Manila, Philippines — In a twist that has left fans both shocked and thrilled, rumors of a rekindled romance between LJ Reyes and Paulo Avelino have taken the entertainment world by storm. After years of separation, whispers of the two getting back together are growing louder — but is there truth behind the headlines?

Let’s dive into the full story behind this emotional rollercoaster, the cryptic clues, and what people close to the former couple are finally saying.

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The History: A Love That Once Burned Bright

LJ Reyes and Paulo Avelino first met on the set of their GMA-7 shows over a decade ago. Their chemistry quickly turned into a real-life romance, and soon, they welcomed a son, Ethan Akio, into the world. But despite the deep connection, the couple called it quits in 2013, citing career priorities and personal growth as the reasons behind the split.

For years, both moved on — LJ eventually entered a high-profile relationship with non-showbiz partner Paolo Contis, while Paulo remained low-key, focusing on his acting career.

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The Spark Reignites? Suspicious Moves Caught by Fans

Fast forward to 2025: eagle-eyed fans noticed a series of Instagram stories and low-key sightings that began to stir speculation.

A surprise dinner in New York, where LJ currently resides, allegedly included Paulo.

Matching Instagram filters and captions hinting at second chances and co-parenting happiness.

A photo of Paulo reportedly picking up Ethan Akio from school, triggering waves of nostalgia.

These subtle clues fueled fan theories that something more than co-parenting was blossoming again.

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Insider Sources Speak Out

A source close to LJ, who asked to remain anonymous, revealed:

“They’ve matured so much. Paulo never stopped being involved in Akio’s life, and lately, that bond just brought him and LJ closer again. It’s not official yet, but they’re talking.”

Another source from Paulo’s circle added:

“He’s very private now, but when he talks about LJ, there’s this softness in his voice. He respects her more than ever.”

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LJ Breaks Her Silence

In a recent interview with a U.S.-based Filipino podcast, LJ was asked directly about the rumors. Her answer?

“All I can say is, life has a funny way of bringing people back into your heart when the time is right. I’m happy — really happy — and so is my son.”

She didn’t confirm a relationship, but her glowing smile and cryptic words left little doubt: something is definitely blooming.

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Fans React: #LJandPauloIsBack Trends Online

As soon as the story gained traction, fans took to Twitter and TikTok with emotional reactions:

“Omg my heart can’t handle it — LJ and Paulo are endgame!!!”

“They deserve a second shot, now that they’ve both grown.”

“Akio’s dream come true — seeing his parents happy again.”

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The Bottom Line: Not Just a Love Story, But Redemption

Whether it’s co-parenting done right or a rekindled flame in full bloom, the story of LJ Reyes and Paulo Avelino shows that healing, maturity, and timing matter. Their journey wasn’t perfect — but it might just be real enough to survive the spotlight.

Will they finally confirm their reconciliation? Or are they keeping this love story for themselves?

Only time — and maybe another Instagram post — will tell

LJ Reyes on four-year relationship with Paulo Avelino: “I tried, I made an effort, I endured, I got tired.”
LJ Reyes says Paulo Avelino is a good father to their three-year-old son.
LJ Reyes is gradually becoming more open about the end of her four-year relationship with Paulo Avelino.

In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and several other members of the media with LJ on Tuesday, November 12, at Fleur de Lys restaurant, in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, the StarStruck alumna answered some questions about her and Paulo’s breakup.

Their union resulted in a son, Ethan Akio, who is now three years old.

Who does LJ think was the first to move on from her and Paulo?

The 25-year-old actress said, “I feel like, what happened to me, I tried, I made an effort, I endured, I got tired.

“So, you know, you tried everything. You tried to communicate.”

In a separate interview with PEP, Paulo said that he also tried to fix their relationship. What was LJ’s reaction to this?

He replied, “It’s like I tried and he tried, it’s like a different level.”

TIRED. In a previous interview with PEP, LJ said that she was also “tired” of her relationship with Paulo.

When did she feel that “tired”?

“I’ve been tired for a while, but I’m enduring,” she replied.

LJ also said that there was a broken trust. What did she mean by this?

“One of the trusts you gave him was that you would have a whole family.

“But, it’s not possible. That kind of thing.

“Then, that’s it, that’s all… I’m scared,” LJ stopped herself.

When they decided to break up, did LJ accept that?

She replied, “Yes, I’m okay with that.

“Because, at the time we broke up, I knew, I realized what should and shouldn’t be done. Things like that.

I can’t explain it well in words, maybe the words I’m using are wrong now.

“But, I know a lot of families who… good examples.

“And, it seems too far away.”

WHAT IF… In 2012, Paulo won Best Actor at the Gawad Urian, for his performance in the movie Ang Sayaw Ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa.

Many were intrigued as to why Paulo didn’t mention LJ and their child in his speech.

LJ clarified that he and Paulo were still together at the time.

But isn’t one of the reasons why they broke up because Paulo couldn’t be proud of her or even mention her?

LJ replied, “For me, the things I thought about, what I witnessed, the direct ones, the ones like that.

“How he is at home. How he is off-cam.”

Didn’t she feel bad when Paulo didn’t mention her name?

“Well, of course, you wish, I hope, he was more open. He was more proud.

“But since… just think about it, maybe there really is a plan.

“You just trust the people. You just trust him. So, okay, okay for now.

“But, of course, your wish…”

To make him proud too?

“Yes, of course, there is that. Especially the child, right?” LJ admitted.

If Paulo hadn’t moved to ABS-CBN, would they still be together until now?

Like LJ, Paulo is also a product of GMA’s reality-based artist search StarStruck. LJ is in Batch 2, while Paulo is in Batch 4.

LJ said, “I don’t want to think about what ifs anymore.

“Because, I gave my full trust in the decisions he will make, so, nothing, eh.”

How are Paulo’s family doing now?

“Okay,” LJ replied.

“Actually, his brother even invited me to his baby’s birthday.

“But, we don’t talk often.”

SUICIDE ATTEMPT. LJ was asked again about Paulo’s reported suicide attempt.

LJ insisted, “I don’t believe he could do that.

“Maybe that’s it. Maybe he didn’t do it.”

Did he ask Paulo about it?

“No, eh. Because he’s the type of person you can’t ask about something like that, and only on the phone, only in text.

“He said in the interview, no.

“But, we didn’t talk about anything else except Aki.”

Didn’t he worry about Paulo?

“Of course, he worried too.

“That’s my child’s father. What if my child loses his father!” he said laughing.

PAULO & KC. Paulo and KC Concepcion have both admitted that they are dating.

What was LJ’s reaction when she heard about this?

She replied, “I’m happy for him, if he and KC are really dating.

“That’s okay. As long as… as long as, it’s just Aki.

“As long as if he’s going to date, he’s serious about a woman, as long as he doesn’t abandon Aki.”

GOOD FATHER. When it comes to their son, even before that, LJ said that Paulo was a good father.

When Paulo moved to ABS-CBN, did he become more generous with his son?

LJ replied, “Even when he was at GMA, he didn’t hold back on what the child needed.

“As long as it was for the child.”

The good thing about their relationship, even though it’s only been three years, is that LJ already tells her what’s happening to her.

LJ said, “Actually, everything, everything that happens to me, especially important events, whether good or bad, I explain to her.

“Sometimes, Aki really touches me.

“When I told her, ‘Whatever happens, your daddy and I love you,’ she hugged me.

“I was so touched, I cried for Aki. She hugged me.

“I don’t know if she understood me, but she suddenly hugged me. Then, she kissed me.

“She’s not even three yet. Because, she just turned three in July.”

She added, “We’re so close.

“Because, I breastfed her. After all, we’re always together.

“I didn’t work after I gave birth.

“So, I’m really the one who takes care of her.

“But, she’s also close to Pau.”

Is there a chance her daughter is also looking for Paulo?

“Yes, because she also remembers Pau. She misses him too.

“But, she already has the concept that Daddy’s house is my house.

“His house is our house. When it’s Daddy’s house, it’s different.”

As far as LJ can remember, Aki has slept in Paulo’s condo unit two or three times.