Ara Mina Breaks Silence on Cristine Reyes’ New Romance: “As Long As She’s Happy, We’re Okay”

The entertainment world thrives on love stories—breakups, reconciliations, and budding romances that capture the imagination of fans. In the Philippines, few celebrity families have managed to remain as intriguing and relatable as the sisters Ara Mina and Cristine Reyes. Known for their strong personalities, thriving careers, and headline-grabbing personal lives, the two have often been in the public eye not only for their work in film and television but also for the men they choose to love.

Now, Cristine Reyes has once again found herself in the spotlight after news broke about her new romance with a man outside of showbiz. And what better way to gauge the truth of a love story than through the perspective of a trusted sister? In a recent interview, Ara Mina finally broke her silence, addressing the matter with warmth, humor, and a deep sense of familial loyalty.

A Sister’s Gentle Approval

When asked about Cristine’s new boyfriend, Ara Mina could not help but smile. In her own words: “Matagal ko nang kilala yun.” Roughly translated, it means: “I’ve known him for a long time.”

It turns out that Cristine’s new partner is not a stranger to the family at all. In fact, Ara revealed that he had long been a friend, someone who had been in their circle even before the romance blossomed. Her statement brought a sense of familiarity and reassurance to fans who had been buzzing with curiosity about Cristine’s love life since her split from actor Marco Gumabao earlier this year.

Ara’s approval was further emphasized when she added, “He’s okay, he’s fine, oo.” It was a simple yet powerful validation, signaling that there was no tension within the family regarding Cristine’s choice.

“As Long As She’s Happy”

The highlight of Ara’s response, however, came when she spoke about her role as a sister. She emphasized her unconditional support for Cristine, stating: “Basta sabi ko, ‘Nandito lang ako, basta happy ka, okay kami.’”

In English, this translates to: “I told her, I’m always here. As long as you’re happy, we’re okay.”

This short but heartfelt declaration reflected the bond between the sisters—one that has endured despite the complexities of fame, relationships, and family dynamics. Fans immediately noted the sincerity in Ara’s words, praising her for being a pillar of strength and encouragement for Cristine.

The Backdrop: Cristine’s Breakup and Rebound

To understand the weight of Ara’s comments, one must look back at Cristine Reyes’ recent relationship history. Earlier in April 2025, the actress reportedly ended her high-profile romance with Marco Gumabao, an actor and model. The breakup was a hot topic in entertainment news, as the two had been considered one of the more glamorous couples in the industry.

Just a few months later, in July 2025, Cristine surprised many when she was spotted in Vietnam with a man who was later identified as Gio Tiongson, a former Chairman of the National Youth Commission. The trip fueled speculation that Cristine had already moved on, igniting conversations across social media and entertainment platforms.

Although Cristine herself admitted she was dating someone new, she kept his identity under wraps. That discretion did little to stop the rumor mill, and soon, the name Gio Tiongson became closely linked with her.

Who Is Gio Tiongson?

While Cristine has remained careful about sharing details, the public curiosity about Gio Tiongson has only grown. Unlike Cristine’s previous partners, Gio does not belong to the entertainment industry. His professional background lies in governance and public service, having served as the Chairman of the National Youth Commission, a government body that deals with youth development and policy.

For many fans, this difference in career paths is refreshing. It suggests that Cristine might be searching for stability and a sense of normalcy outside the often turbulent world of showbiz. Ara Mina’s acknowledgment that Gio has long been a friend of Cristine further paints a picture of a relationship rooted in familiarity, trust, and shared history.

A Family’s Perspective

Family approval often plays a significant role in Filipino culture, particularly in matters of love and marriage. The fact that Ara Mina openly supports Cristine’s relationship sends a strong signal not just to fans but to the wider public who watch these celebrities’ lives like an ongoing teleserye.

Ara’s statement suggests there is harmony within the Reyes household and that Cristine’s relationship is not only accepted but welcomed. This matters greatly for Cristine, who has always been open about her closeness to her family, especially her daughter Amarah.

It also indicates that Gio’s integration into Cristine’s personal life is smoother than most might expect for someone dating a high-profile actress. The approval of a sibling as influential and protective as Ara Mina carries significant weight.

The Evolution of Cristine Reyes

Over the years, Cristine Reyes has evolved from being a daring starlet to a mature actress and mother. Her career has spanned across blockbuster films, teleseryes, and reality television, making her one of the most recognizable faces in Philippine entertainment.

Her personal life, however, has always been equally compelling to the public. From her earlier relationships to her marriage and eventual annulment, Cristine has consistently been a subject of fascination. Now, with her new romance, fans are once again invested in her journey—this time hoping that she has finally found stability and happiness.

Public Reaction

As soon as news of Ara Mina’s supportive statement broke, netizens quickly shared their thoughts online. Many expressed admiration for the sisterly bond, praising Ara for being a role model of unconditional love. Others focused on Cristine, wishing her well in her new relationship and hoping that Gio Tiongson could provide the kind of companionship and security that she deserves.

On platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, hashtags related to Cristine and Ara began trending, with fans posting side-by-side photos of the sisters along with supportive messages. Some even speculated that Cristine and Gio might soon go public more openly, given Ara’s casual acknowledgment of their relationship.

What Comes Next?

For now, Cristine Reyes has chosen to keep her romance relatively private, offering only glimpses of her happiness without revealing too much. This balance allows her to protect her personal life while still maintaining her visibility in showbiz.

As for Ara Mina, her public support ensures that Cristine’s new journey in love begins on a positive note. With the backing of her family, Cristine has the freedom to explore this new chapter without the added burden of controversy or disapproval.

Whether this relationship leads to a long-term commitment or simply adds another layer to Cristine’s vibrant life story, one thing is clear: she has her sister’s blessing, and for many Filipinos, that is the ultimate green light.

Conclusion

In the ever-watchful world of Philippine showbiz, love stories are rarely private. Yet, through all the speculation and rumors, what stands out most in this narrative is the bond of sisterhood. Ara Mina’s heartfelt words—“As long as you’re happy, we’re okay”—echo the kind of support many hope to find in their own families.

For Cristine Reyes, this means that her new romance with Gio Tiongson is not only a personal decision but one embraced by those who matter most. And for fans, it offers a fresh chapter in the actress’s journey—one that blends the glamour of celebrity with the grounding force of family love.

As the story continues to unfold, one thing is certain: in love, as in life, happiness remains the ultimate measure of success.