KimXi: A relationship timeline

WHEN you think of some of the OG love teams in the Philippines, one such couple that comes to mind is Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, who first stole the hearts of many Filipinos thanks to their electrifying romance in “My Binondo Girl.” 

The couple has been in each other’s lives since then, and many see them as a testament to happy, long-lasting relationships.

However, as more breakups have been happening in the world of Philippine celebrities, some worry that the beloved KimXi might be next on the list. Many fans hope that this isn’t the case, as they look up to the couple’s relationship to ease their senses.

If you’re one of those people, here’s a short timeline detailing how Kim and Xian first met and how their love story has blossomed since then.

The first meeting

Xian first met Kim on the set of the 2008 teleserye “My Girl”, where Lim was meant to do a cameo appearance. Kim was starring opposite Gerald Anderson at the time. 

He spent their first meeting sneaking in glances at Kim, and later revealed in a birthday message for her that he’d fallen in love with her right away when they started working together on the set of “My Binondo Girl,” a teleserye that they filmed in 2011.

Xian shared that the character he was playing – Andy – was originally written out to be gay. However, as the series progressed, the chemistry between them became undeniable, so much so that she eventually ended up with his character at the end of the series. 

“I guess may nakita silang spark… hindi nila alam, totoong spark na, spark na sa totoong buhay,” Xian shared in one of his vlogs with Kim.

“Mga tingin-tingin mo kasi sa’kin. Doon nag-start and ‘yon, the rest is history,” added Kim.

Shortly after they ended filming, they were set to do a movie together.

What followed was several successful pairings for shows like “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” and “The Story of Us,” and for the films “Bride for Rent” and “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?”.

Whether it was on- or off-screen, their chemistry was undeniable, and there was a reason behind that: sparks were flying behind the scenes, too. 

A budding romance

Xian recounts in an Instagram post dedicated to Kim that, during their first date, Kim shared her concerns that if ever they dated, it wouldn’t last long due to the crazy world they live in.

Luckily, Kim took a leap of faith. They first admitted that they were exclusively dating in 2013, but they didn’t yet have aon their relationship. 

It was in 2018 when Kim confirmed that they were officially together while she was being interviewed by Boy Abunda. When asked if she thought he was the one, she replied that she didn’t yet know. 

Kim revealed in 2021 that Xian courted her for a year and a half, though, so some speculate that they were already together in 2012 or 2013. 

A trust-filled relationship

Since they got together, the couple have been seen in the public eye together many times, and quickly became one of the most beloved couples in the industry. 

Kim constantly posted vlogs of their travels on her YouTube channel, Kim Chiu PH, showing the audience their trips to Switzerland, Paris, and most recently, Hong Kong. 

One thing that separated these two from other couples is that, despite being together, they’ve not allowed their relationship status to limit their projects. 

Kim is set to star in an upcoming romantic television series “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” based on the popular South Korean drama of the same name. 

Xian has also made waves on his own during their time together: in 2014 and 2018, for example, he was given the opportunity to voice Paddington Bear for the international film “Paddington,” and has even taken an interest in directing, as seen in his film “Hello Universe.” 

Hints at marriage

Having known each other for over 12 years, many hope to see a wedding in the future of KimXi. 

However, Kim and Xian have quelled these expectations in separate interviews, saying that they both don’t see themselves tying the knot soon. 

“I think ‘di siya minamadali; we love each other so much, and that’s what’s important,” shared Xian in an interview for “Updated” with Nelson Canlas.

The dreaded breakup

The rumors about an alleged breakup started to circulate in the latter part of 2023.

The two have so far released separate statements. During a press conference for her series “Linlang,” Chiu said: “Grabe! Kayo talaga… baka nalilinlang lang kayo.” 

She went on to say: “Okay naman po kami ni Xi. Mapanlinlang lang ang showbiz, pero maayos naman [kami.] Masaya naman po [kami.]”

Xian also spoke out concerning these rumors, saying that he saw his main purpose in life as being a blessing to those around him using both his talent and craft.

“Plenty of hearsay happening right now and I would like to ask everyone to be mindful of what you choose to believe in deceiving headlines and other information used to just pretend to know the whole story for personal gain and traction,” he added.

However, as of December 23, Chiu and Lim have finally confirmed the breakup rumors to be true after posting long, heartfelt messages to their Instagram accounts.

“In a relationship, love is always a significant factor, but sometimes love is not enough,” Chiu wrote.

“We shared more than a decade of love, each other’s support system, and many beautiful memories. It was our mutual decision to transition our relationship into what we hope to be a lifelong friendship.”

In her message, she thanks Xian for their 12 years together, telling him that he will always have a place in her heart, and thanking him for showing her what love is.

She finishes the post by asking everyone for kindness and understanding, hoping that this will clear the air given their situation. 

Lim, on the other hand, writes: “The 12 years of my life with you was the best gift I could ever ask for. We have expressed our love for each other to the fullest and knowing that I got to share those moment[s] with you, knowing our hearts beat as one at one point in our lives is truly something I will cherish for life.”

He thanks Chiu for the time they’ve spent together, as well as the unconditional love she’s given him. 

“My respect and admiration for you as a person, as an artist, and as someone I spent more than a decade with will always remain,” he adds.

He ends his message to her by saying that he wishes she will find all the happiness and love she’s searching for, and that she deserves nothing but the best.

Despite the time they’ve shared, it seems that this is the end of KimXi’s chapter. Fans of both teams show nothing but love and support in their journey moving forward.