Andrea Brillantes rang in the holidays with warmth, celebration — and a subtle surprise that didn’t go unnoticed by her followers. In a year-end photo recap spanning Christmas gatherings and New Year festivities, the 22-year-old actress and entrepreneur slipped in a detail that quickly sparked conversation online: a candid photo of her embracing a young man identified as Franchesko Juan “Pankie” Capistrano.

The post itself was low-key, almost casual, but the context told a bigger story. Capistrano responded in the comments with three red heart emojis, while earlier, during the New Year’s Eve countdown in Bonifacio Global City, he had already shared a photo of the two together on his Instagram Story—set to a song that suggested more than friendship. A separate story later that night placed him with his family, hinting at a holiday spent between personal milestones.

As social media users began connecting the dots, more moments surfaced. Photos of Andrea with Capistrano’s family — posed in front of a Christmas tree, enjoying a pickleball outing — circulated quietly online. Even more telling, Andrea and Capistrano’s mother appeared together in a trending TikTok dance challenge, signaling a level of comfort and closeness that fans were quick to interpret as family approval.

So who is the man now drawing attention beyond Andrea’s inner circle?

Franchesko Juan V. Capistrano, known as “Pankie” to family and friends, turned 21 just weeks before the new year. Born on December 10, 2004, he is notably younger than Andrea — making him her first publicly linked partner younger than herself. He hails from Lucban, Quezon, a heritage town at the foot of Mount Banahaw known for its old houses, cool climate, and religious tourism.

Capistrano comes from the Valde and Capistrano families, both recognized locally for their entrepreneurial roots. He is the youngest of four siblings and is part of a family deeply tied to Lucban’s business and tourism scene, including Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel, a long-established destination envisioned by his grandfather, Filomeno D. Valde.

Beyond family background, Capistrano has carved out his own identity in sports and online spaces. He is a basketball player affiliated with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), with reported stints for teams such as the Enderun Titans and the San Juan Knights. His academic journey mirrors his athletic path, combining international exposure and local training. Records list previous studies at the University of California, Los Angeles and Jose Rizal University, with his current enrollment at Enderun Colleges, where he continues to play competitively while pursuing his degree, expected to be completed in 2028.

Capistrano is also an emerging internet personality, maintaining an active online presence that blends sports, lifestyle, and personal moments—now under sharper public focus following his association with one of the country’s most recognizable young stars.

Andrea, for her part, has been coming off a career-defining year. In 2025 alone, she expanded her portfolio beyond acting — fronting major brand campaigns, becoming the first Filipina ambassador of Guess and signing with MQuest Ventures. While she previously confirmed dating Sam Fernandez earlier in the year, she clarified at the time that they were not yet officially in a relationship.