MANILA - Actor Marco Alcaraz revealed that he and former beauty queen Previous Lara Quigaman or going on dates - but with their friends.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News during the premiere night of his newest movie "Pitik Bulag," Alcaraz admitted that he and Quigaman are happily enjoying each other's company while out with their buddies.

Earlier, reports circulated that the two were frequently spotted together.

The actor-model said that he is happy to spend time with Quigaman, whom he described as "playful and sweet."

Asked of what makes Quigaman precious to him, the actor said: "Siyempre si Lara, kasi, we see her sa TV na poised, naka-smile lang. Pero in real life talaga, makulit and sweet."

Alcaraz refused to answer whether he is courting the beauty queen but admitted that they spend most of their free time together. "Magkasama [kami] kapag walang work. Basta right now, we are happy with each other's company. Kapag walang work, lumalabas [kami]," the actor said.

Quigaman, who was the country's Miss International in 1995, used to host the popular noontime variety show "Wowowee." Now, she is part of the country's top television series "May Bukas Pa."

In a previous interview, Quigaman admitted that she already ended her relationship with her non-showbiz boyfriend while Alcaraz, a former varsity player, had ended his relationship with young actress LJ Moreno.