Actor Daniel Padilla has become the unexpected center of attention on social media following the record-breaking success of ‘Hello, Love, Again’ (HLA), the latest film starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards.

Fans of Daniel, known for his real-life and on-screen romance with Kathryn, expressed frustration over circulating reels that appear to mock him using scenes from the hit movie. The videos depict fictional scenarios of Daniel drinking alcohol or eating fast food while gazing at intimate scenes between Kathryn and Alden in the film.

Supporters of Daniel urged others to stop using the actor in promotional antics for HLA, saying it detracts from the movie’s achievements and its lead stars.

“Why is Daniel being dragged into this? Focus on the movie and its success. Let’s stop using his name for unnecessary drama,” a fan commented.

Daniel’s followers also pointed out that the actor has moved on, focusing on his businesses and his current TV series ‘Incognito.’ They emphasized that the actor has long given Kathryn his support in her solo projects.

The controversy reignited discussions about ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ (HLG), the 2019 blockbuster originally intended to feature Kathryn and Daniel. The couple mutually decided to take separate career paths that year, leading to a groundbreaking collaboration between rival networks ABS-CBN and GMA Network.

Alden Richards took on the male lead opposite Kathryn, and the film became a massive success, earning its place as the highest-grossing Filipino movie of all time.

Now, ‘Hello, Love, Again’ continues the story with Kathryn and Alden, and it is poised to surpass the records set by its predecessor. The film has drawn praise for its mature themes and stellar performances, cementing the pair’s on-screen chemistry.

While many fans celebrated the film’s achievements, others criticized the use of Daniel’s image in promotional content. Kathryn’s fans defended the reels as light-hearted fun, but Daniel’s supporters labeled them as unnecessary and disrespectful.

“Daniel has been quiet and supportive of Kathryn’s career. There’s no need to involve him,” another fan argued.

As ‘Hello, Love, Again’ dominates the box office, breaking records with its opening weekend, fans and industry insiders hope the focus will shift to the film’s success and its contribution to Philippine cinema rather than fueling divisive fan wars.