Kim Chiu nd Paulo Avelino join veteran actress Maricel Soriano, directors F.M. Reyes and Jojo Saguin, actor Race Matias, and Creative Manager Danica Domingo during the ‘Linlang’ media conference at the Dolphy Theatre in Quezon City on January 15, 2024. Gigie Cruz, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — In the midst of the celebration and fanfare over Kim Chiu’s Outstanding Asian Star award at the recently-concluded 2024 Seoul International Drama Awards, her co-star in ‘Linlang’ Paulo Avelino congratulated her in a comment on her social media post.

Eagle-eyed fans were quick to chime in and feel “kilig” over Paulo’s simple message. In the micro-site X (formerly Twitter), Paulo re-quoted Kim’s post with her SDA VIP ID badge with the caption “Congratulations” and a gif of dogs clapping. Kim replied and said: “Wew nemen! Thank you papi! Ay Pau pala!”

“Papi” immediately went viral among KimPau fans.

Chiu explained her remark to ABS-CBN News after the awards show, saying: “Charot lang. Papi kasi mga aso yun, ‘puppy’.”

Kim was delighted to receive congratulatory messages from her TV co-star.

“Happy naman. From Instagram, to twitter. Tapos nagsend pa siya na nanonood siya sa TV nila, so ayun thank you naman,” said Chiu.

Kim and Paulo are set to shoot their first movie together entitled ‘My Love Will Make You Disappear’ under Star Cinema set for release next year.