Bela Padilla has officially confirmed her breakup with Swiss-Italian boyfriend Norman Bay—and fans are buzzing with curiosity, especially with her upcoming reunion film with JC Santos.
In an exclusive chat with Bandera after the grand media conference for her comeback movie “100 Awit Para Kay Stella,” Bela didn’t hesitate to admit that her love life is currently on pause.
“Non-existent po,” she said with a laugh. “Right now, I’m just enjoying where I am.”
Pressed further, Bela confirmed,
“Yeah, we officially split. Amicably. Actually, he visited me just last month when we started filming ‘100 Awit.’ He dropped by the set in Pampanga.”
Despite the split, she stressed that they’re on good terms:
“We’re still friends. I told him he could still hang out with me, and he knows that when I’m there (in Europe), we can still catch up.”
JC and Bela: Round 2?
But here’s where things get even more intriguing: Bela is reuniting on-screen with JC Santos in the much-awaited sequel to their 2017 heartbreak hit “100 Tula Para Kay Stella.”
The sequel, “100 Awit Para Kay Stella,” premieres September 10 in cinemas nationwide.
Set 15 years after the original film, the story catches up with Stella (Bela), now an accomplished event organizer healing from an abusive relationship, and Fidel (JC), still battling his stutter and struggling with self-worth.
They cross paths again at an event featuring up-and-coming singer Clyde (played by Kyle Echarri), who performs a song about the “girl with black lipstick.” Stella, sensing something familiar, confronts Clyde—only to discover that Fidel is the ghostwriter behind the music.
One by one, she hears songs all written about her. Feelings resurface. But after all the pain, will they finally fight for each other?
From “Sunshine” to Storms
While fans are curious if there’s anything brewing off-cam between Bela and JC, the actress has stayed focused on the project—and herself.
“Bagama’t naka-move on na si Maris sa dating karelasyon ay feeling namin hinding-hindi niya malilimutan si Rico na minsan niyang naging Sunshine sa buhay.”
— As one fan commented online, echoing the sentiment many feel toward Bela and JC’s unresolved onscreen chemistry.
For now, Bela’s choosing peace, passion projects, and maybe—just maybe—some unfinished business with Fidel.
Will “Awit” hit just as hard as “Tula”? We’ll find out soon enough.
