In a revelation no one saw coming, PBA legend James Yap has finally opened up about his long-rumored connection with actress and singer Ciara Sotto—and what he admitted left fans and reporters utterly shocked.

“What we had… wasn’t just friendship,” James said during a surprise guesting on a primetime interview show. “It was real. And it meant a lot more than people ever knew.”

Those simple words sent shockwaves across Philippine showbiz. For years, speculation swirled about their closeness, with many brushing it off as just rumors. But now, James has confirmed what fans long suspected—something deeper did exist between him and Ciara.

Behind the Scenes: A Connection Hidden in Plain Sight

While the media had always focused on James Yap’s high-profile relationships—especially with Kris Aquino and their son Bimby—his link to Ciara Sotto had remained largely in the shadows.

But James revealed that he and Ciara developed a deep bond during a time when both were facing emotional turmoil in their personal lives.

“We leaned on each other,” he said. “We were each other’s peace when the world outside was chaotic.”

He didn’t go into specific dates, but fans now believe their closeness occurred during Ciara’s marital struggles and James’ breakup with Kris—a time when both were vulnerable, wounded, and in need of genuine connection.

“We Were Happy, But It Was Complicated…”

When asked if it was a full-blown relationship, James paused before answering:

“We had something beautiful… but it came at the wrong time. There were too many eyes, too much pressure. We were happy—but it was complicated.”

That line alone triggered a frenzy online, with fans dissecting every public appearance, Instagram post, and TV guesting where the two had even remotely interacted.

One netizen wrote:

“All this time I thought they were just close friends. Now it makes sense! That chemistry wasn’t fake!”

Ciara’s Side: “I Never Wanted to Hide the Truth”

Shortly after the interview aired, Ciara Sotto took to Instagram with a cryptic but emotional post:

“Some chapters are written in silence. Doesn’t mean they’re not real.”

The post garnered over 200,000 likes in a few hours, with thousands of supportive comments and shocked reactions.

Later, in a quick radio interview, Ciara gave her own brief confirmation:

“James was a big part of my healing. And I was his. That’s the truth.”

She neither denied nor exaggerated the relationship, but the look in her eyes and the tremble in her voice said it all.

Fans React: “Ciara Deserved Better” vs “Why Hide It?”

As expected, the revelation has divided the public.

Some were heartbroken:

“If only they had a chance to be together officially… they could have been beautiful.”
“Ciara stood by him quietly, and we never even noticed. She deserves all the love.”

Others were angry:

“Why hide something so real for so long? Were they ashamed?”
“Was this going on while James was still with Kris? Because that would change everything.”

Still, many praised them for speaking their truth, no matter how late.

The Cost of Silence: Why They Never Went Public

James admitted that fame, public expectations, and respect for their families were reasons they never officially became a couple.

“We had to choose between what we felt… and what was right at that time. And we chose peace.”

He also said he has no regrets, but he does wish he had handled things differently.

“If I could go back, I’d be braver. I’d speak sooner. Maybe we’d have had a chance.”

Those words struck a chord with fans, many of whom now see the past through a whole new lens.

Where They Stand Now: Still Close, But No Longer “Us”

James clarified that while he and Ciara remain friends and supportive of one another, they have both moved on with their lives.

“We’re in a good place. There’s no bitterness. Only gratitude.”

Ciara echoed this sentiment:

“Some love stories don’t end with a wedding. But they’re love stories just the same.”

What’s Next?

With the truth out in the open, fans are hoping for more clarity—or even a reunion. But both James and Ciara made it clear: this was not about reigniting anything, but about finally being honest with the people who supported them.

“This isn’t about drama,” James ended. “It’s about closure. And truth.”