Bela Padilla has found new love in tech CEO Martin Tan.
The couple confirmed their relationship in an interview with content creator Johnny K for his Meet Cute with Johnny K series while shopping at the Legazpi Sunday Market in Makati.
When asked if she and Martin were a couple, Bela replied, “Yes.”
Martin revealed that he met Bela through a common friend.
Bela also mentioned that they share a love for movies, which is a big plus for the actress, screenwriter, and director.
Martin also said that they've been together for eight months already.
The admission puts to rest speculation about Bela’s current love life.
Her previous relationship with Norman Bay, which lasted five years, ended in mid-2025.
Meanwhile, the revelation is expected to amp up interest in Martin, who, before being linked to Bela, was largely known only among business and tech enthusiasts who follow the latest trends, developments, and emerging players in the industry.
With that said, here are some things to know about Martin Tan.
STUDIED IN CALIFORNIA
Martin pursued his undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business in California, where he earned a degree in Finance, graduating magna cum laude.
During his time at the university, he was also recognized as an Accounting Department Scholar.
He went on to pursue graduate studies at Northwestern University in Illinois, where he obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA).
JOINING THE CORPORATE WORLD
Martin has built his professional career around finance, investments, and technology, with experience spanning banking and private equity.
He began his career at HSBC, where he worked as an analyst, before moving to Sierra Madre Private Equity as a senior investment executive.
His professional background also included stints at private equity firms Navis Capital Partners and Partners Group.
FOUNDING A MAKE-UP BRAND FOR GENTS
Interestingly, Martin’s pursuits have extended beyond finance and investments.
In 2017, he ventured into the men’s grooming and lifestyle space by founding Danzei Artillery.
The brand positioned itself as one of the few male-focused cosmetics and personal care labels in Southeast Asia.
Beyond selling grooming products, Danzei Artillery aimed to promote greater acceptance of men’s use of make-up and personal care products, while challenging the stereotypes traditionally associated with them.
Martin took the stage for a TED Talk years ago, where he spoke about his experience wearing make-up as a man.
Titled “I’m a Dude and I Wear Makeup,” the talk is available on YouTube.
"I wasn't really a boy-next-door in my first, second-year of college. I was really, really shy to approach girls. I didn't really go to the party, and I kept my hair long so people wouldn't see my face like Beast from Beauty and the Beast," he shared.
That changed when he began wearing make-up after discovering that it gave him a boost of confidence during a job interview.
"So I actually started using it every day, and I've been using it for six years,"
TECH ENTREPRENEUR
Martin co-founded Tenext.ai, an AI-native platform focused on training, upskilling, and evaluating call center and IT-BPM agents.
He is also the CEO of the company, which was known initially as Arbolo.ai when it launched in 2024.
"I’m focused on how AI solutions are increasingly tailored to meet specific market needs," said Martin.
"At Arbolo.ai, we’re the only company bringing AI-driven upskilling to call centers in the Philippines, which positions us uniquely to solve local challenges with global relevance.
"This approach isn’t just about technology; it’s about vision, creating impact where it matters most, and redefining what’s possible in workforce development."
MARTIN'S hobbies OUTSIDE TECH
In an online interview with BackScoop, Martin revealed that Moneyball, the 2011 sports biographical film starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill, is his favorite movie.
He cited the film’s themes of strategy and innovation, particularly its message about challenging the status quo in pursuit of something greater.
As for his favorite ice cream, Martin keeps it classic: vanilla, which he described as "classic, versatile, and never lets you down."