Rumours Swirl as Ricci Rivero and Juliana Gomez Spotted Together

Speculation about a romantic relationship between basketball player Ricci Rivero and Juliana Gomez, the daughter of actor and politician Richard Gomez, has intensified following sightings of the pair in Ormoc City and a revealing interview with Gomez. As both personalities represent prominent families in the Philippines, fans are eager to uncover the truth behind the whispers of their potential romance.

Recent photographs have emerged showing Rivero and Gomez together at a local café in Ormoc City. In one image, the two appear relaxed and comfortable, with Juliana sporting a subtle smile as she rests her head on her hand, while Ricci leans in closely, gazing at her. This scene has led many to believe that the two are developing a deeper connection.

Their public appearances continued to fuel the speculation, particularly during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Rivero was seen cheering for Gomez during her fencing matches, drawing attention as he was not part of the official Philippine basketball team. His presence at the games seemed more personal than professional, suggesting he was there to support the 25-year-old athlete.

The intrigue heightened after Richard Gomez’s comments on the talk show Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on 24 November 2025. He hinted at a new romantic interest in Juliana’s life, saying, “Meron nanliligaw ngayon,” which translates to “Someone is courting [her] now.” He mentioned that she had recently ended a previous relationship with fencer Miggy Bautista, setting the stage for a new chapter.

Richard recounted a family dinner where he met Juliana’s suitor, further fueling speculation about Rivero. He emphasized the importance of setting appropriate boundaries for his daughter while encouraging her happiness. “Just be happy lang and alam mo naman yung limitations mo,” he advised, underscoring his supportive yet protective role as a father.

Both Rivero and Gomez are currently single, having recently ended their respective relationships. Rivero’s amicable separation from former beauty queen and councilor Leren Bautista occurred over a year ago, while Juliana is also navigating a new beginning after her recent breakup. Observers have noted that Rivero fits the “tall, dark, and handsome” archetype reminiscent of Richard Gomez’s own past as a matinee idol, adding a layer of intrigue to the potential pairing.

As of now, neither Ricci Rivero nor Juliana Gomez has confirmed the status of their relationship. However, the combination of intimate café outings and international sporting events suggests that the two young stars are enjoying each other’s company, sparking excitement among fans eager to see how their connection unfolds.