Karina Bautista (right) and her non-showbiz boyfriend. Image: Instagram/@karebautista_
Karina Bautista introduced her non-showbiz boyfriend, hockey coach Manny Billones, with whom she has been in a relationship for a year now.
Bautista opened up about their relationship during their interview in “Magandang Buhay” on Wednesday, Feb. 14, saying she and Billones recently went to the United States as their “early anniversary” trip.
Recalling how their love story began, Bautista said she was playing hockey at the time and Billones was her coach. Bautista was initially “annoyed” at him as he made her do heavy workout.
Billones, for his part, admitted that he was immediately attracted to Bautista but that he had no idea she was an actress. A couple of months later, he asked her out on a date.
“She’s so independent that I don’t have to always be with her because I’m busy as well. She’s really strong and she can take care of herself. But I’m always there if she needs me to,” said Billones.
Bautista then revealed receiving bashing from netizens who thought she was after his wealth. Despite this, the couple underscored that their love for each other outweighs the noise around them.
“May nagko-comment na I’m after his money and I’m after whoever is richer than him, pero I always remind him and alam naman niya na hindi ‘yon totoo,” she said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9m-sI3TnSKM
Prior to this, Bautista’s last known relationship was with her non-showbiz boyfriend of four years, with whom she broke up in 2019.
Bautista rose to fame after joining the reality show “Pinoy Big Brother” from 2018 to 2019. She has since become part of several projects including the ongoing TV series “Can’t Buy Me Love.”