Gela Atayde shuts down pregnancy rumors about sister Ria Atayde

Gela Atayde has slammed speculations that her sister Ria is pregnant following the latter's engagement to Zanjoe Marudo.

The actress-dancer addressed the rumors in an interview with ABS-CBN News, noting that Ria has been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a condition "in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts," according to John Hopkins Medicine. Gela noted how it's been affecting Ria's ability to conceive a child.

“For me, I can’t say much yet. For now, no. They’re trying, that’s for sure. My sister has PCOS and it would be a miracle if she has a child,” she said, adding that despite Ria's condition, their family has been nothing but supportive, especially since Ria is now at the right age to get pregnant.

“Well, at least my parents also are supportive for that. My sister nga kasi is at the age—turning 32 this year—medyo kailangan na din,” she added. 

Gela went on to describe Ria and Zanjoe's engagement as “simple and sweet.” 

"I love Kuya Z. I was so happy that when they told me. I cried. I love how Kuya Z proposed to her, he just did it in bed, just both of them, just woke up so we weren’t there," Gela shared. 

Ria announced her engagement to Zanjoe on Feb. 20. Their wedding details—including the date and venue of the ceremony—are yet to be disclosed. 

Zanjoe confirmed his relationship with Ria in January 2023. 

The couple first sparked dating speculations in August 2022 after being spotted dining with some friends in New York. The rumors were further fueled when they were seen spending time together in other social media posts by their close friends in the industry, including Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo, and Joshua Garcia. Ria's mother Sylvia Sanchez confirmed their romance in October of the same year.