Rumors of a romantic connection between Juliana Gomez and basketball player Ricci Rivero have intensified following a new sighting captured on social media.
TikTok Video Fuels Speculation
The latest spark came from a TikTok video posted by a netizen on January 8, 2026. The clip shows Gomez and Rivero exiting a gadget shop inside a mall, and they were clearly holding hands. This intimate moment, shared widely online, has sent fans and followers into a frenzy, adding substantial weight to the ongoing speculation about their relationship status.
A Pattern of Public Appearances
This mall sighting is not an isolated incident. The pair have been linked publicly on several previous occasions. They were first photographed together in November 2025, which initially set off the rumor mill. Furthermore, they were also seen last month during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, further solidifying their connection in the public eye.
Both individuals have had previous high-profile links. Juliana Gomez was previously connected to national athlete and fencer Miguel Bonnevie Bautista. Meanwhile, Ricci Rivero was earlier linked to beauty queen and Los Baños, Laguna councilor Leren Bautista.
Father's Hint Adds to the Narrative
Adding a layer of credibility to the rumors, Juliana's father, actor and politician Richard Gomez, recently addressed his daughter's personal life. In an interview on the talk show "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," he confirmed that his daughter is currently seeing someone. While he deliberately did not mention Rivero by name, his statement aligns perfectly with the timeline of public sightings and has been interpreted by many as an indirect confirmation.
The combination of visual evidence from the TikTok video, their multiple public appearances together, and the hint from a family member has created a compelling narrative. While neither Gomez nor Rivero has made an official joint statement, the court of public opinion and Philippine entertainment news circles are abuzz with the belief that a new celebrity couple has emerged.
