By REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA
abs-cbnNEWS.com

Pinoy Dream Academy scholar RJ Jimenez said he was deeply hurt when he and PDA grand winner Yeng Constantino both agreed to part ways.

RJ said he and Yeng had an agreement to distance themselves from one another and focus their attention instad on their individual singing careers.

"I was also hurt. Parehas naming desisyon ‘yon na huwag na din munang masyadong maging super close, mas mahalin namin ang trabaho namin at pwede naman kaming maghintay," RJ told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

 "Kapag sinabi mong relationship, boyfriend or girlfriend. So kami hindi namin minadali 'yon, parang ayaw pa naman ng parents mo, bakit natin ipipilit. Ang tamang term na gamitin diyan is magkalayo kasi parang close talaga kami at no pressure sa both of us na tayo na," he said.

RJ said he and Yeng had to make a lot of adjustments, including balancing career and lovelife, after joining PDA. He said that he has never given up on Yeng and is open to rekindling his closeness with her.

RJ said if given a chance he is open to rekindle his closeness with Constantino. "Why not? Ang isyu lang naman ngayon ay mas mamahalin namin ang  trabaho namin so nagse-set lang kami ng priorities for ourselves," he said.

Asked if there was formal relationship that happened, Jimenez said: "Hindi naman ako nag-give up kumbaga [still hoping]. Well, yes [there was]."

'RJ JMNZ' the album

Meanwhile, RJ is now on a roll after officially launching his debut album "RJ JMNZ" under Star Records. The launch last Friday came almost five months the soft launch in November last year.

"Hindi ko talaga alam ang strategy pero siguro ganoon yung best na nakikita ng Star Records for me. Happy naman ako walang problema at diretso pa naman. At saka ito man yung official launch nagkaroon naman ng grabe CD guesting sa ASAP, mall shows ang daming gigs at masaya kami," Jimenez said.
 
RJ said a lot of changes happened to him since he joined PDA and up to now he still attributed his success to PDA and to all who supported him.

“Malaki din ang pasasalamat ko sa Star Records for giving me the chance  na iparating ang musika ko sa maraming tao," he said.

Known for his breakthrough hit single "Miss Kita Pag Tuesday," this 24-year-old singer-songwriter unleashes his musical prowess once more in this 13-tracked CD with easy listening, chill-out songs perfect for people from various walks of life.

Featured in the album are songs such as "Sa Wakas and "It's All About Your Love" -- songs Jimenez  described as simple yet implies strong meanings.

The single "Superstar", already reached the number one spot  in dwRR 101.9 For Life's hit charts. It is also continuing to climb the charts of other radio stations.

"Sana po suportahan n'yo  ako dito dahil para sa inyo lahat ng awitin dito, " he said during the album launch at Toma Bar at Esquinita along Sgt. Esguerra Street in Quezon City.

In support of the album launch, RJ will do a series of mall shows on May 3 at SM North EDSA; May 25 at SM Southmall; June 1 at SM Taytay; and June 8 at SM Lipa.