Robert Bolick is engaged to girlfriend Cassandra Yu

NorthPort Batang Pier guard Robert Bolick surprised his followers on January 1 as he announced his engagement to his girlfriend, Cassandra Yu.

In a social media post, the basketball player shared a photo of him kissing his now fiancé, Cassandra, as she showed off the engagement ring to the camera.

Part of his caption reads: “Let's start 2022 right!!! Damn! They say when you start a war, you better know what you're fighting for, and you, are all I adore, because whether or not if you see it, you made everything better. An engagement marks the end of a whirlwind romance and the beginning of an eternal love story.”

He also shared sweet words for his soon-to-be wife, by saying, “Relationships are not meant to be perfect. They're meant to help you ride through all of life's imperfections with someone who really cares about you. You're that someone for me - I love you my forever @kcassandrita ️ Happy new year.”

Meanwhile, Bolick's girlfriend Cassandra, who works as a flight attendant for AirAsia, also posted about their engagement on Instagram by sharing a photo of them laughing while in a sweet embrace.

Part of Cassandra's caption reads: “The easiest YES, my greatest plot twist last year, 2021! ”

She also had touching words for Bolick, who she struck a relationship with in late 2021.

“You are worth the wait my love! I thought I'd never fall in love again until you came into my life. Since the first day I met you, I knew in my heart that you are God's answered prayer for me,” she wrote, “I am so grateful that I have found myself a lifetime partner who loves and accepts me for who I am. You make me a better person and you complete me, my love!”

She also added, “I don't know what the future holds but one thing's for sure, I will always be here beside you no matter what! It's YOU and ME against the world baby! You're my HOME, I love you,my fiancé! @babesbolick ”

The newly engaged couple first hinted at their brewing romance on social media on October 24, when they posted photos of their vacation together.

This led many to speculate that Bolick had already broken up with his longtime girlfriend, volleyball star Aby Maraño.

The said post became controversial as Maraño commented, “Solid naman ng vacation niyo. Hindi ko alam may bago ka na?”

(The said post became controversial as Maraño commented, “Your vacation is solid. I didn't know you had someone new?”)

Comments have since been turned off on the said post.

Despite the criticisms Bolick and his new girlfriend received from friends and supporters of Maraño, they are determined to take their relationship to the next level with their engagement.

Bolick was congratulated by fellow basketball stars like Kiefer Ravena, CJ Perez, and the now-retired PBA legend Marc Pingris.

Look back at some of the celebrity engagements in 2021.