From high school sweethearts to soon-to-be husband and wife. Meralco Bolts guard CJ Cansino announced his engagement to his long-time girlfriend and content creator, Alliana Dolina.

Photo: Alliana Dolina/Instagram
On September 12, 2026, the 26-year-old professional basketball player shared photos of his romantic proposal on social media. The pictures show him and Dolina at an overlooking resort wearing matching white outfits, with Dolina showing off her newest accessory—an engagement ring.
“A&C forever,” Cansino wrote.
View this post on Instagram
The second photo in his post captured the proposal itself: Cansino down on one knee holding the ring while Dolina wiped away tears. A day before the official announcement, Cansino had already teased their followers by posting a photo of Dolina from afar, seemingly admiring her hand.
View this post on Instagram
“It always was, and it always will be you,” Dolina captioned one of her own engagement posts.
The 27-year-old lifestyle vlogger also shared a complete video clip of the proposal, documenting the moment Cansino asked for her hand up until he placed the ring on her finger.
View this post on Instagram
Cansino and Dolina have been together for eight years, starting during their senior high school days at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where the 6-foot-2 guard initially played for the Growling Tigers.
Their relationship has weathered the ups and downs of Cansino’s athletic career—from his breakout as a super rookie for UST in UAAP Season 81 (2018), and their Cinderella run to the Finals in Season 82, to his controversial departure from the team in 2020 following UST’s Sorsogon bubble training incident during the pandemic.
View this post on Instagram
Through every challenge, their bond held firm. Cansino went on to earn his first UAAP title in 2022, helping lead the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons to their first men’s basketball championship in 36 years.
Meanwhile, Dolina built a successful career as a digital creator specializing in beauty and lifestyle vlogs, often highlighting behind-the-scenes moments supporting CJ at his games.
View this post on Instagram
In a joint vlog, Dolina shared that their story officially began when the Meralco Bolts guard first reached out to her on Twitter (now X) as a secret admirer.
ALSO READ: LOOK: Content Creator Ayn Bernos Is Now Engaged
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
