The rumored romance between Kathryn Bernardo and Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala is an evolving story netizens have not gotten tired of hearing as it has become increasingly fascinating.

Of late, eagle-eyed netizens noticed that Alcala now follows Bernardo’s best friend, Arisse de Santos, on Instagram and vice versa.

And in an amusing turn of events, a resident of Lucena penned a lengthy open letter to Bernardo, trying to give a better glimpse of the public-shy young politician from the South.

“Dear Kathryn, I write this letter not as a politician, not as a fan, nor as someone caught in the tide of online noise, but as a proud Lucenahin. Someone who has seen Mayor Mark Alcala not just in the headlines or social media feeds, but on the ground: in our barangays, in our streets, in moments both big and small that define true public service,” the resident initially wrote.

‘Lately, there’s been a lot of chatter surrounding Mayor Mark, especially now that he’s being linked to you. And while we completely understand why your loved ones, especially your mom, Mommy Min, would be protective (as any caring mother should be), I hope this letter offers a glimpse into the man we Lucenahins have long known and deeply respected,” the letter-sender added.

Calling Alcala a “devoted and respectful son,” who “carries his father’s legacy with quiet strength, not with entitlement, but with tireless, consistent work,” he/she believes Alcala “doesn’t seek the spotlight, but you can feel the sincerity in everything he does.”

He/she then described Alcala as a brother and leader: “He uplifts others. He listens. He supports without judgment. To many of us here in Lucena, he is not just a public figure, he is kuya, someone who treats everyone equally, regardless of status. He leads not with ego, but with humility and patience.”

Describing Alcala further as a “kind, grounded and respectful” with “no airs, no arrogance,” he/she felt that the Lucena Mayor is “just a man who shows up for people, especially when it matters most.”

“So now that he’s being linked to you, Kathryn, many of us feel proud. Not just because you are a beloved and admired Filipina — our nation’s treasure — but because we know in our hearts that if there’s truth to these whispers, you are being connected to someone who treats people with deep respect, care and dignity,” the letter-sender wrote, adding that “this letter is not to fuel speculation nor to stir the pot, it’s simply to share who Mayor Mark really is, from the eyes of those who know him best: his people.”

Why Anji Salvacion prefers bad boys

Most women go for nice guys they can bring to Mama at any given time.

But Kapamilya star Anji Salvacion is not one of them as she finds non-linear, edgy and man of the world guys more attractive.

“In my personal experience, I think yes. There’s something about bad boys. They don’t know that they’re sexy. I find bad boys sexy,” Salvacion said when queried if she’s attracted to bad boys during the mediacon for The Four Bad Boys & Me.

“Kasi ‘yung mga good boys, they know that they’re cute. They know that they’re guwapo. ‘Yung bad boys, ‘di sila namamansin ng iba. ‘Yung gusto lang nila ang pinapansin nila (The bad boys, they don’t pay attention to others. They only pay attention if they like you),” she further explained.

In the movie adaptation of The Four Bad Boys & Me, which premieres on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel on 31 July, Salvacion plays a nerdy student who found herself entangled with four bad boys played by BGYO’s Gelo Rivera, Harvey Bautista, Dustine Mayores and River Joseph.