Jennylyn Mercado and Luis Manzano

MANILA, Philippines - Actor-host Luis Manzano and girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado would rather not work with each other.

"Ayaw namin, even before. Ayaw naming mapaglaruan," Manzano told ABS-CBNnews.com in an interview.

"We're already in showbiz as it is. So we don't see the point na mas mapaglalaruan pa dahil pareho kaming (artista). 'Yung cameo, 'yung parang ginawa niya sa 'Moron 5 (and the Crying Lady),' yung ginawa ko sa 'Showbiz Central' at siya nag-guest sa 'Deal Or No Deal,' 'yung mga ganoon, if it's something special, something episodic, that is okay. Pero 'yung sabihin mong to do a teleserye, to do a move, we'd rather not," he added.

Manzano said what's more important is that they find time for each other despite their busy schedules, adding that communication and understanding are they keys to keeping a strong relationship.

"Understanding na we can't spend everyday together. We respect each other's schedule and we maximize every given time, whether it be a late call time, an early pack-up. We make sure na kahit isang movie lang kami or simple dinner. That really helps," he explained.

For Holy Week, Manzano revealed that he and Mercado will be going to Batangas.

"We are gonna be together for Holy Week. The usual either mag-dive kami or kasama ang buong barkada, which we've been doing for the past four or five years. Coincidentally birthday ko din," said Manzano, who is turning 33 on April 21.

Dara is homesick

In the interview, Manzano also spoke about 2NE1 member Sandara "Dara" Park's wish to do a movie together.

"Si Sandy kasi I'm sure she is homesick. Sana may magawa kami ni Sandy. I'm hoping for that dahil grabe din ang pinagsamahan namin ni Sandy dahil sa 'Star Circle Quest.' And even after 'Star Circle Quest' at may kanya-kanya kaming ginagawa ay nakakasama ko pa din siya, nayayaya ko siya for dinner. So hopefully we will get to do something. It is nice to see Sandara na global star na pero hindi pa din nakakalimutan ang Pilipinas," Manzano said.

Asked of the chances that their dream project might become a reality, Manzano replied: "It's up to Sandara's management and it's up to ABS-CBN kasi nasa kanila 'yon, sila may meeting. Pure Twitter talk lang as in right after that wala pang nangyayari. Basta ang usapan namin ni Sandy at ako kung pinik-up yon ng management I have no idea."

Last month, Park who regularly tweets about the Philippines said she got to watch new DVDS including the comedy hit "This Guy's in Love With U Mare," starring Vice Ganda, Luis Manzano and Toni Gonzaga.

This prompted her to send a tweet to Manzano. "Napanood ko this guy's in love with u mare! Kakatuwa :) koya d tau pwede maging loveteam! Magkapatid nalang tau~," Park wrote.

Park started her showbiz career in 2004 when she finished first runner-up in the Philippine reality talent search "Star Circle Quest," which was hosted by Manzano and Jodi Sta. Maria. In 2007, she left for South Korea to pursue a showbiz career there.