Romance spread across the Senate floor as Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian and his girlfriend Bianca Manalo, become the stars of a now-viral kiss photo.
On July 30, 2024, Secretary of Education Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara delivered a speech following the co-sponsorship of Senate Resolution 1094 by Senators Loren Legarda and Pia Cayetano.
The resolution was filed to express gratitude and commendation to Sonny for his "invaluable contributions to the Senate and to the nation as a Senator of the Republic of the Philippines."
As the 52-year-old lawyer spoke, the attention of onlookers was drawn to a moment unfolding behind him.
Win was seen bending down to share a quick smooch with Bianca, a scene that quickly captured the interest of netizens who eagerly shared screenshots of the broadcast.
Sonny, acknowledging the unexpected distraction, reposted one of the screenshots on Instagram.
"Madami palang na enganyo sa huling talumpati ko sa Senado — I was told I bring people together [emojis]," he captioned.
Read: Heart Evangelista, Mariel Padilla, Bianca Manalo join Malacañang-hosted fashion show
WIN AND BIANCA REACT TO THEIR VIRAL KISS PHOTO
Under Sonny's post, both Win and Bianca can't help but react to the humorous moment caught on camera.
Win commented, "Hahaha! Bagsak kami sa good manners and right conduct Mr. Secretary. [laughing with tears emoji]
"I didn't see the camera was focused to the back. [laughing with tears emoji]"
Sonny replied with, "Ayos Lang mr chairman! Madami Lang nainggit Sana all daw [laughing with tears emoji]"
Meanwhile, Bianca took to her own Instagram account to relate the backstory behind the captured kiss.
She wrote: "First time to visit @stgatchalian74 at the Senate floor today.
"They were saying their thank yous and goodbyes to Senator, now our DepEd Secretary @sonnyangara
"I had to leave already, because I have a play to watch at the GSIS theater, which is behind the Senate building. We kissed goodbye.
"We didn’t know we will be seen on the monitor while Secretary Sonny was having his goodbye speech. [emoji] (it’s the last photo) [emoji] iiiiiiiiiiiiiih [emoji]"
Sonny's playful comment under Bianca's post read: "Tamis tamis! [ants emoji]"
To which Bianca responded, "oh my gosh, sorry Secretary Sonny [emoji]"
Sonny reassured her with a lighthearted, "Haha don’t be!" and added the hashtag #ManaloWin, playfully naming the couple after their viral moment.
ON SHRUGGING OFF NEGATIVE COMMENTS FROM NETIZENS
Late last year, Win subtly addressed netizens who continue to pry into his relationship with Bianca.
This followed Bianca's involvement in a controversy regarding alleged infidelity by Rob Gomez, her co-star in the defunct GMA afternoon series Magandang Dilag.
On Instagram, December 26, 2023, the senator posted a photo of a whiskey glass with a caption directed at those who can't stop interfering.
His brief caption (published as is): "Cheers to the bashers, bitters, negas, and mariteses... Ang anghang ng chicharon."
In the comments section of the post, Bianca quickly responded with a laughing emoji.
Having complete trust in Bianca
Win's first public statement regarding the issue came on the morning of December 23, 2023.
He uploaded photos of Christmas gifts he received from his friends, Sonny and his wife, Tootsy Angara.
The gifts included two picture frames with sweet photos of Sherwin and Bianca.
In his caption, Sherwin declared his support for Bianca and labeled the rumors of a secret relationship between her and Rob as "fake news."
Sherwin’s full caption: “What a beautiful Christmas gift from @tootsyangra and @sonnyangra. @biancamanalo and I share the same values and principles in life. No fake news will divide us apart.”
He followed this up on December 25 by expressing his love for Bianca and affirming that he would remain by her side no matter what.
In his own words on Instagram: "Merry Christmas to everyone! To @biancamanalo, my 2023 Christmas gift to you - I will always be by your side."
Read: Bianca Manalo to boyfriend Senator Sherwin Gatchalian: "To my very hardworking senator, relax."
Bianca denies rumors about her and Rob
On Bianca's end, she issued her official statement on December 22, while vacationing with her family in Tokyo, Japan.
According to Bianca, her implicating conversations with Rob was edited to change the context and add malice to the messages.
Her post read: “Let me clear all the false rumors circulating on the internet. Rob Gomez and I are friends and co-workers.
"He was going to bring the Christmas gifts and I wanted to receive them early before I leave for the airport.
“It is upsetting that our conversations were exposed without my consent, which is a breach of privacy and the cause of so much online bashing.
“It is obvious that parts of our conversation were deleted to create malicious insinuations.
“To be honest, this unfounded accusation is hurting me and my loved ones.”
Bianca ended the statement with a plea to stop spreading false stories.
She urged, “Let this controversy end so I can enjoy the rest of my time in Japan with my family.
"Let us spread love and the truth this holiday season. Merry Christmas, everyone.”
READ MORE:
- Pagkakadawit ni Bianca Manalo sa isyu ni Rob Gomez, makaapekto kaya sa relasyon nila ni Sen. Win Gatchalian?
- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian with girlfriend Bianca Manalo in Vancouver: "Reunited and it feels so good...”
- Sherwin Gatchalian shrugs off “bashers, bitters, mariteses” amid Bianca Manalo-Rob Gomez issue
- Pagkalat ng private convo ni Rob Gomez kina Herlene Budol at Bianca Manalo, ibinibintang kay Shaila Rebortera