Sofia-Pablo_Allen-Ansay_ShotByEm Baun_GenZmag

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Love in Real Life: How Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay Are Growing Together, On-Screen and Off

May 19, 2025 @genzmagph

It’s difficult to fight real chemistry. When two people share a connection so genuine, so effortless, it naturally draws people in, whether they’re acting on-screen, posting a skit online, or simply sharing a laugh behind the scenes. That’s the kind of magic Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay bring—and that’s why Team Jolly (as their fans call them), continues to capture hearts across the country.

Their sweet blend of happy energy, feel-good charm, and undeniable kilig has made them fan favorites among today’s youth. From their viral TikTok moments to memorable roles on television, they’ve managed to spread joy when people needed it most, especially during the pandemic when the world felt uncertain and quiet. In those quiet days, Sofia and Allen brought light, laughter, and love, reminding fans that even in hard times, hope, comfort, and a little bit of kilig can make everything feel just a little better.

But like any real story, there’s more than meets the eye. Behind the smiles and sweet glances are young artists with dreams, challenges, and a desire to stay true, not just to each other, but to themselves.

‘I Want to Live a Life that I Know is Really Me’: Pablo on Staying True to Herself

With her sweet, angelic features and bright personality, Sofia Pablo has long been admired for her cheerful charm. She’s known for lighting up the screen, whether it’s through funny skits or dramatic acting. From her standout role in Luv Is: Caught in His Arms to her powerful portrayal in Prinsesa ng City Jail, she’s proven she’s more than just a bubbly face. She is a versatile actress with a heart.

“Actually, what people see is really me,” Sofia says with a smile. And while the internet may be a double-edged sword, she chooses to keep her inner world grounded. “I also get affected. The hate comments can be way too much. Tapos, parang wala akong chance to speak up for myself. Hindi ko maipagtanggol ang sarili ko, especially ‘pag sarado na ‘yong utak ng mga tao.” (Then, it’s like I don’t even have a chance to speak up for myself. I can’t defend myself—especially when people’s minds are already closed.)

But there are struggles that are better kept private. With all the expectations and pressure that come with life in the entertainment industry, she keeps her vulnerable side to protect her mental health and leans on her family and close friends when things get tough.

However, if there’s one thing that’s truly hard to contain, it’s the enormous potential Sofia Pablo holds in the entertainment industry. Beyond the adorable rom-coms and emotionally charged dramas she’s already known for, her performance in the horror special KMJS: Gabi ng Lagim revealed a completely different side of the teen sweetheart. She proved that she’s more than capable of diving into serious horror—delivering not just butterflies and giggles, but real suspense and spine-tingling thrills.

“It was very challenging, especially dahil fan ako ng horror. I think, so far, ‘yon ang pinakanahirapan ako dahil napaos talaga ako the day after,” (It was very challenging, especially because I’m a fan of horror. I think, so far, that was the most difficult one for me because I actually lost my voice the next day), she laughs, recalling how the role pushed her to the edge.

Her authenticity also translates to how she handles her social media. With millions of followers watching her every move, Sofia is always mindful of the influence she holds, especially with younger fans. “Sometimes, there are posts I want to put out there. But I know there’s a chance that some people might misinterpret them and take them the wrong way.” Even when it comes to TikTok trends, she draws the line if the lyrics or dance feel too suggestive, knowing that there are Gen Zs and kids as young as five years old following her.

“Even if I want to do it, I don’t do it because I don’t want to be a bad example for the youth.”

Having spent more than a decade in showbiz, Sofia began her career at a very young age. And like any journey, navigating through the twists and turns of showbiz wasn’t always smooth. But throughout it all, her radiant personality has always been her guiding light. She’s learned that the best things in life really do come to those who wait. “Patience lang talaga. May mga time sa work na mauubos ‘yong pasensya mo. Sasabog ka. Makaka-shout ka. Iiyak ka. Magbi-breakdown ka. But if you learn to wait, mauubos din ‘yong mga trials. Magiging worth it din ang lahat. Wait ka lang,” (It’s really just about patience. There are times at work when you feel like you’re about to lose it. You’ll explode. You’ll shout. You’ll cry. You’ll break down. But if you learn to wait, the trials will eventually pass. Everything will be worth it in the end. Just hang in there), she says with so much maturity far beyond her years.

Those are truly wise words from someone who has grown up under the spotlight while staying grounded and true to herself. Perhaps that’s the reason it’s so easy for her to radiate joy and gratitude. This is because what you see is exactly what you get. “There’s nothing wrong with being real. These days, a lot of people are overly conscious about themselves.” Many people live in fear of what others might say online, or worse, of being canceled. But Sofia has proven time and again that authenticity is her superpower.

“I don’t want to become an actress, achieve my dreams, and then lose myself in the process. I want to live a life that I know truly reflects who I am.”

Sure, there might be consequences to showing your true colors, but Sofia emphasized that the truth has a way of shining through in the end. As her career continues to blossom, especially now that she’s stepping into more romantic and emotionally complex roles alongside her love team partner, Allen Ansay, Sofia is still on a journey of self-discovery within the industry.

In the years ahead, she dreams of exploring a wider range of roles, landing her very own movie, buying her dream house, and building a restaurant for her beloved mom. And of course, understanding the importance of education, she’s determined to finish college—with Allen, no less. “Sabay kaming ga-graduate kasi gusto namin na sabay kaming mag-aral para classmates kami,” (We’re graduating together because we wanted to study at the same time and be classmates), she imparts, her face beaming with such a thought.

The strong bond she has nurtured with her love team partner, her career, her fans, and the people who support her reflects the kind of love and happiness that she continues to spread. Sofia is far more than just a cheerful, angelic face. She is the strength in adversity, joy in everyday victories, and a shining example of what it means to be both real and resilient. Whether in her roles on screen or in the life she’s building behind the scenes, one thing is certain: Sofia Pablo is only just getting started. And she’s doing it with a heart full of love, gratitude, and unshakable authenticity.

‘Adversity Fuels Growth: Allen Ansay on Finding Strength in Fears

If Sofia is the sunshine, Allen Ansay is the calm breeze—steady, genuine, and quietly inspiring. Since his breakout moment as the StarStruck Season 7 runner-up, Allen has worked hard to make a name for himself. From Prima Donnas to Raya Sirena, and now Prinsesa ng City Jail, he’s been consistently showing that he’s more than just a pretty face and the Jolly Boy that people know.

His chemistry with Sofia flows effortlessly, perhaps because, like the teen actress, Allen Ansay has always remained true to himself. “Ever since nag-start ako sa showbiz, pinapakita ko na talaga ‘yong totoong ako, since I joined StarStruck Season 7. Doon ko pinakita kung saan ako galing, saan ako lumaki.” (Ever since I started in showbiz, I’ve always shown my true self—starting from when I joined StarStruck Season 7. That’s where I showed where I came from and where I grew up.)

By opening up his life to the public, Allen has allowed people to see the real him, no filters, just honesty, authenticity, and a heart that shines through that charming smile. “Siguro ‘yong mga bagay na ginagawa namin sa family, ‘yon ang hindi namin pinapakita sa social media.” (Maybe the things we do as a family, those are what we choose not to show on social media.)

Maybe the things we do as a family—those are what we choose not to show on social media.

Since teaming up with Sofia during the pandemic, Allen has brought joy and kilig to countless fans, their chemistry undeniable and refreshingly natural. However, the young actor admits that their current project, Prinsesa ng City Jail, is a whole new challenge. Known for their sweet and light-hearted past series, both Allen and Sofia now face a more emotionally demanding narrative that tests their depth as actors.

“Nabigla ako. Mas matured compared sa mga ginagawa namin before. Like, ang bigat nung dala-dala,” (I was caught off guard. It was more mature compared to what we used to do before—like, the weight of it all was really heavy), Allen confesses. He felt the weight of the role and the pressure to deliver. “Nahirapan talaga ako. As in, na-pressure ako kasi hindi ako makaiyak. Hindi ako sanay sa ganun kabigat na eksena. Pero, ayon, Nakaya naman.” (It was really difficult for me. I felt so much pressure because I couldn’t cry. I wasn’t used to scenes that heavy. But in the end, I was able to pull through.)

And in that struggle, he found a deeper understanding of the craft. The fear, the anxiety, the pressure. He realized that these are all valid emotions. More importantly, they are necessary for growth. “Okay lang na matakot. Kumbaga, ‘yong takot na ‘yon, damhin mo ‘yon. Tanggapin mo. Kasi, ‘yon ang magpu-push para mag-grow ka, mas maging better ka as a person.” (It’s okay to be scared. That fear, feel it and embrace it. Because that’s what will push you to grow and become a better person.)

“I-accept mo ‘yong takot. Wag kang magpadala doon kasi ‘yon ang tutulong sa’yo na mas maging better ka pa sa isang bagay. Okay lang magkamali. Okay lang mag-fail. Kasi pag hindi mo sinukuan, maa-achieve mo ‘yong gusto mong marating.” (Accept the fear. Don’t let it control you because that’s what will help you become better at something. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to fail. Because if you don’t give up, you’ll eventually reach where you want to be.)

Coming from Bicol, Allen draws strength and clarity from his provincial upbringing. Growing up without social media or gaming consoles, he found joy in simplicity—lessons he hopes to carry with him and pass on to the family he dreams of building someday. It’s this grounding that helps him remain authentic despite the glitz of showbiz.

This genuine happiness radiates not only in his personal life but also in his career and growing love team with Sofia. There’s no need for pretense between them. Still, as they both aim to excel in their careers, Allen remains deeply grateful for every opportunity, even those that might take them on separate paths.

“Alam naman namin na ang loveteam, di talaga siya forever. So ngayon, very grateful talaga ako na binibigyan kami ng mga trabaho. Pero napag-uusapan din naming talaga na hindi nga siya forever. Pero kung maghiwalay man kami, we can support each other. Nag-grow kami together. Marami kaming natutunan sa isa’t isa.” (We know that a love team isn’t something that lasts forever. So right now, I’m just really grateful that we’re still being given projects together. But we also talk about the reality that it won’t always be like this. And if we do end up going our separate ways, we can still support each other. We’ve grown together and learned so much from one another.)

Like many rising stars, Allen dreams of becoming a leading man, taking on new roles, and being paired with other onscreen partners—just as Sofia may be too. “Kumbaga, successful na kami together pero hindi pa rin nawawala ‘yong care namin sa isa’t isa at ‘yong pinagsamahan namin.” (You could say we’ve already found success together, but we still care deeply for each other and value everything we’ve been through.)

The young actor is eager to explore more projects that showcase his acting range, particularly romantic comedies and films that give off K-drama vibes, the very genre that helped them gain so much love and support. “Kasi, doon din talaga kami nagkaroon ng maraming supporters.” (Because that’s really where we gained most of our supporters.)

More Than Kilig: The Heart of Team Jolly

In a country that embraces romance, where fans root for every sweet moment, love teams like Sofia and Allen hold a special place in people’s hearts. But what makes Team Jolly stand out is that their magic comes not just from what they do, but from who they are.

They’re two young people navigating showbiz with sincerity, kindness, and an honest desire to stay real. They know the spotlight can shine bright, but they also know how to walk in that light without losing themselves.

Their story reminds us that authenticity is still worth celebrating. That behind every viral video or trending hashtag, there are real people working hard, dreaming big, and choosing to stay grounded.

Team Jolly is not just the superficial fun and charm of young love. Sofia and Allen give us a glimpse of what life looks like if we live with joy, show kindness, and embrace growth. And this is why people love them so much. Because in a world full of filters, they are the real thing.