By Lance Joseph Martinez
Basketball player Ricci Rivero was caught off guard when a candidate made a joke referring to his ex-girlfriend, Andrea Brillantes, during the opening of Mayor Chino Gracia and LMP President Adrian Salceda’s Cup 2024.
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On July 13, Ricci attended the opening ceremony of the MCG and MRAS Cup 2024 in Guinobatan, Albay, as a guest celebrity athlete. Before the games began, a competition for Ms. MCG and MRAS Cup 2024 was held.
During the competition, one candidate, Miss Morera, drew attention with a pick-up line directed at Ricci. Coincidentally, her name was also Andrea, which she used to craft a joke that amused the netizens.
She began her introduction with a pick-up line that left the basketball players shaking their heads. “Basketball player ka ba? […] kasi nangangamoy babaero ka,” she quipped.
The candidate continued with another line that quickly went viral.
“Hi Ricci, ako nga pala si Andrea, pero hindi ‘yung dati mong sinisinta,” she said, causing the entire sports complex to burst into laughter.
Ricci’s reaction, however, became a trending topic. The basketball player maintained a straight face, only managing a slight smirk.
It can be remembered that Ricci and actress Andrea Brillantes ended their year-long relationship in June 2023, amid rumors of cheating involving Ricci’s current girlfriend, beauty queen and politician Leren Mae Bautista.
Meanwhile, veteran showbiz commentator and talent manager Ogie Diaz reacted to the incident on his YouTube channel.
Ogie suggested that Ricci should have laughed off the joke, as the controversy between him and Andrea is now in the past.
He then proceeded to defend Ricci, stating that the player has always been known for his nonchalant demeanor.
After initially denying their relationship, Ricci and Leren Mae eventually confirmed their romance through Ricci’s Instagram post in October 2023.
