Joyce Tan Custodio's name has recently been making waves following rumors surrounding her relationship with Michael Pacquiao, the second son of “People's Champ” Manny Pacquiao and Jinkee Pacquiao.
One of the hottest topics being debated on social media is the significant age gap between her and Michael.
The discussion resurfaced on the social media platform Reddit, where a photo of Michael and Joyce together went viral. According to the post, Joyce previously served as a stylist for Michael's mother, Jinkee.
The post stated: “His girlfriend is an old family friend, and nagulat ako upon seeing this on my news feed a few weeks ago.
“For context, Joyce (Michael's GF) is in her late 30s, while Michael is 23. She used to be Jinkee's stylist. Buti okay lang kay Jinkee despite the 15-year age gap.”
Following this, a flood of reactions poured in from netizens, with some labeling Joyce a “groomer” due to the wide age disparity between her and her boyfriend.
On Thursday, January 8, Joyce finally broke her silence by posting a statement on Facebook to address the issues being thrown at her and Michael.
She began her post by noting that her inbox was nearly exploding due to the volume of messages she had been receiving, though she was unable to reply to everyone individually.
“Sasabog ata MESSENGER ko sa dami nagmemessage, but sorry I can't answer everyone,” Joyce wrote.
She observed that netizens seemed more affected than she was by the “false information” circulating about them.
“FYI, this is for everyone—my followers and non-followers. Guys, sa mga nakakapanood ng reels/chika videos, ang cute niyo. Mas affected pa kayo kaysa sa akin sa mga nababasa o napapanood niyo na minsan halos maling information na ang lumalabas sa news,” she said.
She further advised the public not to give too much attention to the misinformation surrounding her and Michael.
“Relax lang, huwag po makipag-away sa mga ka-comment niyo. Don't put any hate in your heart whatever you read or hear because of me. Life goes on, and deadma na hindi naman nila ako kilala personally,” Joyce said.
Joyce also jokingly added that they are already used to controversy and that she chooses to focus on building wealth rather than engaging in online arguments:
“Don't worry, sanay na kami. Magpayaman na lang kayo kesa mag-away-away kayo sa comment section.”
She concluded with a reminder: “And remember, God can hear everything. He will judge each and every one of us at the end of our lives, so just be kind, even if the world is not.”
Joyce Tan Custodio's boyfriend, Michael Pacquiao, is the second of five children of Manny Pacquiao and Jinkee Pacquiao. He is a rapper and has recently entered the world of politics after winning a seat as a councilor in General Santos City during the 2025 midterm elections.
Meanwhile, meet more showbiz couples with a big age gap in this gallery.
Vilma Santos is 10 years older than her husband, Ralph Recto.
Jules Ledesma is 22 years older than Assunta de Rossi. They got married in 2002 with a daughter named Fioere.
The age gap between Tonyboy Cojuangco and Gretchen Barretto is almost 19 years. They have one child, Dominique.
Robin Padilla is 15 years older than Mariel Rodriguez. The two met on a noontime show and have two children already.
Heart Evangelista and Chiz Escudero have a 15-year age gap. They got married on February 15, 2015.
Hayden Kho is 25 years younger than his wife Vicki Belo. They have one child, Scarlet Snow Belo.
The 29-year age gap is not an issue for Aiai Delas Alas and Gerald Sibayan
Freddie Aguilar and his wife Jovie Albao have a 44-year age gap.
The 27-year age gap between Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao and her boyfriend Michael Yamson does not hinder their love.
Actress Cherry Lou welcomed 2021 with her boyfriend and fellow actor Phytos Ramirez. The couple now have a daughter named Caly. Their age gap is 13 years.
It all started with a tweet but now musician Rico Blanco and actress Maris Racal are in a relationship with a 24-year age gap. As of this writing, Maris is 26 years old while Rico is 50.
Beauty Gonzalez is happily married to art curator Norman Crisologo, who is 15 years older than her.
Coco Martin and Julia Montes also admitted the true state of their relationship when they attended the watch party of 'Unbreak My Heart' recently. In a report, they shared that they have been dating for 12 years. The age difference between Coco and Julia is 14 years.