It’s Showtime host Ryan Bang and fiancée Paola Huyong play their first game as an engaged couple Saturday, January 25 at the McKinley Hill Stadium in BGC. 

The match was for a celebrity showdown to hype up the upcoming 7’s Football League in April. 

Ryan and Paola suited up for Team Black. 

Before the game began, Bang told the story of how football was actually the beginning of their love story. 

It was during a friendly football game where the two first met in April 2023. 

“First time ko siya ma-meet sa football field. Totoo palang may slowmo,” Ryan shared.

“Parang lahat gumagalaw nang mabagal, hindi naman ako lasing noon,” he shared.  “Alam ko parang siya na.”

After the game, Bang posted a video of his assist to Paola’s goal which sparked their first online conversation. 

“Pinost ko (yung video) tapos sabi niya ‘wow can I have that video kasi it’s my fjrst time to have video na may score ako’ sabi niya,” Ryan said. 

“Sabi ko ayoko magsend sa'yo ng IG kasi malabo.”

So he asked for Paola’s mobile number instead. 

“Gusto ko malinaw, what’s your number? Send ko agad sa’yo sa iMessage or Telegram.”

Just after a year, the two were engaged. 

When asked about what they like about each other, Ryan said “maganda siya, mabait, matalino.”

For Paola, she said that what made her say 'yes' is Ryan being “super funny.”

“Life is already stressful so pick someone who can make you laugh,” she said. 

The couple will get married in 2026. 

“Maybe here (Philippines) or sa Korea, wala pa talagang plano eh,” said Bang. “Maybe here sa football field.”

Ryan began his football journey in elementary, while Paola played in college. 

“Thank you sa Assumption nag-play ka, kung hindi ka naglaro hindi tayo nagtabi ngayon! Single pa rin ako,” Ryan joked.