New love? Bela Padilla spotted with mystery man

Bela Padilla has sparked fresh romance rumors after she was spotted with an unidentified man six months after she said that there was “someone making her smile.”

A netizen posted photos of Padilla and the mystery man on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Aug. 17. In one photo, the actress was seen wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and carrying a dark green tote bag, while the man accompanying her wore a white collared shirt and held a bouquet of flowers.

In the other photo, the unidentified man was seen carrying Padilla’s bag and holding the actress by the waist. The netizen expressed happiness for Padilla and hoped that she has finally found the love she deserves.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I think, ‘what we see is what we get’ na. No need to make kulit… But I am genuinely happy for Bela Padilla,” the netizen wrote. “I silently hope na sana she finds the love na she deserves and sana rin eto na yun. We love you @bb_belaaa.”

The post also recalled meeting Padilla during an intimate solo media conference for her film “Blood vs. Duty,” describing the actress as “genuine and kind.”

Padilla responded to the post in the comments section, writing, “Your caption is so sweet!! Thank you [teary-eyed emoji].”

The actress’ response has fueled speculation about the identity of the man, although Padilla has yet to officially confirm that she is in a relationship.

Article continues after this advertisement

‘Somebody’ making her smile

Padilla earlier admitted that while she did not have a boyfriend at the time, there was someone who had been making her smile.

During her Feb. 25 appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Padilla was asked about a bouquet and a card she had received, which she shared on Instagram earlier that month.

Article continues after this advertisement

The card contained a romantic message that read in part: “Bela, loving you feels easy. Effortless in the best way. Like it fits. With you, everything feels warmer, quieter, more alive.”

“I don’t have a boyfriend but—I mean, there is somebody that’s been making me smile. Ayun na lang muna,” she told host Boy Abunda.

Padilla was previously in a long-term relationship with Swiss-Italian Norman Bay. The pair first met in 2017 while the actress was filming “Meet Me in St. Gallen” in Switzerland. They went public with their relationship in 2020. After nearly five years together, she confirmed their breakup in August 2025.

In October 2025, Padilla clarified that she and Bay had not rekindled their relationship after they were photographed together during her trip to Greece.

“No,” she replied when a netizen asked if they had gotten back together. Padilla explained that they were mature enough to spend time together without getting back into a relationship. /edv