Actress and singer Rita Daniela has another reason to celebrate. Not only did she win Best Actress at the Sinag Maynila 2025 Independent Film Festival for her powerful performance in 'Madawag ang Landas Patungong Pag-Asa,' but she also introduced her new boyfriend, basketball player McLaude Guadaña, to the public.
The Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates player accompanied Rita during the awards night, proudly supporting her as she received her trophy. Just last month, the two were also seen looking cozy and happy at Rita's 30th birthday celebration.
In her interview with GMA Integrated News, Rita couldn't help but gush over her new relationship. “He was also there sa birthday party ko. He's been actually really supportive. I'm actually excited for him 'coz he's about to play sa NCAA next year,” she shared.
When asked what she admires most about McLaude, Rita said, “Mahirap kasing hanapin nowadays, when it comes to dating, 'yung respeto sa pamilya, 'yung respeto sa boundaries. At 'yung pagmamahal talaga namin kay Lord ay nandoon.”
For his part, McLaude expressed how proud he is of Rita's success. “Sobrang na-appreciate ko 'yung movie. Very good 'yung movie. Sobrang happy ako for Rita. I know the story din behind her award. Kanina, kinakabahan siya, pero sabi ko, para sa kanya ang gabi na ito. I'm proud of her. She deserves all the good things in this world,” he said.
When asked about the status of their relationship, Rita smiled and admitted, “I think we're exclusively dating. I think we are. We are really enjoying each other's company. I don't want to rush things.”
She also confessed that sharing this part of her life publicly was a big step. “Kinabahan din po ako. Never po akong nag-flex ng tao, actually, publicly. Hindi ako makapaniwala na everyone feels so happy for us,” she said.
Despite moving forward in love, Rita remains grounded in her responsibilities as a mother. She spoke openly about maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship with her ex-partner, saying, “Co-parenting is not really easy. I'm blessed na we are friends naman. Nagagawa namin siya nang maayos.”
With a new milestone in her career and a supportive partner by her side, Rita Daniela is clearly stepping into a new and joyful chapter of her life -- both on and off the screen.
“Thank you, Lord, dahil after almost four years, naibigay.” Rita Daniela, celebrates her new love and winning Best Actress at Sinag Maynila 2025.
Rita Daniela celebrates her Sinag Maynila victory with her biggest supporter, McLaude Guadaña.
From the court to the red carpet, McLaude Guadaña cheers on girlfriend Rita Daniela as she receives her Best Actress award.
“He's been actually really supportive. I'm excited for him 'coz he's about to play sa NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) next year.” Rita Daniela said.
Rita Daniela opens up about what she admires most about McLaude: respect, love, and boundaries.
“Mahirap kasing hanapin nowadays, 'yung respeto sa pamilya, 'yung respeto sa boundaries.” Rita Daniela said.
McLaude Guadaña has also gotten close to Rita Daniela's son, Uno.
McLaude Guadaña teaches Uno how to play basketball.
“I think we're exclusively dating. We are really enjoying each other's company.” Rita Daniela said.
Rita Daniela's smile says it all.
McLaude Guadaña and Rita Daniela spotted together during the NCAA Season 101 Game 1 between the Pirates and the Golden Stags at the Mall of Asia Arena!
A proud moment for Rita Daniela, proving that hard work, faith, and resilience always pay off.
McLaude Guadaña, Rita Daniela's new love, put together a cute video of the Kapuso actress with a sweet song in the background.
Date night was done right as Rita and McLaude enjoyed good food and great company at their favorite restaurant.
McLaude Guadaña is one proud boyfriend to Rita Daniela!
The basketball player displayed his sweet side by leaving a heartwarming comment on their TikTok video, saying, “Good morning, mga Kapuso! Na kay Rita ang aking puso.”
Rita Daniela and McLaude Guadaña exchanged sweet notes in a joint Instagram post with the caption, “Souls found their mate.”
Rita Daniela and McLaude Guadaña shared a twinning moment on their third date, both dressed in black ensembles.
As their romance deepens, McLaude Guadaña has already been introduced to Rita Daniela's family in this photo.
It seemed like fate for Rita and McLaude. Rita described McLaude as “the perfect one for me,” to which McLaude sweetly replied, “My best actress.”
After going public with their relationship, Rita Daniela and McLaude Guadaña shared a sweet dinner date and snapped an adorable selfie together.
Rita Daniela revealed that she said yes to McLaude Guadaña inside his car and shared that they had their first kiss as a couple in this photo.