BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Jake Cuenca, star of “The Iron Heart,” has admitted that Kapamilya actress Chie Filomeno, who has been linked to him, is the “TOTGA” or “The One That Got Away.”

It’s a colloquial expression often used to refer to a person with whom someone had a romantic connection or a potential relationship that didn’t work out for various reasons. The phrase implies a sense of regret or nostalgia for the missed opportunity or the person who, for one reason or another, is no longer part of one’s life.

During an interview with TV5 showbiz news reporter MJ Marfori, Jake revealed that Chie is indeed the TOTGA in his love life, saying, “In so many ways, she’s kinda like the one that got away [from me]… because we dated before. A long time ago…”

The two had been dating for a while before netizens noticed Jake’s frequent likes on Chie’s social media posts. “She was in Showtime already, she was already dancing in Showtime,” the actor mentioned during the noontime show “It’s Showtime.”

Chie was part of the controversial all-female group “GirlTrends” on the same noontime show. Their controversy stemmed from their trending non-synchronized dance steps and the apparent conflict between Chie and another member, Dawn Chang. Jake felt that he should have left the Star Magic Christmas Ball after paying his respects to ABS-CBN executives.

“I went up to her, I gathered the courage. It was during the Christmas Ball in Star Magic… Then I saw her, so I stayed,” Jake confessed.  He initially planned to leave the event immediately but decided to stay upon seeing Chie.

But when did Jake and Chie’s relationship start to be linked together?

It’s worth noting that recently, netizens brought up Chie’s comforting gesture towards Jake’s ex-girlfriend, Kylie Versoza, when she became emotional due to a probing question from Vice Ganda. This incident occurred while both Chie and Jake were guest judges on “Showtime Sexy Babe” of “It’s Showtime.”

As mentioned earlier, netizens noticed that Jake consistently liked and put fire emojis on Chie’s Instagram posts in March 2023. During those moments, Chie and Kapamilya actor-performer Kyle Echarri were being shipped as a love team, while Jake had become single again after his breakup with Kylie.

Therefore, with Jake’s continuous reactions to Chie, many began to wonder if the actor is starting to move on and seek someone new to court. It can be seen that Chie also started reacting to Jake’s posts as well. During the “Hot Summer LaHot Sexy 2023” event in May, Jake clarified the nature of his relationship with Chie.

“I’m admiring her. I guess I can say that,” Jake confessed. “She knew that I admire her. Before anything, it’s just, very casual.”

“We’ve known each other for a while and we’re enjoying each other’s company.” During a media conference for the film “A Very Good Girl” at ABS-CBN’s Studio 8 on August 23, Chie admitted that she and Jake Cuenca are in the dating stage already.

“We’re talking. Taking our time. You can say dating, of course, yes,” Chie confirmed. “‘Yung maganda kay Jake ay he knows where my heart is. Alam niya ang priority ko and hindi niya ako minamadali. Very gentleman siya and he respects my decisions. He’s willing to wait,” she added.

As a result of this revelation and confirmation, according to the report by “Fashion Pulis,” netizens have allegedly uncovered a video from the past showing Chie comforting Jake’s ex-girlfriend, Kylie. 

Chie and Kylie served as judges in the “Showtime Sexy Babe” segment of “It’s Showtime” in 2022, and Kylie became emotional due to her breakup with the actor.

In the mentioned video, the hosts, Vhong Navarro, Ogie Alcasid, and Vice Ganda, can be seen discussing an issue related to love. Vice suddenly shifted their attention to Kylie, and when the beauty queen-actress responded, she became emotional.

To provide comfort, Vice and fellow judges Chie and Ruffa Gutierrez came to the rescue. As of the moment, Chie has not made any public response towards Jake’s statement that she is his TOTGA. 

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Instagram (@Jake Cuenca)