From basketball courts to social media feeds, Kobe Paras has always been a face in the spotlight.
Growing up as the son of basketball star Benjie Paras and the beautiful actress Jackie Forster, Kobe naturally drew attention—whether for his slam dunks, for the beginnings of an international basketball career, or for his high-profile romances.
This week, he found himself in the thick of online buzz once again, following his controversial breakup with Kapuso actress Kyline Alcantara.
As speculations swirl, many look beyond the headlines to revisit the man behind the name: an athlete, a public figure, and a young man who has spent much of his life balancing fame, expectations, and personal growth.
Take a closer look at Kobe Paras—from his early years to his ongoing journey in basketball and beyond.
Read: Netizens ask: Is this Kobe Paras with a non-showbiz girl?
EARLY LIFE
Full Name
Named after the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, he bears the full name Kobe Lorenzo Forster Paras.
Birthday, Age, Zodiac Signs
Born on September 19, 1997, Kobe is currently 27 years old.
He falls under the Virgo sign in Western astrology, while in the Chinese zodiac, he was born in the Year of the Ox.
Hometown
Kobe hails from Quezon City, Philippines, but spent his high school years in Los Angeles, California.
Family
Kobe is the son of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star and actor Benjie Paras and the beautiful Jackie Forster, who had a short-lived acting career.
His older brother, Andre Paras, is a basketball player and actor.
Kobe has two younger half-brothers, Riley and Sam, from his father's side; and two half-brothers and a half-sister from his mother's side.
EDUCATION
Kobe began his education at La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong, Philippines, where he also first showcased his basketball talent.
Midway through the 2013-14 school year, he moved to Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, where he became an honor roll student, a National Honor Society member, and a Star Scholar Honoree.
According to the Creighton Bluejays website, Kobe graduated summa cum laude.
For the Cathedral High School Phantoms, he played for only one season. In his senior year, with plans to develop a basketball career, Kobe played for Middlebrooks Academy. While at the Academy, according to the same Bluejays website, he was named "No. 10 player in California by 247sports.com."
The Los Angeles Times of June 29, 2016 reported that Kobe initially committed to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), but had to withdraw after "failing to meet certain academic requirements." The report did not specify which requirements.
The 27-year-old celebrity athlete later played for Creighton University during the 2016–17 NCAA season, appearing in 15 games.
Following a short stint at Cal State Northridge, where he redshirted but never played a game, Kobe returned to the Philippines and enrolled at the University of the Philippines, suiting up for the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP.
BASKETBALL CAREER
Standing at 6 feet and 6 inches (1.98m), Kobe plays small forward.
High School
In Cathedral High School, Kobe averaged 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game, earning First Team All-Del Rey League honors and helping his team reach the State Final Four.
During his time at Middlebrooks Academy, he won PEC-6 Conference MVP honors and gained national attention as a McDonald’s All-American nominee.
College
After his short stay at Creighton where he played sparingly, Kobe transitioned to the University of the Philippines and played a key role in leading the Fighting Maroons to multiple victories during UAAP Season 82, earning a citation as Player of the Week at his debut.
Professional
- Niigata Albirex BB (2021–2022): In Japan's B.League, Kobe debuted with a 25-point performance.
- Altiri Chiba (2022–2023): Kobe transferred to Altiri Chiba in the B.League Division 2, but parted ways with the team in March 2023.
National Team
Kobe has represented the Philippines in multiple tournaments, including the Southeast Asian Games, the FIBA 3x3 World Cups (2013, 2015, and 2017), and the William Jones Cup.
He was part of the men's basketball team at the 2017 SEA Games that won gold.
ACTING CAREER
Kobe made his acting debut through the online miniseries Miss Legends (2024), where he played Paen, a renowed e-sports player. The female lead was Kyline Alcantara, who played Lucia, the girl who saves Paen from drowning.
He has yet to have a follow-up project.
PERSONAL LIFE
Hobbies
Outside the basketball court, Kobe enjoys traveling, fashion, and spending time with family and friends.
He has a penchant for watches, which he revealed to the press at December 2024 launch of G-Shock's newest model from its G-Steel line, the GM-700.
"I did not know anything about watches then, but it was my dad's decision," Kobe recalled.
"He showed me two watches and he told me to decide, and I ended up getting the better watch."
When it comes to styling one's watch, he advised matching a silver watch with an all-black ensemble, and a golden watch to pair with gold jewelry.
He said of watches: "It complements your outfit. It's not a part of the outfit, it just complements.
"It's about mix and matching. Don't be too pressured about a watch or accessories. It's just to complement what you're wearing."
On social media, Kobe's presence often highlights his passion for art, fitness, and photography.
Kobe's reported relationships
Kobe previously dated Erika Rae Poturnak, daughter of actress Ina Raymundo and businessman Brian Poturnak.
The two reportedly had an on-and-off relationship from 2022 to 2023.
Following their breakup, Kobe entered a relationship with Kapuso actress Kyline Alcantara.
The couple made headlines after appearing together at the GMA Gala 2024.
In the October 2024 issue of Cosmopolitan Philippines, Kobe confirmed that he was "happily taken."
Although he did not drop any names, his public appearances with Kyline were as good as making them officially a couple.
However, by April 2025, their relationship ended in a very public and controversial breakup.
Read: Jackie Forster defends son Kobe Paras from "cheater" allegations
Kobe-Kyline controversial breakup
Kobe's recent headlines stem from his tumultuous breakup with Kyline Alcantara.
Allegations of cheating surfaced when screenshots alleging Kobe’s supposed infidelity during a bar opening circulated on social media.
Both Kobe and Kyline unfollowed each other on Instagram, intensifying speculation.
Kobe's mother, Jackie Forster, defended her son in a lengthy YouTube video, where she said that Kobe and Kyline were no longer a couple when the cheating rumors spread.
Jackie also described the relationship of her son and the actress as "toxic," accusing Kyline of physically assaulting Kobe, and criticizing the involvement of Kyline’s parents in the drama.
She also alleged that Kobe was belittled by Kyline's family and that he felt "trapped" in an unhealthy relationship.
Jackie claimed that Kobe had been trying to end the relationship respectfully, but was met with emotional manipulation.
She also countered rumors that Kobe relied financially on Kyline, and went on to debunk talk that he used Kyline's car to court other women.
Meanwhile, Kyline’s camp—through her brother Robin Alcantara and his girlfriend Zamantha Rose—refuted Jackie’s accusations.
They portrayed Kyline as loving and supportive, denying claims of violence and manipulation.
Zamantha talked about Kobe confiding in her and hinted at what she called his "mental health" issues.
Despite the intense back-and-forth, Jackie maintained that she and her family had proof with which to defend Kobe should unfounded attacks against him continue.
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