Fans of rumored couple Daniel Padilla and Kaila Estrada were sent into a frenzy after a netizen claimed that the actor affectionately referred to Estrada as “mahal ko” during their recent getaway in Palawan.
The claim surfaced through a social media comment by netizen Mommy Sarah DC, who said the endearment was overheard by a friend of her sister while the two were reportedly in Palawan.
“So sweet… ‘Mahal ko’ ang tawagan nila,” she wrote in the comments section.
When asked if she personally witnessed the moment, Mommy Sarah DC clarified that it was relayed to her by a trusted source. “Not me sis. Yong friend ng sister ko po nakarinig na tinawag ni DJ si Kai ng mahal ko. Nasa city na daw sila, baka pauwi na sila ng Manila or stay pa sa Puerto,” she replied.
The report comes amid growing public sightings of Padilla, 30, and Estrada, 29, who have recently been spotted together on vacation in El Nido, Palawan. Photos and videos circulating online since January 20, 2026 showed the two happily posing with fans, strolling together, and dining at a local restaurant.
Spotted pic.twitter.com/07fT1tNHqe
— AltIndayBadiday (@AltIndayBadiday) January 23, 2026
One particular video that gained traction showed Padilla applying sunscreen on Estrada’s back, further fueling kilig among fans and reigniting speculation about the real status of their relationship.
Netizens also noted the timing of the Palawan trip, which coincided with the first anniversary of the airing of Incognito on January 20, 2025. The now-defunct Kapamilya action-drama series marked Padilla and Estrada’s first project together, with several of their characters’ missions—played by Padilla as Andres Malvar and Estrada as Max Alvero—shot in the same island destination.
Many fans believe it was during the production of ‘Incognito’ that the two grew close, eventually sparking rumors of a romantic relationship.
As of this writing, neither Padilla nor Estrada has publicly confirmed the nature of their relationship, leaving fans to rely on sightings, anecdotes, and affectionate moments that continue to surface online.
