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Cristine Reyes and Gio Tingson's Engagement and Love Story

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<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779807474784704032243_18592009414025560_6986829913168943379_n.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo by @ianbuen</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>How poetic is it that, as an actress, <strong>Cristine Reyes</strong> gets to play out different kinds of love stories, and in real life, she is living out a kind of romance that even rivals cinematic narratives you often see onscreen?</p><p>It all started with an Instagram post, with accompanying <strong>Hong Kong</strong> couple vacation photos, simply captioned with: “Every timeline led here. Endgame unlocked.”</p><p>And just like that, Cristine shared a massive life update: her engagement to lawyer and former National Youth Commission (NYC) chair <strong>Gio Tingson</strong>. He also served as the Chief Political Officer of Senator Bam Aquino from 2016 to 2018 and was the chairperson of Akbayan Citizens Action Party until 2022.</p><p>In an exclusive interview with <strong>Metro.Style</strong>, the actress noted that while she decided to share the exciting news with the public this month, with Hong Kong as a scenic backdrop, the actual proposal took place in April, within the comfort of her home, with just her, Gio, and<strong> Amarah</strong>.</p><p>“We chose to keep it to ourselves first. So, <em>mga</em> after a week, we told first our family. And then after the immediate family, we told a few close friends,” Cristine shared, adding that they initially wanted to savor the beautiful moment privately.</p><p>Understanding that she’s a public figure who cannot easily hide a life milestone like an engagement, especially when fans ask to take pictures with her and her ring could easily be spotted, Cristine and Gio decided to eventually share the news. It was the better option rather than to allow sharp-eyed onlookers or fan photos to reveal an engagement ring and turn things into a “blind item.”</p><p>“So, <em>sabi namin</em>, <em>sige</em>, <em>i</em>-timing <em>na lang natin kapag</em> ready <em>na tayo</em>. <em>Kasi medyo alam mo naman kapag nag</em>-announce <em>ka na</em>, <em>medyo</em> overwhelming <em>siyempre</em> [because] there&#x27;s a flood of people [who would] message us. We also need to be prepared for that,” she explained.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779807732271every timeline led here. endgame unlocked. 💍•••📸 @ianbuen.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The quiet intimacy of a Sunday proposal </strong></div><p>It was a kind of love that felt like home. For a homebody like Cristine and for a private person like Gio, home was certainly the perfect setting for a promise of forever.</p><p>Cristine had a strong intuition that he would propose any time soon. It was just a regular Sunday at home, and they were preparing to go to church that day when it finally happened.</p><p>“But of course, as for the day [of the proposal] itself, <em>hindi ko naman din alam</em> [<em>kung kailan</em>]. So, the proposal was shocking <em>pa rin </em>for me. <em>Pagpasok niya</em>, <em>may dala-dala siyang</em> small paper bag and <em>naramdaman ko na</em>,” the actress began.</p><p>Recognizing the significance of the moment, Cristine quickly called for Amarah. “So I called my daughter Amarah, and<em> noong pumasok siya</em>, I told her, ‘Come take a video of this,’” she laughed, as she was already thinking of immortalizing the moment.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779808152332every timeline led here. endgame unlocked. 💍•••📸 @ianbuen (5).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Gio suddenly knelt and asked her to be his wife.</p><p>“Actually, <em>hindi ko na alam iyong mga</em> words <em>na sinabi niy</em>a. <em>Parang na-blanko na ako</em>. So<em> parang hindi ko na rin alam</em> if<em> ito na ba iyong </em>part <em>na mag</em>-yes <em>na ba ako</em>?<em></em> <em>Pero</em> in my head, <em>oo na</em>. <em>Oo na ako</em>. This is it. Then, <em>oo nga pala</em>, I have to answer. <em>Tumango lang ako,</em> and <em>ang higpit ng</em> hug <em>ni</em> Gio. <em>Hindi ako makahinga.</em> Both of us were crying. I did not expect also that it was going to be emotional. Amarah was like, ‘What’s happening?’ Then Gio said, ‘I’m asking your mom to be my wife. Are you okay with this?’ Tapos sabi ni Amarah, ‘Yeah. Slay, besties!’ while she was recording,” she smiled, clearly sentimental with how the moment unfolded.</p><p>Cristine showed Metro.Style her engagement ring, a classic ring featuring clean lines, a minimalist design that draws focus on the sparkling diamond at the center—the single stone that shines so brilliantly.</p><p>“I’m not a jewelry person, but it’s perfect because I have a super tiny hand. We had to resize it twice because I have a very small ring finger,” she smiled, adding that she would usually keep the ring in the vault these days since she tends to lose jewelry. The engagement ring is just too precious for her to lose.</p><p>Cristine also appreciated how the proposal was true to the dynamics and personalities that she and Gio have, saying, “Knowing me and Gio, we’re not really into something grand. It’s nice to have that, but we’re very low-key.”</p><p>For the actress, she was just waiting for him to pop the question to begin with. “Because I don’t have doubts <em>na</em> with Gio eh. To be honest, <em>ako nga iyong parang may</em> question <em>na</em>, &#x27;<em>Gusto ba niya akong makasama</em> to be a life partner?&#x27;” she candidly asked.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779809069026every timeline led here. endgame unlocked. 💍•••📸 @ianbuen (8).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>From ‘puppy love’ to true love</strong></div><p>Like a classic, well-written romantic movie, the love story of Cristine and Gio started with a “puppy love” trope. Think of a flashback when the two first met at a school fair. She was a student at Saint Bridget who got invited to the Ateneo Grade School fair, which Gio attended.</p><p>“I had a vision when I was young—the first time I met Gio—when he courted me back in the day. We were super young. I was 12 years old, and he&#x27;s 13. I got invited to go to the school fair at Ateneo. I went with my friends. <em>Tapos</em>, <em>nahila kami</em>, handcuffed, to the marriage booth, and he was there. That was where I met him. It was at the marriage booth. I was marrying someone else, but he was the priest,” she laughed as she fondly looked back at the memory.</p><p>Who would have thought that the boy he met at the Marriage Booth, ironically playing the role of the priest, would eventually ask for her hand in marriage?</p><p>“After the ceremony, <em>umalis na ako.</em> He looked for me around the campus in Ateneo and found out I was from St. Bridget. He went to my school and courted me. I think I was in Grade 6 and he was in Grade 7,” she shared.</p><p>It was an experience that never really left Cristine’s memory. After all, Gio was apparently so smitten.</p><p>“<em>Noong pagdating niya</em> [<em>sa</em> school], <em>nahihiya pa ako kasi</em> he was the first ever guy who courted me. That moment, until now,<em> hindi ko siya nakakalimutan</em>. Maybe because <em>siya ‘yung unang</em> guy<em> na nanligaw sa akin na parang</em> I felt like a princess. He’s <em>matangkad </em>and a gentleman. I had a vision <em>na parang</em> feeling <em>ko</em>, <em>ito ‘yung</em> guy for me,” she said, sounding coy.<em></em><br/></p><p>Though they would spend several hours talking on the phone together, she doesn’t really recall officially establishing a relationship with Gio.</p><p>However, her new beginnings as an actress back then put an end to that part of her young life.</p><p>“And then, you know, showbiz happened. <em>Napasok ako sa</em> showbiz. You know <em>naman</em> how showbiz life is. It’s very colorful. We were always connected <em>naman,</em> even though we never really tried to be in a relationship before,” she shared.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779853595229every timeline led here. endgame unlocked. 💍•••📸 @ianbuen (1).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Invisible strings met God’s timing</strong></div><p>Years passed with both of them experiencing the highs and lows of life, love, and career. They were simply two souls who briefly met and took two different paths. But fate had other plans.</p><p>The two briefly reconnected in 2022, right when the annulment of Cristine&#x27;s marriage to ex-husband Ali Khatibi was finalized, and Gio had just come from a long-term relationship. Even so, a common friend discouraged Cristine from meeting up with Gio back then so they could both sort out life stuff first.</p><p>Interestingly, 2022 also marked the end of the national election season. Cristine played her role as Senator Imee Marcos in a movie while Gio was supportive of the opposing political camp. They got in touch through a simple check-in message from Gio despite the tense political atmosphere. Even so, Cristine trusted Gio enough and felt a familiar sense of safety. His convictions in life are something that Cristine admires in her husband-to-be.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779854637447every timeline led here. endgame unlocked. 💍•••📸 @ianbuen (2).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>“Knowing our history, I trust him completely. Gio is a man of his word, has immense principle, integrity, and patriotism. Even when we were younger, he had a heart for the Philippines. I know his intentions are pure,” she said.</p><p>They crossed paths again in 2023, but while Gio was single already, she was in a relationship with actor Marco Gumabao that ultimately led to a breakup. </p><p>In 2025, after 26 years of “Will they or won’t they?”—Cristine and Gio finally found themselves together on their first official date. “We had lunch at a Japanese restaurant in Alabang, and <em>habang nagla</em>-lunch <em>kami</em>, we both realized <em>na</em> that was our first date ever,” she said, smiling.</p><p>Asked for the common traits they share that made them click, the actress was quick to respond: “We both value family—deeply. We also appreciate simple moments, and we like meaningful conversations. We like living with intention rather than constantly chasing noise because<em> masyado nang maingay ang mundo</em>. <em>Gusto namin simple lang</em>,” she remarked.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779855164514every timeline led here. endgame unlocked. 💍•••📸 @ianbuen (7).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Beyond ceremony, preparing for marriage</strong></div><p>Since getting engaged to Gio, Cristine was surprised to feel an unexpected feeling.</p><p>“This is the first time I felt <em>na</em> this time it is certain—certain that we are both stable. I&#x27;m stable emotionally and spiritually—I think, in all aspects. Gio, he’s more stable career-wise. He can really just do whatever. <em>Kahit saan mo ipasok si</em> Gio, <em>kaya niya e</em>. So, he&#x27;s also very stable in all aspects—in terms of emotional, spiritual, physical... I think we&#x27;re on that stage already to really think of your future as partners in life,” she said confidently.</p><p>The actress is looking forward to her marriage with Gio, grounded in reality and not just when it comes to bridal fantasies.</p><p>“I’m excited to build a home and a family with him. Ever since<em> bata pa ako</em>, <em>iyon talaga ang</em> dream <em>ko</em>. Feeling<em> namin mas importante</em> to prepare our home more than the wedding itself. After that, once it’s all settled, we’re going to plan the wedding,” she shared.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779855312995every timeline led here. endgame unlocked. 💍•••📸 @ianbuen (4).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Her daughter Amarah, now 11 years old and in her pre-teens, is also very much a part of the journey.</p><p>“It&#x27;s a constant conversation with Amarah. It&#x27;s not just a one-time conversation. I am constantly just reminding her, you know, <em>para</em> slowly she&#x27;ll absorb it. I&#x27;m guiding her every step <em>naman,</em> and I’ve introduced her to Gio&#x27;s family. We went to Japan together, and she bonded with <em>sa mga pamangkin ni</em> Gio. I told her that this is going to be our life already. I guide her; she’s okay, and she understands. There is no resistance. I’m happy that everything is light and smooth,” Cristine noted.</p><p>Having learned her fair share of lessons in life and love, Cristine expressed her thoughts about things that should be deemed important in a marriage.</p><p>“There’s love, but the commitment to each other is important. It should be 100%. <em>Kasi,</em> if you’re committed, everything follows. Respect and love should always be unconditional. I also learned that it should be peaceful. It’s not supposed to feel heavy and hard,” she concluded, her face filled with bright optimism and love.</p><p>Backed by a supportive, secure, and loving partner in Gio, who respects her career, Cristine looks forward to continuing her work as an actress. She has an upcoming horror film, a campy dramedy, and a highly confidential project, and she is stepping into them with absolute creative freedom and a happy heart. After all, few things inspire greater momentum than knowing someone is standing behind you and beside you, rooting for your rise.&quot;</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779855654023every timeline led here. endgame unlocked. 💍•••📸 @ianbuen (9).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">Photos by <strong>@ianbuen</strong></p>

<p>In her journey to finding true love, Cristine Reyes’ recent engagement shows that there’s room for second chances and that sometimes, real beats reel.</p>

In her journey to finding true love, Cristine Reyes’ recent engagement shows that there’s room for second chances and that sometimes, real beats reel.

Exclusive! Cristine Reyes and Gio Tingson's Engagement and Love Story—Straight From the Bride-to-Be

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Exclusive! Cristine Reyes and Gio Tingson's Engagement and Love Story—Straight From the Bride-to-Be

Grace Diez

Published May 27, 2026 12:55 PM PHT

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Updated May 27, 2026 02:33 PM PHT

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