When Ryan Bang, the beloved comedian and TV host of “It’s Showtime,” surprised fans by announcing he had a girlfriend, the mystery captivated social media. Now, the woman who captured his heart is stepping into the spotlight—and the story behind her quietly impressive life is nothing short of fascinating.

Ryan Bang, fiancée Paola Huyong reminisce on how their kilig love story started | ABS-CBN Entertainment

Meet Paola Grace Huyong: an unapologetically smart, active, and globe-trotting academic who’s turned heads not just for her connection to the megawatt talent that is Ryan Bang, but for her own impressive accomplishments. Far from the usual celebrity-beauty headlines, her story offers far more substance—one we’ve only just begun to appreciate.

Paola graduated from the prestigious Assumption College, then earned her MBA at the Asian Institute of Management, and later broadened her horizons at none other than Yale School of Management in 2020. That’s not a resume you see every day, especially in showbiz circles.

But she’s not all books and business strategies. Paola also sports a strong extracurricular streak—she was part of her college futsal varsity team, and has declared herself a passionate football fan. It’s one thing to be smart. It’s another to be physically agile, competitive, and team-oriented—traits that speak volumes about her character.

Then there’s the wanderlust. Her Instagram is sprinkled with photos from European trips, visits to concerts (she’s a Harry Styles fangirl, to be exact), and escape-worthy beach snapshots from places like Siargao, Coron, and Amanpulo. She’s not just living; she’s collecting life experiences—and doing so with gusto.

Their relationship first caught public attention in August 2023, when Ryan proudly announced to his “It’s Showtime” family that he had found love. Fans rejoiced as laughs were mixed with genuine emotion: Ryan told Vice Ganda, “Mommy, you’re the first to hear this,” all while wearing that unmistakable teary-eyed smile.

Fittingly, the next twist in their story arrived in June 2024, when they took their commitment a step further. Both families reportedly met for dinner, and shortly afterward, they got engaged.  Love, it seems, was building steadily on a foundation far deeper than social media spotlight.

Ryan Bang, girlfriend Paola Huyong now engaged | ABS-CBN Entertainment

What is most striking about Paola’s entry into the public eye is how effortlessly she bridges worlds: top-tier education and laid-back adventure; analytical mind and playful spirit; everyday passion and thoughtful reflection. She represents more than just “Ryan Bang’s girlfriend”—she’s a distinct, multi-faceted figure in her own right.

For fans of Ryan and those intrigued by narratives that challenge the surface, Paola’s story offers a unique blend of intellect, passion, love, and destiny. This isn’t about celebrity gossip—it’s the quiet revelation that sometimes, remarkable people inhabit unexpected spaces—and love blossoms when it least demands the spotlight.