Despite persistent criticism from detractors with conservative views, AJ Raval appears unfazed.
With the arrival of 2026, the former Vivamax star joined TikTok’s “I Wish I Met You Earlier” trend, which features throwback photos highlighting personal milestones.
Raval shared side-by-side childhood photos of herself at 7 and her partner, Aljur Abrenica, who was 17 at the time. Abrenica had already begun building his leading-man status then through action dramas on GMA Network, his home network.
Her caption was short and playful: “Ano’ng version n’yo ng partner mo?” She even joked about sharing a “spring chicken” version of the actor, saying she found his younger self cute.
Many netizens welcomed the post, noting the couple’s 10-year age gap and praising Raval for her openness about their relationship.
Still, others were less kind, accusing the actress of posting for attention and reviving old criticisms tied to her personal life.
For Raval, however, the message seemed simple: a lighthearted look back — and forward — with someone she cares about.
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It’s a good thing Chariz Solomon and Buboy Villar have their regular podcast, “Your Honor.”
Beyond sharpening their hosting skills, the show has become a space where the pair openly talk about their work and lingering industry concerns.
In a recent episode, they welcomed Dasuri Choi as a guest. All three share a similar issue: unsettled talent fees from their former program, “Tahanang Pinakamasaya,” produced by Tape Inc..
The show, which replaced “Eat Bulaga!” on GMA Network, went off the air on March 2, 2024. Since then, some former hosts have said their compensation remains pending.
Keeping things light but pointed, Solomon quipped, “Uy, 2026 na... baka naman, Tape.” Villar echoed the sentiment, adding that he simply wants to be paid for the work he has done: “I got my children’s mouths to feed.”
Choi nodded in agreement.
The episode ended with Solomon expressing hope for resolution this year — a reminder that, for many in the industry, patience is still part of the job.