Kate Valdez, Fumiya Sankai reveal who fell in love first

Kate Valdez and Fumiya Sankai at the recent red carpet of Marian Rivera’s “Balota” | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista

Despite previously keeping mum about their real status, actress Kate Valdez and Japanese content creator Fumiya Sankai have now openly and happily discussed their relationship, revealing that the latter was the first one who said “I love you” between them.

The pair shared that they have known each other for five months now, two months as friends, and three months dating. Valdez said that she initially didn’t think Sankai would be her boyfriend. 

“I saw him as someone I want to keep as a very good friend. I don’t know if it’s toxic or what, but I have this belief that if someone is a friend, the relationship will last longer. So I don’t want to ruin that. But he’s the one to fall first,” the actress told reporters during the recent red carpet of Marian Rivera’s “Balota.”

Valdez shared that she realized she could reciprocate Sankai’s feelings when he explained to her why he liked her.

She said Sankai tried to explain before why he liked her, and she realized that maybe she was just closing herself too much after a failed relationship in the past.

“I don’t want anything bad. I want to keep good people, friends, that’s my focus. But then I said, ‘Ah okay, love ko na pala siya’ (Oh okay, I think I love him),” she stated.

The “Shining Inheritance” actress then revealed that between them she’s more the jealous type as Sankai respects her job as an actress.

Meanwhile, Sankai shared that the first time he said “I love you” to Valdez was not in Japanese words.

“I love you in English and Mahal Kita in Tagalog,” he said, adding that his first impression of Valdez was that she truly had the looks of a celebrity, but is a very kind person.

Right now, Valdez and Sankai are currently navigating through a semi-long-distance relationship, as the latter still lives in Japan and only returns to the Philippines once a month.

The duo first sparked dating rumors in August after they went on a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland for Valdez’s birthday celebration.