Rhaila Tomakin denies involvement in Kobe-Kyline breakup

Rhaila is the woman seen holding hands with Kobe Paras in the viral photo.

Rhaila Tomakin faced the media after being named as the alleged reason behind the breakup of Kobe Paras and Kyline Alcantara.

She’s the woman seen holding hands with Kobe in a photo taken in Bali, Indonesia, which went viral during the last week of April.

As a result, she became the target of bashing and was accused of being the “third party” in the Kobe-Kyline breakup, which, according to PEP Troika’s source, happened in the first week of April.

In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) held at Same But Different Cafe in New Manila, Quezon City, on May 15, 2025, Rhaila was immediately asked about her true relationship status with the basketball player.

She began by saying:
“Kobe is such a great guy and a very good friend, but that’s about it.”

“Here’s the thing, I understand how people can easily misunderstand situations, and I don’t want to invalidate anyone’s feelings.

“As Filipinos, we have that so-called ‘three-month rule’ when it comes to dating after a breakup.”

Rhaila continued:
“It’s 2025, guys. We have same-day delivery now—it’s no longer international shipping.

“I don’t want to disrespect anyone by saying their feelings are invalid, but personally, I wasn’t trying to insert myself or hurt anyone.

“It was just a matter of being in the same place at the same time—we had a simple moment.”

She said people were quick to make speculations because the photo surfaced right after news of the Sparkle stars’ breakup came out.

But Rhaila clarified:
“It was a group trip. People are so funny—they thought it was like a honeymoon, but guys, it was a group trip.
We were all there together. It wasn’t just me and him.
It was so innocent, and people just twisted it.”

Kobe Paras is not Rhaila Tomakin’s type

Rhaila also emphasized that Kobe is not her type because she’s more attracted to older and more mature men.

“People would be surprised, but Kobe is not actually my usual type.
I’m not into basketball players. I’m not into sports people.
I’m into business people—I like a guy who can stimulate my mind.
I like a guy who knows how to be a man.
I don’t want to teach a man how to be a man—I want older guys.”

While Kobe, who is 27, fits the age range, she reiterated that they’re just friends.

“If you’re 25 and below, don’t message me—I will block you.
25 and above, please.
Yeah, I want maturity because I don’t want to cry myself to sleep anymore.
None of that—I’ve done it, I won’t do it again. I’m a long-term relationship person.
I’ve been in five relationships—each lasting a year, three years, one year, two years… all long-term.

“People call me a whore on the internet. But they’re tripping—I’m actually a relationship person.”

Rhaila Tomakin on online bashing

How’s her relationship with Kobe now?

“We’re still friends to this day. Honestly, when everything blew up, Kobe was such a great support system.
He helped me handle it. He said, ‘If you see anything, just block them right away,’ and I did.
He was very helpful in dealing with all the hate, because he knew I got dragged into this because of him.”

But it wasn’t just bashing she received from netizens—she also got death threats, not only directed at her but also at her family.

“It got really bad—to the point that even my family got death threats.
Me getting threats like, ‘I’m gonna stab you.’
They sent it through Messenger, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok—even emails.
They called me a whore.
I guess ‘whore’ is the worst one.
I mean, I wish I got paid—just kidding.”

She said she didn’t mind the name-calling, but it hurt when they dragged her family into it.

“I can take it—I don’t care.
But when they insulted my mom and my family—that’s what hurt the most.
They even messaged my family and friends.
They knew before I did, because I deleted most of my apps—I only reinstall them when I need to post content.
My friends sent me links like, ‘Whoa, this is big.’
There were moments when I was scared to come back to the Philippines, but I realized—I’m never gonna see those people anyway.”

Rhaila is currently based in Dubai, but she may be seen more in the Philippine music scene as she just signed a contract with O/C Records, owned by Kean Cipriano and Chynna Ortaleza.

She appeared very relaxed during the intimate press conference and seemed unaffected by the controversy.

“I just surrounded myself with people who make me feel good.
The world is already a negative place, so it’s important to surround yourself with people you can be your authentic self with.
By being authentically yourself, you allow space for every version of you, without feeling guilty about how you feel—because feelings pass.
Your feelings don’t define who you are. Be authentic to yourself.”

She also shared that her mom often sends her reminders through text.

“Like literally, I can show you her texts.
She always says: ‘Never badmouth anyone. Think before you speak. Be real. Bring out the natural you.’”