MANILA - Box Office King John Lloyd Cruz has finally put to rest all speculations surrounding the real status of his relationship with stylist Liz Uy.

In the past, the young actor would not directly answer questions pertaining to the then rumored break-up. In a press conference on Wednesday, however, he inadvertently confirmed to the entertainment press that they had indeed separated.

Cruz has made the confirmation while narrating how he approached Sarah Geronimo to thank her for being understanding and supportive at the height of the controversy. Geronimo, like actress Ruffa Gutierrez, is being rumored to be the reason behind the split, an allegation the actress-singer denied.

"Sabi ko ‘thank you.’ Kasi noong [sa] isang press conference, ang sinasabi ko na nahihiya ako doon sa mga babaeng ito na nadadamay doon sa naging break-up namin,” he said.

When asked if he would be willing to give more details about the break-up, Cruz replied: "’Yon lang ang gusto kong maintindihan ng  tao sa statement ko noong previous presscon. Kasi ang hirap, to be a man, na magsasalita. Ako ba, as a man, I don’t think I'm supposed to talk about it."

On Ruffa-Annabelle rift

Meanwhile, Cruz gave his reaction on the reported reconciliation of Gutierrez and her mom, talent manager Annabelle Rama.

"I'm very happy na nagkaayos sila. I think 'yon lang ang masasabi ko because kung anuman ang pinag-awayan nila ay napakaliit ng alam ko [tungkol doon]," Cruz said.

The actor maintained that he was just dragged into the issue and that he had nothing to do with the rift.  Cruz shared that Gutierrez had told him the real reason behind the misunderstanding.

"Ako alam ko as far as I know, as far as being a friend to Ruffa, sinabi niya sa akin [ang dahilan ng away.]  At ako naman po… alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi ako ang dahilan," he said.

Cruz reiterated his denial that he is wooing Gutierrez. He said contrary to reports he had never sent her food.

He also pointed out that he has the “highest respect for Tita Annabelle.”

Cruz, who is set to celebrate his 26th birthday on June 24, said he hopes that all the controversies involving him will soon die down.

Cruz , who recently shot a film in the United States with Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, is set to go back there for the "Star Magic: The World Concert Tour."