From “couple” bracelets to shared trips in La Union, eagle-eyed netizens piece together clues as the Nation’s Girl Group member and the OPM rockstar spark romance rumors.
Are Nation’s Girl Group member Maloi Ricalde and acclaimed singer-songwriter Zild Benitez quietly brewing a romance?
Netizens with keen eyes suspect a deeper connection between the two, and since their public confirmation of friendship in early 2025, the internet has been meticulously piecing together clues.
The La Union connection: Motel Mambo
Speculation reignited when music icon Rico Blanco expanded his entrepreneurial ventures with the opening of Motel Mambo, a boutique beach hotel along MacArthur Highway in Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union.
Among the invited guests at the soft opening were Maloi and Zild. Their presence at the same intimate getaway immediately caught the attention of fans, who noted their easy chemistry in group photos and social media posts.
This wasn’t the first time Maloi found herself at the center of relationship rumors. She was previously linked to Rico Blanco after she appeared in photos he uploaded, shortly following his highly publicized breakup with actress Maris Racal.
The buzz quickly gained traction online, prompting Maloi to firmly shut down the speculation. She clarified that she and Blanco were simply friends, calling the reports fake news.
From Rico Blanco to Zild: the shift in focus
After that clarification, netizens shifted their focus this time toward Zild. Fans began speculating that one of Maloi’s newly formed friendships might be evolving into something deeper, with Zild emerging as the most talked-about name.
Theories intensified after the pair were spotted together during trips to La Union and Baguio, often accompanied by mutual friends but consistently within the same circle.
One of their most notable public appearances was during the “Liwanag Sa Dilim” premiere night in March 2025, where Maloi and Zild showed their support for Rico Blanco.
While they didn’t walk the red carpet together, fans couldn’t help but notice their closeness throughout the evening, adding fuel to the already burning speculation.
The Fan Divide: “Blooms” vs. OPM fans
The rumored relationship has met a mixed reception online. Some fans point to Zild’s past relationship with artist Suyen as a source of contention, while others defend the duo, noting that both are consenting adults.
What we know so far:
- Instagram Stories: Zild is a frequent guest in Maloi’s “soft launch” style IG stories.
- Gig Sightings: Maloi has been spotted watching Zild’s solo performances and IV Of Spades-related events.
- Halloween Clue: In late 2025, fans were enthralled when the two appeared to “cosplay” as each other for Halloween, a move that many interpreted as a subtle confirmation.
The quietest “open secret”?
As of now, neither Maloi nor Zild has addressed the rumors directly. Whether this is simply a solid friendship rooted in shared artistry or the early chapters of something more, one thing is certain: fans are watching closely, waiting for the next clue.
Fans began speculating that one of Maloi’s newly formed friendships might be evolving into something deeper, with Zild emerging as the most talked-about name.
READ:
Cryptic posts and Vietnam trips spark buzz around Skusta Clee and BINI’s Jhoanna
Kiko Escuadro
January 5, 2026
SOLD AWT after 1 hour: Sexbomb Girls’ “Get Get Aw! RAWnd 3” reunion concert breaks record
Kiko Escuadro
January 6, 2026
BINI’s Aiah Arceta lends a helping hand to Typhoon Tino victims in Cebu
Kiko Escuadro
November 10, 2025
