Are James Yap and Ciara Sotto Dating? The Truth Behind the Buzz That Just Won’t Stop

Published: July 2025

INTRODUCTION

When two public figures are seen in the same room—especially at a high-profile event—the media spotlight doesn’t take long to follow. That’s exactly what happened when James Yap, basketball icon and San Juan City councilor, and Ciara Sotto, actress and daughter of a political-entertainment dynasty, were spotted sitting beside each other at a celebrity gathering in late 2022.

The interaction, captured in a few snapshots shared online, reignited rumors that the two may be romantically involved. Since then, the speculation has resurfaced again and again—often fueled by vague social media posts or tabloid headlines. Despite both parties addressing the issue years ago, the rumor lives on in the public imagination.

This article breaks down what really happened, who said what, and why the story of James and Ciara continues to stir curiosity.

THE ORIGIN OF THE RUMOR

In November 2022, a birthday party hosted by showbiz matriarch Annabelle Rama gathered several well-known personalities, including Ciara Sotto and James Yap. The pair happened to be seated next to each other, laughing and engaged in casual conversation.

Shortly after, a few guests at the party posted group photos on Instagram and Facebook, and eagle-eyed fans were quick to comment: “Bagay sila!” “Sila na ba?” “May something?” Those casual comments snowballed into gossip columns suggesting a budding romance.

From one angle, it was harmless speculation. From another, it was a misinterpretation that Ciara and James would later describe as “embarrassing” and “baseless.”

CIARA SPEAKS OUT: “I WAS SHOCKED!”

Ciara Sotto, best known as a former Eat Bulaga! co-host and daughter of actress Helen Gamboa and former Senate President Tito Sotto, didn’t expect a simple dinner seat to cause a tabloid storm.

In a press interview for her 2022 talk show M.O.M.S., she was asked directly if there was any truth to her rumored relationship with James Yap.

Her response was clear:

“I was shocked when people assumed something romantic. We just said hi and talked. That’s it.”

She added that she felt awkward even seeing her name in the headlines next to James Yap’s.

“Wala po talagang ganun. He’s happily married, and I’m focused on my son and career,” she clarified, setting the record straight.

HER ROMANTIC HISTORY: PAST STRUGGLES, PERSONAL HEALING

Ciara Sotto has always been open about her romantic life. She separated from her former husband, businessman Jojo Oconer, in 2016, and the marriage was later annulled. The breakup was painful and publicly discussed, especially because of her conservative family background.

In 2021, she also parted ways with Filipino-American boyfriend Ian Austin. Since then, she’s been single and focused on raising her son, Crixus.

She candidly shared that dating again was not easy:

“I have trauma. I’m very careful now when it comes to relationships,” she told media.

This vulnerability made many fans admire her strength in prioritizing self-worth and emotional healing.

JAMES YAP: A PUBLIC FIGURE AND FAMILY MAN

James Yap is no stranger to controversy or media attention, especially regarding his love life. A basketball superstar with multiple MVP awards under his belt, he’s also known for his past relationship with Kris Aquino, with whom he has a son, Bimby.

Since 2012, however, James has been in a long-term relationship with Italian businesswoman Michela Cazzola. The couple have two children together and have been seen frequently on vacation and at public events as a close-knit family.

Despite rumors that circulated in early 2023 about a possible separation, both James and Michela dispelled the gossip by posting photos of their trip to Italy with their kids.

James has not commented on the Ciara Sotto rumor directly, but sources close to him describe the story as “a complete fabrication.”

THE DYNAMICS OF CELEBRITY RUMORS

Why do rumors like this one persist, even when both parties deny them? In Filipino pop culture, celebrity romances spark massive fan interest. The media’s hunger for exclusive scoops often means innocent photos or quotes are turned into viral stories.

Sociologists call this “parasocial interaction”—where fans feel invested in celebrities’ lives as if they know them personally. This leads to speculation, “shipping,” and sometimes pressure on real people to explain things that never even happened.

In the case of James and Ciara, the combination of their star power, past public relationships, and a single photograph was enough to feed the online rumor mill for months.

MUTUAL RESPECT: WHAT THEY THINK OF EACH OTHER

Despite the rumors, both Ciara and James have spoken respectfully about one another when asked. While there is no record of any close friendship, both have moved in similar circles due to their showbiz and political connections.

Ciara, for her part, emphasized that she found James to be “friendly and polite” and hoped the public would stop pushing narratives that don’t reflect reality.

“We’re not even in touch regularly. That party was the last time I saw him,” she added.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS TODAY: SINGLE AND FOCUSED

As of mid-2025, Ciara Sotto remains single and is focused on her talk show projects, charity work, and raising her son. She has become more private over the years, preferring to keep her personal life out of the public eye unless there’s something meaningful to share.

James Yap, meanwhile, remains in public service as a San Juan City councilor and continues to be active in local basketball events. He occasionally shares family updates on social media, showing a peaceful and grounded life with Michela and their children.

PUBLIC REACTION: “Puwede Pero Wala”

Netizens have had mixed reactions to the speculation.

Some fans express support for the idea, saying the two “look good together.” Others dismiss it entirely.

“They’re both single-looking but clearly not interested in each other. Let them be,” said one user on Twitter (now X).

“James is taken. Ciara is healing. Stop forcing stories,” another added.

This shows that while there’s public interest, many fans also understand the importance of boundaries and privacy.

LESSON IN CELEBRITY CULTURE

The James Yap and Ciara Sotto story is less about scandal and more about the way media operates in the age of social sharing. A simple moment at a party became a national headline—not because it had substance, but because people were eager to connect dots that weren’t really there.

This incident reminds us that real-life relationships aren’t always public property, and sometimes, things are exactly as they appear: two acquaintances sharing a meal at a celebration.

CONCLUSION

So, are James Yap and Ciara Sotto dating?

No.
There is no evidence, no personal confirmation, and no relationship—romantic or otherwise—between the two. Both have made their positions clear, and the story likely only gained traction due to a single public encounter.

At the heart of this story is a familiar truth: people love a love story. But in this case, the love story was imagined—fueled more by photos and speculation than by fact.

Sometimes, we just have to let public figures live their lives without constant projection.

🔗 Related Reading (Links at End Only)

Ciara Sotto speaks up about James Yap rumor
James Yap and Michela Cazzola: Family Moments in Italy
Ciara Sotto on heartbreak, healing, and moving forward
Why celebrity dating rumors spread so easily