The 6th Village Pipol Choice Awards (VPCA) shines a spotlight on the stars who light up the Filipino entertainment scene. Celebrating the best in television, film, music, and digital content, the VP Choice Awards honors those who have captured the hearts and imaginations of the audience. With fan votes driving the recognition, the VPCA is not just about celebrating talent, but also the power of the people who champion their favorite stars.
This year, the VP Choice Awards also celebrates the brightest and most beloved love teams in Filipino entertainment, honoring those who have captured the hearts of fans with their undeniable chemistry and on-screen magic. From breakout partnerships to long-established fan favorites, the Love Team of the Year nominees have each left a lasting impression, shaping the landscape of romantic entertainment.
6th VP Choice Awards ‘Love Team of the Year’ Official Nominees:
JMFyang (JM Ibarra & Sofia “Fyang” Smith)
The fan-made pairing of ABS-CBN young stars JM Ibarra and Sofia “Fyang” Smith gained popularity during their time on Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11 (PBB Gen 11). Fyang, an influencer with a vibrant personality, won over audiences with her resilience and authenticity, while JM, known for his hardworking nature, formed strong bonds with fellow housemates. Their chemistry was evident throughout the show, leading fans to pair them as a love team. This connection extended beyond PBB, as they later starred in the music video for Regine Velasquez’s Wherever You Are and made a joint appearance at Barrio Fiesta Dubai 2025 alongside Morisette Amon and Darren Espanto.
After PBB, JM and Fyang continued to work together, attending high-profile events like the ABS-CBN Ball and further solidifying their status as a beloved on-screen pair. Fyang remains dedicated to building her career and securing a better future for her family, while JM has expressed admiration for her and hinted at the possibility of their bond growing deeper. In interviews, they have both acknowledged the significance of their relationship, with Fyang highlighting her moments with JM as some of her most memorable experiences in PBB. Their journey from housemates to an emerging love team reflects their personal growth and the genuine connection that continues to resonate with fans.
DonBelle (Donny Pangilinan & Belle Mariano)
Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, known as DonBelle, have emerged as one of the most successful love teams of their generation. Their pairing officially began with the hit youth-oriented series He’s Into Her (2021), which quickly became a social media sensation and the most-watched show on iWantTFC. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and ABS-CBN’s franchise shutdown, the series’ success set the stage for their rise in the entertainment industry. Following this, DonBelle starred in the primetime drama Can’t Buy Me Love, further solidifying their status as a sought-after on-screen duo.
They also took on new challenges with the Viu miniseries How to Spot a Red Flag and appeared in the ABS-CBN documentary Their Moment, which showcased their journey as a love team. With a dedicated fanbase known as Bubblies, DonBelle continues to enjoy commercial success across different platforms, showcasing their undeniable chemistry and expanding list of projects.
KDLex (KD Estrada & Alexa Ilacad)
KDLex, the well-loved love team of KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad, has garnered significant attention for their undeniable chemistry both on and off-screen. KD, a newcomer who first gained attention as a housemate on Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10, has impressed audiences with his multi-talented persona as an actor, singer, and songwriter. Alexa, who also appeared in Pinoy Big Brother, has been in the industry for a while, gaining recognition for her acting and singing skills. The duo’s connection has resonated deeply with fans, as they often express their strong bond, describing each other as best friends and more. Their shared experiences, such as participating in a virtual fan concert in 2022 and a concert titled “Add to Heart, KDLEX Concert” in 2024, have helped solidify their place as one of the most promising love teams in the industry.
KDLex’s fanbase has grown steadily, with fans showing immense support for both KD and Alexa’s individual projects and their work as a pair. Recently, they were featured in ABS-CBN’s Metro Talks, where they continued to showcase their chemistry and authenticity. They have also supported each other in their personal endeavors, as seen when KD attended TV Patrol to show his support for Alexa’s guest appearance. This genuine connection and constant support for one another have contributed to their success, making them a fan favorite and a dominant force in Filipino entertainment. With their upcoming projects and a growing fanbase, KDLex is poised to continue making waves in the industry.
KimPau (Kim Chiu & Paulo Avelino)
The beloved love team of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino has become a fan favorite in the Filipino entertainment industry due to their natural chemistry both on and off-screen. Their journey as a love team began with the psychological drama Linlang (2023), where they portrayed a couple dealing with a fractured marriage. While the series wasn’t initially centered on a romantic pairing, their undeniable connection quickly captured the audience’s attention. This led to their collaboration in the Filipino adaptation of the popular K-drama What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? (2024), further cementing their status as a captivating duo. Kim and Paulo’s ability to seamlessly transition from intense drama to lighthearted romance has made them one of the most exciting and versatile pairings in Philippine television.
Their latest project, My Love Will Make You Disappear, released in March 2025, is their first movie together. The romantic comedy has been well-received and showcases their strong on-screen chemistry, further solidifying their place as one of the top love teams in the industry.
MaThon (Maris Racal & Anthony Jennings)
MaThon has gained recognition for their strong on-screen chemistry, first showcased in their roles as Snoop and Irene in the popular ABS-CBN series Can’t Buy Me Love. Their characters, known as SnoRene, quickly became fan favorites, garnering a loyal following. Building on this success, Maris and Anthony have now taken on new challenges, most notably starring in their first leading movie together, Sosyal Climbers. In the film, they portray Ray and Jessa, a newlywed couple mistakenly believed to be new residents of a high-end neighborhood. The film has generated significant attention and helped solidify their place as a rising love team in Philippine entertainment.
In addition to Sosyal Climbers, MaThon has continued to expand their presence in the entertainment industry with their participation in the action series Incognito. The duo has also expressed excitement for future projects, eager to showcase new characters and stories that will resonate with their growing fanbase. Their fan club, MaThon Official, continues to support them on social media, demonstrating the lasting impact of their chemistry on both television and film. With their recent successes and upcoming projects, Maris and Anthony are establishing themselves as one of the most promising love teams in the industry.
JarLette (Jarren Garcia & Kolette Madelo)
JarLette gained popularity as housemates on PBB Gen 11. While not a traditional romantic pairing, Jarren and Kolette are adored by their fans for their genuine friendship and positive camaraderie. Their bond, characterized by their light-hearted interactions and support for each other, has resonated with audiences, making them a unique and beloved duo. Their popularity soared when they created the viral “JarLette” dance, which quickly became a sensation, with fans recreating the routine across social media. The fun and spontaneous nature of their dance encapsulated the essence of their on-screen dynamic, highlighting the joy and authenticity they bring to their fans.
Beyond their fame on PBB Gen 11, Kolette has shown that her aspirations extend beyond showbiz. She has expressed a desire to earn a college diploma and pursue a career in Marine Biology, remaining grounded despite her growing fame. Kolette also discovered her talent for songwriting during her time in the house, adding another creative layer to her identity. Their fanbase continues to support JarLette through dedicated pages like “JarLette Official” on Facebook, where they celebrate the duo’s journey together. With their strong bond and positive energy, JarLette is a love team that proves the power of friendship in connecting with audiences.
The 6th VP Choice Awards: Honoring Excellence, Elevating Pipol’s Choice
As the 6th VP Choice Awards continues to raise the bar for audience-driven recognition, this year’s celebration not only honors the nation’s top talent and most innovative brands but also shines a spotlight on the stories and partnerships that have captured the hearts of the Pipol—including the official Love Team of the Year nominees. With categories that reflect excellence and creativity, the event remains a testament to the power of public choice and the shared joy of celebrating those who inspire and entertain.
The Red Carpet and Awards Night is set for May 29, 2025, where the country’s biggest stars, brands, and industry leaders will gather for a night of glitz, glamour, and well-deserved recognition.
Produced by Red Entertainment, Inc. and Village Pipol Magazine, the 6th VP Choice Awards is co-presented by Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, with major sponsors including Variahealth, Fleek Beauty, and Hyaloo. Additional sponsors and collaborators include LA Chicks, Tooth Studio by John Crespo, Novel Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgicenter, Joey Peria Event and Floristry, Philgifts, Getmarqed Photography, Horizon Digital Management, and J Layson. The official Voting App Partner is Choicely, ensuring a seamless and transparent voting experience for the Pipol.
This prestigious event is proudly supported by media partners such as ABS-CBN News, Philstar Global, The Manila Times, Pilipino Mirror, BusinessWeek National, Mindanao Daily News, Blogapalooza, TNC, Klik.PH, CETV, Plus 63, TAP Mag, Vritimes, Light TV, Zoey Broadcasting Network, and A2Z.
For full voting mechanics and updates, visit https://vpchoiceawards.com/vote
Words by Abby Dela Cruz.
