Fans were quick to notice that content creators Mika Salamanca and Esnyr Ranollo had unfollowed actress-influencer Gela Alonte, the girlfriend of ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ alum River Joseph, on Instagram.
Screenshots circulated online showing the two no longer following Gela, sparking speculation that the move was linked to mounting backlash against her family’s ties to political dynasty.
“Na-call out kasi haha,” one kibitzer quipped. Another commented, “Alam nila binabantayan yung following at digital footprint ng mga ex-PBB collab.”
Some fans, however, reminded others not to read too much into social media actions: “Unfollowing someone doesn’t mean na hindi na friends yan, di natin alam off-cam.”
The development comes as Gela Alonte, daughter of Biñan City Mayor Angelo “Gel” Alonte and niece of former deputy speaker Marlyn “Len” Alonte-Naguiat, continues to face criticism over her viral remarks on political dynasties.
In a resurfaced TikTok clip from 2024, Gela laughed nervously when asked about her family background, saying, “Paano ba yan, nasa political dynasty yung pamilya ko… I mean, controversial.”
The video reignited online debate, with many accusing her of being dismissive of the struggles tied to entrenched political clans.
On July 28, 2025, Gela posted a lengthy statement on X (formerly Twitter), taking accountability for her past remarks.
“I know the clip from a year ago upset a lot of people, and I understand why. I shouldn’t have answered the question the way I did, or at all… That was my mistake and I take accountability for how I handled that moment,” she wrote.
She added that her nervous laughter had been misinterpreted as arrogance: “I didn’t laugh out of pride or arrogance, it was a nervous response to a question that I knew would be met with criticism no matter how I answered.”
Despite the backlash, Gela, who graduated with a degree in Life Sciences from Ateneo de Manila University in 2024, insisted she wants to build her own path outside of politics: “My decision to pursue medicine does not change my background, but I hope it shows that I am working toward my own path.”
For now, fans continue to monitor the digital moves of Gela’s celebrity circle — with Mika Salamanca and Esnyr Ranollo’s unfollows fueling further speculation about distancing.
As one netizen summed it up: “Isa kayo sa mga pinaglalaban niya tapos binabastos niyo lang. Sana in real life din may paninindigan, hindi lang sa social media.”
