BOX OFFICE SHOCK: Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino’s Film Earns Only ₱173M—Is This a Flop? Plus, Fans Stunned as Kim’s Newborn Niece Looks Exactly Like Her!

Lights, camera… disappointment? That’s the burning question on everyone’s lips as Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino’s much-hyped romantic thriller “Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko” wrapped up its theatrical run with what fans and critics are calling a “surprisingly low” box office haul of only ₱173 million.

For a film led by two of the most bankable stars in Philippine showbiz, the number has sparked wild speculation, blame games, and even mockery online — with some netizens throwing shade and asking: “Is ₱173M the new standard for flops?”

But while Kim and Paulo are battling box office buzz, an unexpected twist has stolen the spotlight — Kim’s new baby niece looks exactly like her, down to the dimples and doe-eyed stare! Fans are stunned, and some are even jokingly calling the newborn “Mini-Kim 2.0.”

Let’s break down the twin headlines that have everyone talking.

🎬 THE MOVIE THAT DIDN’T MOVE MOUNTAINS

From the moment “Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko” was announced, the hype was off the charts. Combining Kim Chiu’s bubbly charisma with Paulo Avelino’s brooding heartthrob appeal, the film promised a blend of romance, betrayal, and redemption.

Backed by a massive marketing campaign, star-studded mall shows, and nonstop trending on social media, everyone expected the film to breach the ₱300M mark, maybe even ₱500M.

But after four weeks in cinemas, the final tally was in: ₱173 million.

While still a respectable amount, especially in a post-pandemic industry, the number fell far short of expectations. Industry insiders are calling it a “soft success” — not a total flop, but certainly not a blockbuster.

“This was supposed to be the comeback of Pinoy cinema. Instead, it exposed how much the industry has changed,” said one veteran film critic.

So what went wrong?

🤔 BLAME GAME: WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SHORTFALL?

Behind closed doors, insiders are allegedly pointing fingers. One source revealed that the script was rushed, with multiple rewrites during filming. Others claim that the chemistry between Kim and Paulo felt “forced” and lacked the spark seen in their previous work.

A more biting theory suggests that the audience has simply moved on from traditional love teams, especially as both stars are no longer in their “teen kilig” era.

Online, fans are fiercely divided:

“Kim and Paulo deserve better material. This film failed them, not the other way around.”
“₱173M isn’t bad, but for their level, it’s underwhelming. Admit it.”
“People want fresh stories, not recycled heartbreak tropes.”

Others say the film’s fate is proof that celebrity power alone no longer guarantees success, especially with streaming services offering bolder, riskier content.

😲 A SURPRISE STAR IS BORN: MEET “BABY KIM”

But just as critics were sharpening their knives, a totally unexpected twist emerged — and it wasn’t from a movie script.

Last week, Kim Chiu proudly posted a photo on Instagram cradling her newborn niece, the daughter of her elder brother. The caption was sweet and simple: “Welcome to the world, little angel. I love you already!”

But what REALLY set the internet ablaze was the baby’s face — a mirror image of Kim’s iconic features. The almond eyes. The perfectly shaped chin. Even the smile.

Fans couldn’t believe their eyes:

“Wait… is this baby Kim from 1989?”
“That baby looks more like Kim than Kim does!”
“Confirmed. The Chiu genes are STRONG.”

The post quickly racked up over 1.2 million likes in under 24 hours, with comments from celebrity friends like Angelica Panganiban, Anne Curtis, and Vice Ganda all joking about how Kim might’ve secretly cloned herself.

Even Paulo Avelino joined the fun, commenting with a baby emoji and the words: “She’s got your star power already.”

Some netizens are even calling for “Baby Kim” to appear in future commercials or vlogs, joking that the infant might just outshine her own celebrity aunt in no time.

📉 CAREER CROSSROADS FOR KIM AND PAULO?

With the film’s lukewarm earnings and this sudden viral baby moment, some are wondering: Is it time for Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino to rethink their careers?

Kim has remained mum on the issue, posting cryptic quotes on her Instagram stories about “lessons learned” and “staying true to yourself.” Paulo, true to form, has stayed mostly silent, but insiders say he’s already eyeing a “dark drama” series with a streaming giant.

Still, there’s no denying the impact of this box office stumble. In an industry obsessed with numbers, ₱173M is being treated as both a wake-up call and a warning sign.

🎤 THE FINAL WORD

Whether you see ₱173M as a flop, a mild win, or a step back for local cinema, one thing’s clear: Kim Chiu remains a headline magnet — even if the spotlight is now being shared with her adorable doppelgänger niece.

As for Paulo, he may not have a “mini-me” trending on social media, but his quiet charisma continues to keep fans intrigued about his next move.

In the end, this is showbiz — where one film might underperform, but one baby photo can steal the nation’s heart.

And as Kim herself said in a recent post:

“Sometimes the biggest blessings come in the smallest packages.”