Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Chelsea Manalo and Cole Mincek

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<p>Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo and Fil-Am basketball player and model Cole Micek first met in December in Los Angeles, California, for a photo shoot with Glen Magazine. The result? A stunning cover now out on newsstands — and all over social media.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLFAl8gyTBK/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A600232.3000000119%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="761" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Since then, sweet videos of the two have been circulating online, sparking curiosity about their chemistry.</p><p>On Friday, Manalo and Micek were spotted in Cebu. He was in town to play for the Macau Black Bears, while she came to support — and perhaps enjoy a quick getaway. </p><p>The two shared stories about their first meeting, their careers, and where they currently stand in their relationship.</p><p>“The cover shoot in L.A. was very memorable and special,” the two said in a phone interview with ABS-CBN News.</p><p>“We were super excited to shoot that cover for Glen back in December. And now that it’s finally out. So yeah e’re just excited to launch Glen Magazine with Mama J (Jonas Gaffud). We had a great launch party the other day — that was really fun, with R’Bonney (Gabriel) and everyone. It was awesome,” said Micek. “It was an honor to work with the queen.”</p><p>Manalo added, “It was really special, Miss Dyan. Actually the Glen photo shoot happened when I was in L.A. after Miss Universe. Mama J and Mark Mendez, who was working with us, introduced Glen. It&#x27;s a digital magazine that features lifestyle, entertainment, and sports. They didn’t want to focus solely on pageantry.”</p><p>Manalo and Micek first met during that shoot in L.A., and crossed paths again when he served as a judge for Miss Universe Philippines 2025 in Manila.</p><div><strong>Viral videos</strong></div><p>Asked what he likes about Manalo, Micek didn’t hesitate.</p><p>“Super mabait siya. That’s the first thing I realized when I met her — that she’s just so sweet. Such a kind heart and soul. And obviously, beautiful inside and out. So yeah, definitely happy to meet her and get to know her now. Can I say… making ligaw?&quot; he said.</p><p>On the viral videos showing their sweet moments, Manalo admits they are enjoying getting to know each other but would still appreciate some privacy.</p><p>“I’m always very open. I’m an open book. What people see in me, that’s who I am. So during this time, I want people to understand what they see online too. Because, of course, there have been videos. You saw it too, right, Ms. Dyan?&quot; she said.</p><p>&quot;I told Cole about it, and we agreed: we’re definitely not keeping it a secret. But… we want to keep it private. And I hope that sounds right for everyone. I hope they accept that we’re both still working on ourselves. We have our own work, our own jobs. And we’re starting everything very early. What people see right now is what they see — for now.”</p><p>Asked if they are more than friends, Manalo answered in the affirmative: “More than friends.”</p><div><strong>Gilas dreams</strong></div><p>While in Cebu, Manalo said she’s happy to support Micek in his basketball game, especially because she loves the sport herself. She’s also excited to explore the city.</p><p>“I’m here to support the game, of course. I’ve always been a fan of basketball. My cousin, my tito, introduced me to it. I even played basketball back in high school. And I’m also doing a little bit of work —maybe I can feature some places I go to here in Cebu,” she shared.</p><p>Micek, who has played basketball since he was a child, has big dreams of one day playing for Gilas Pilipinas. Born to a Filipina mother and American father, he has played professionally in the U.S. and Asia.</p><p>“I’ve been playing since I was a baby -- my dad was a coach. I played for Ateneo for almost two years, then went back to the States to finish college ball in Illinois. I’ve been playing pro since then — first in 3x3, trained with Team USA, and now I’m back in 5-on-5, playing in the Asian tournament for the Macau Black Bears. We’re currently 3–0 and getting ready for the playoffs,” he said.</p><p>“I’ll definitely be spending more time in the Philippines. My dream is to play for Gilas 3x3. So we’re working toward that. Maybe some modeling too. But I’m really based in L.A. — most of my work is there. Still, I’m trying to figure out a way to come back and forth more,” Micek added.</p><div><strong>Still busy</strong></div><p>Since crowning Ahtisa Manalo as her Miss Universe Philippines successor in May, Manalo has been taking a breather — but still keeping busy.</p><p>“I’m really taking some time off from work — as much as I can. I’m spending time with family and friends. I’m still working with Miss Universe, just waiting for the next trip or schedule. But for sure, everyone will know when something comes up,” she said.</p><p>Most recently, she hosted the Mega Ball.</p><p>&quot;I’m really glad I started hosting...I think that’s also why Glen featured us; we both went to Mega. It was a really great opportunity to spend time with people and friends. Hosting. it was unexpected, but I’m so glad I did it,” Manalo said..</p>

<p>Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo and Fil-Am athlete-model Cole Micek first met during a cover shoot in L.A. and have since sparked public interest. Now in Cebu, the two share more about sports, modeling, and the real deal between them.</p>

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo and Fil-Am athlete-model Cole Micek first met during a cover shoot in L.A. and have since sparked public interest. Now in Cebu, the two share more about sports, modeling, and the real deal between them.

More than friends: Chelsea Manalo, Cole Micek open up about budding relationship

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More than friends: Chelsea Manalo, Cole Micek open up about budding relationship

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 20, 2025 06:37 PM PHT

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Updated June 20, 2025 08:06 PM PHT

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Chelsea Manalo

Cole Micek

ABSnews

Miss Universe

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