Relationship timeline of Kris Aquino and Mel Sarmiento
TV host-actress Kris Aquino dropped a surprise on October 24, 2021, when she revealed through Instagram that she is now engaged to ex-DILG secretary and former Congressman Mel Sarmiento.
The announcement seemingly came out of nowhere as Kris has been very quiet when it comes to her love life as of late.
However, months after the engagement, Kris deleted her Instagram photos with Mel that drew split up speculations between them.
On January 3, 2022, the first Monday of the year, Kris confirmed the breakup with her now ex-fiancé Mel via Instagram post.
To know more about their love story, here's the details about their courtship and short time romance.
"Happy birthday"
It was on August 11 when Kris first gave a hint that she was in a relationship.
“Thank you for coming into my life… Happy birthday!” posted Kris on Instagram.
“I thought long and hard whether to upload this, because I know what kind of speculation I'll be starting,” Kris wrote in the caption.
“But he really did come when my grief was unbearable; he continues to give me unselfish support and comfort; he's been around for all my ups and downs, health woes, and tears--plus Bimb likes him.
“Most of all, he makes me feel taken care of, secure, and safe.
“So he is deserving of this birthday greeting that all of you are now seeing (care bears na kung anong iisipin ninyo). Because for me he is #special.”
Bimby approves
On August 12, Kris posted a photo of her son Bimby holding a bouquet of pink flowers.
The flowers were given by that “special” person whom Kris greeted the other day.
“I have never been thanked this way for a 'birthday' post. Obviously he has Bimb's yes and I've always been vocal, when my sons are okay, then my world's okay, and because I want to keep it this way, whatever shall be happening will be only for us - my family, closest friends, and trusted team,” wrote Kris.
“Thank you for wanting me to be happy. This time I feel even Noy in heaven will finally approve. Siguro naman because we'd never have met had it not been for him.”
Noynoy
Kris's intriguing posts came more than a month after her brother, former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, passed away on June 24 due to renal disease, secondary to diabetes.
Mystery guy
Speculations abound on the identity of Kris's mystery guy.
Some surmised it was actor and former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista.
Others, meanwhile, guessed that it was Wowowin host Willie Revillame, whom Kris had become close with in the past months.
The name of Batangas Governor Mark Leviste also floated around. Rumors of romance between the two made noise after it was reported that Kris and Mark were spotted having dinner in a restaurant in Makati in February.
Mel Sarmiento
Kris didn't mention the name of her special someone in her posts.
However, the name of former congressman and cabinet member Mel Sarmiento often came up in the comments section.
It turned out that Mel was indeed the “special” person that Kris was alluding to in her posts.
In Kris's birthday greeting IG post for Mel, the former lawmaker slams a netizen who called the actress-host “narcissistic."
“Hiniram ko yung phone ni Kris. Ewan ko kung nakatrabaho kita sa DILG sa laki ng department mahirap maalalala ang lahat,” Mel commented in response to the basher.
“Wag naman masamain kung nag-greet nga sa 'kin, ba't naman napunta na sa malas? Eh, napasaya nga nya ko, kung tutuusin napaka suwerte ko. Kung nag sama nga tayo sa department na minahal ko, konting respeto naman sa amin ni Kris.”
In another post, a follower asked Kris about the real score between him and Mel.
“Nag-reply sya using my IG sa isang troll yesterday - so it's not really a secret,” Kris replied frankly.
DILG secretary
Mel served as the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) from 2015 to 2016, during the administration of Noynoy Aquino
Congressman
Mel was also a member of the House of Representatives from 2010 to 2015, representing the First District of Western Samar.
Engagement
Kris revealed her engagement with Mel by posting a video of them together on Sunday, October 24.
“To my best friend and the man I said yes to spending the rest of my life with, thank you for as Bimb said loving me for me, with no agenda, and for being just an overall good and patient man. It's unreal how much more calm and peaceful I feel now that you're here,” wrote Kris.
She added, “We agreed, what's personal shall remain private so hanggang dito lang ang pwede kong ma-share.
“Except I guess to say as much as I am proud to be an Aquino, looking forward na kong maging Sarmiento.”
Deleted Instagram posts
Split up speculations arise when Kris deleted her Instagram photos with Mel months after their engagement.
Health condition
Based on her Instagram post, Kris admitted that her health condition is really going bad and this is also the main reason she initiated the split with Mel.
She wrote, "My health has continued to deteriorate, and I will soon fly abroad for further diagnostic tests and if needed do all the tests and procedures needed to address my drastic weight loss (I now weigh 88 lbs/40 kilos) and if possible strengthen my immunity."
