Jose Manalo is officially engaged to his longtime partner, former EB Babes member Mergene Maranan. The Eat Bulaga host surprised Maranan with a heartfelt proposal at a resort, a moment that Maranan shared on Instagram on Friday, Dec. 6.
A Romantic Proposal
In the video, Manalo serenaded Maranan with Yeng Constantino’s Ikaw as he walked toward a pool area adorned with romantic decor. A neon sign reading “Will you marry me?” lit up, prompting an emotional reaction from Maranan, who initially asked if the proposal was a joke.
Manalo then knelt and popped the question, to which Maranan tearfully said yes. “The easiest YES I’ve ever said,” she captioned her Instagram post, including the date of the proposal, Dec. 2, 2024.
Maranan also shared a close-up photo of her engagement ring in a separate post.
Private Yet Enduring Relationship
The couple has kept their relationship mostly private, though Maranan has been seen attending Eat Bulaga events with Manalo. They also share glimpses of their family life, including their children, on social media.
Manalo was previously married to Anna Lyn, who passed away in January 2022. He has four children with Anna Lyn: Benj, Myki, Ai, and Niccolo.
As Jose Manalo and Mergene Maranan prepare for this new chapter in their lives, fans and friends have expressed their excitement and support for the couple.