Coco Martin and Julia Montes

MANILA, Philippines -- Young actress Julia Montes admitted that Coco Martin is the closest man in her life right now, which is why her "Walang Hanggan" leading man will be her escort when she turns 18 next week.

Asked if her choice of Martin as her debut escort suggests a deepening relationship between them, Montes was coy in her response4.

"Siya lang 'yung close ko ngayon. And sobrang thankful din po ako sa kanya," Montes told host Kris Aquino on "KrisTV" on Wednesday.

In a previous interview, Montes hinted that Martin stands a chance if ever he decides to pursue her once she turns 18.

No boyfriend yet

But on Wednesday, Montes' grandmother, Flory Hautea, told Aquino that she hopes the young actress will not rush out to get a boyfriend just yet.

"Ang message ko lang sa kanya maging humble palagi siya at nakaapak sa lupa at iwaksi, iwasan, muna ang boys," said Hautea, who has been quoted in the past as saying that she likes Martin for Montes.

"Kasi nasisira ang lahat ng bagay. Kapag may boyfriend (baka masira) ang career. Wish ko lang sa kanya ay 'yung makatapos siya ng pag-aaral," the grandmother explained.

Montes announced that she will start working on a new television series. Martin, meanwhile, is busy with the hit primetime series "Juan dela Cruz."