all banged up. “Nanghihinayang siya bumili ng bago kaya sabi ko, ako na nga lang. ‘Yung reaction naman ng mom ko, gusto niya ibalik, pero siyempre tinanggap niya rin and she thanked me.”