Beauty queen Chelsea Manalo and Filipino-American basketball player-model Cole Micek are setting social media abuzz, with fans speculating that romance may be blossoming between the two.
Several viral videos and photos have fueled the dating rumors, including a now-popular TikTok clip showing Micek waiting nearby while Manalo took photos with a fan. After the interaction, he appeared to reach for her hand — a moment that sent netizens into a frenzy.
@econginamo_ Grave ka sa ganda Miss universe Asia @manalochelsea 🫠🫠 Sobrang bait pa at sweet 😇 #missuniverse #chelseamanalo #missuniverseasia2024 #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #foryoupage
In another TikTok video taken at Bonifacio Global City, the two were spotted together again, this time seemingly engrossed in something on Micek’s phone. Another photo showed them smiling warmly, with Micek’s arm casually resting on Manalo’s shoulder.
Their closeness didn’t go unnoticed, with one commenter gushing, “Hot people dating hot people.” Others were quick to ship the pair, although neither Manalo nor Micek had publicly confirmed their relationship — until now.
@louisyanaaaaa Spotted @colemicek and the gorgeous @manalochelsea at BGC. Such lovely people on Earth.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, the pair opened up about how they first met during a cover shoot for Glen Magazine in Los Angeles in December 2023. The shoot, which featured the two on the cover, was described by both as “very memorable and special.”
Since then, they’ve reunited multiple times, including during Micek’s visit to Manila as a judge for Miss Universe Philippines 2025, and more recently, in Cebu, where Manalo supported him during a basketball game for the Macau Black Bears.
When asked what drew him to the reigning Miss Universe Philippines, Micek said, “Super mabait siya… She’s just so sweet. Such a kind heart and soul. And obviously, beautiful inside and out. So yeah, definitely happy to meet her and get to know her now. Can I say… making ligaw?”
Manalo, for her part, confirmed they are “more than friends,” but emphasized the importance of keeping their connection private. “We’re definitely not keeping it a secret. But we want to keep it private,” she said. “We’re both still working on ourselves. What people see right now is what they see — for now.”
While in Cebu, Manalo also shared her excitement about supporting Micek’s game. “I’ve always been a fan of basketball,” she said, adding that she even played in high school.
Micek, who dreams of one day joining Gilas Pilipinas, has played basketball across the U.S. and Asia, and now plays professionally for the Macau Black Bears. “I’ll definitely be spending more time in the Philippines,” he said.
Following her successful reign, Manalo is taking a short breather from work while remaining active in the Miss Universe community. Most recently, she co-hosted the Mega Ball and is looking forward to future projects — with fans keeping a close eye on both her career and blossoming connection with Micek.
