And just like that, the engagement of actors Bea Alonzo and Dominique Roque is officially off. What a shocker and a scorcher, and just the second month of the year which also happens to be the time of romance, Cupid, chocolates, flowers and burning desires.

Those in the know, people closest to the former lovers and are credible sources of information, say that rumors about a prenuptial agreement and money matters as the culprit are simply incorrect.

Baseless, too was news of an April Tagaytay wedding. The matrimony was supposed to happen in Europe in the last quarter of this year.

Alonzo and Roque are said to be still communicating with each other. But that they continue to be mum at the moment is totally the prerogative of the (un)couple.

Boy Abunda served as the official spokesperson of the break-up, when he confirmed the development on his TV show. But people close to the ex-flames have also waded in.

Exhibit A: An illustration posted by Dominic's brother on his IG page with the intriguing caption "wolf in sheep's clothing."

The road manager of Alonzo, meanwhile, posted on her social media site the words "manipulative sad boi," which was seconded by her make-up artist: "They should be stopped."

Netizens are divided on the issue. Some says Bea carries more red flags – doubts, insecurities, trust issues.

Others believe that questions of economic stability, lack of projects and minor star stature are what make Roque ill-suited for Alonzo.

Time as ultimate truth-teller

It was Alonzo who once wrote that "time is the ultimate truth tellers". Yes, let us allow time to take its course. Truth always reveals itself anyway, and it does not care whether we can handle it or not.

Another truth is that it takes two to make or break a relationship. Both parties are at fault, that is why the relationship reaches its end.

In real life, passion and pain, sunshine and rain, ecstasy and agony, are all part and parcel of a relationship.

It is not all romance.  It is not all making love either. It is all about acceptance, compromise, commitment, honesty, vulnerability and making the damn thing work. 

Will Alonzo survive this? Yes. But, she must be never too careful with her heart and choices. She must take another chance. Be in love again.

Will Roque get through this break-up? Of course! Love will help him heal. Saying goodbye to romance must never be an option.

Why are we moved by yet another celebrity breakup? Because, once again, it shows us that there is no surefire formula on how to sustain a relationship. An engagement, even a marriage, is no guarantee of forever. 

There are no safety nets. There are no security measures. Love is always touch and go, sink and swim. Even the mightiest and most ardent of loves can lose their luster.