'Hindi tita, ate lang': Leren Bautista, Ricci Rivero dismiss age gap criticisms

MANILA, Philippines — Beauty queen-politician Leren Bautista and basketball player Ricci Rivero just laughed at comments about the age gap in their relationship.

Ricci and Leren appeared on the February 16 episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," which the host noted was the couple's first interview together on Philippine television.

The couple began the episode by discussing a recent trip to Siargao, Leren being the jealous one in the relationship, and how they first met during a feeding program last May.

Leren recently shared that there was no overlap between her and Ricci and him with ex-girlfriend Andrea Brillantes.

Ricci and Andrea confirmed their split last June. Ricci and Leren announced they were in a relationship four months later.

After exchanging Valentine's messages to finish the "Fast Talk" segment of the show, the couple talked about the possibility of being engaged and the love lessons they've learned from each another.

"Hindi niyo kailangan madaliin, hindi kailangan intentionally i-delay. Go with the flow pero andoon ang intent of getting to know each other more," Ricci said.

In connection to Ricci's response, Leren added, "It's more on how you communicate with each other kasi magkaibang tao [kayo]... and, of course, the choice to stick with your partner kahit anong mangyari."

Boy then brought up the public discourse of their five-year age difference, which Ricci immediately dismissed while Leren laughed it off.

"Natatawa lang ako minsan kasi 'pag sinasabi nila tita daw ako ni Ricci. Sinasabi ko, 'Hindi naman tita, ate lang,'" Leren chuckled, which Boy admired.

Ending on a serious note, Leren praised Ricci's maturity. Boy acknowledged that some people are quick to criticize any aspect of any relationship, especially between people in the public eye. — Video from GMA Network's YouTube channel

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