MANILA, Philippines – The fervor surrounding the popular celebrity pairing of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, affectionately dubbed “Kimpaw” by their massive fanbase, has reached a fever pitch, driven by professional successes and personal developments. However, this excitement is tempered by serious concerns over security and the perceived lack of support from their home management.
I. Safety Concerns and Management Scrutiny
A major point of discussion among fans and commentators is the recent and concerning death threat directed at Kim Chiu. Commentator Loing Bautista expressed the gravity of the situation, stating that the threat, regardless of whether it was intended as a joke, involved a severe violation of personal safety and must be treated seriously.
This incident has drawn direct criticism toward Star Magic, the talent management agency, for its slow response. Fans drew a sharp comparison with the agency’s swift and firm action in addressing fake news concerning another prominent artist, Kathryn Bernardo.
“They [Star Magic] had an immediate statement regarding the fake news about Kathryn Bernardo, but where is their statement for Chinita Princess (Kim Chiu) whose life was threatened? This lack of action is worrisome and makes us uneasy,” a fan commented, urging the management to issue a formal warning and trace the individual responsible for the threat.
II. KimPaw’s Relationship: From Baby Steps to Deep Commitment
Amidst the professional drama, fans continue to celebrate the perceived maturity and stability of the Kimpaws’ relationship.
Fan Corazon Carilla offered heartfelt support, reflecting the genuine, almost parental affection held by many senior fans for the couple. She also defended Paulo Avelino from negative comments, attributing the criticism to simple envy over the pair’s success and popularity.
Commentators noted that given both Kim and Paulo are now adults, professionally successful, and financially stable, their future steps—including cohabitation or marriage—are entirely within their rights, irrespective of whether they are publicly married or not.
The sentiment among the fanbase is strong: “The more the haters try to pull them down, the more they thrive.”
III. Critical Acclaim for ‘The Alibay’
A significant contributor to the current wave of support is the resounding success of their newest series, The Alibay. Following the release of its latest episodes on Prime Video, the show has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly praising its technical execution.
High Production Value: Fans noted the high quality of the show’s production, calling it expensive and well-prepared.
Cinematography Praised: A social media user, Eunice, specifically commended the cinematic elements: “Not gonna stop talking about how the cinematography in The Alibay is insane. Whoever their DP is, they deserve all the bonuses and the praises. The lighting, color grading, and camera movement are at a K-drama level, making it impossible not to be obsessed.”
Character Development: Viewers are captivated by the subtle, “baby step” development of their on-screen relationship between characters Stella and Vincent, noting the slow, believable growth of trust and comfort between them—mirroring, fans believe, the real-life progression of Kim and Paulo’s own relationship.
IV. Christmas IDs Highlight Growing Intimacy
Adding further excitement, the release of the ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID has become an unexpected measuring stick for the couple’s increasing real-life comfort level. Fans immediately compared the network’s 2023 and 2025 IDs, noting a stark evolution.
A fan account, “Hobby’s Happiness,” summed up the change with a lyric: “2023 versus 2025: Does it ever drive you crazy just how fast the night changes?”
While the 2023 version was described as shy and tentative, the 2025 ID featured a highly charged moment where Paulo pulled Kim closer, leading to a lingering, intense gaze. Fans interpreted the closeness and the genuine, visible “in-love” expressions in their eyes as a clear sign of their deepening bond and comfort with one another.
Further analysis of group photos from the ID shoot highlighted the contrast between the highly animated smiles of the Kimpaw pair and the more reserved expressions of other high-profile stars like Coco Martin and Julia Montes, further cementing the perception that Kim and Paulo were radiating happiness.
