MANILA - Hunk actor Diether Ocampo revealed that he and ex-girlfriend Kristine Hermosa are now in a "better friendship."

Ocampo said that although he had gone through a rough patch with Hermosa, they have grown more mature and respectful to each other since then.

"We are on different level now. Ang friendship naming dalawa [ay] parang mataas iyong respeto na namin [sa isa't isa]. Unlike before, na kapag may emotional na involved, parang nagagalit ka or naa-upset ka o nadi-disappoint ka," he said in an interview during a thanksgiving party for the ABS-CBN series "Only You", in which he stars.

"Pag sinet aside mo iyon bilang magkaibigan, maliwanag na sobrang gaan," he added.

Ocampo, who was recently in the spotlight after he was hospitalized in the United States, admitted that Hermosa was one of the people who took care of him when he was confined.

The actor had collapsed recently while rehearsing for "Star Magic: The World Concert Tour" and was rushed to the hospital on July 28 (Manila time). Ocampo, a true gentleman, extended his appreciation for Hermosa's kind gesture.

"Hindi ko minaliit ang mga nagawa sa kanya. Nagpasalamat ako sa kanya. Sabi ko 'salamat hindi ko naman ini-expect.' Pero natutuwa ako dahil ibang level na ang pagkakaibigan namin, parang respeto na lang," he said.

"Sabi ko, 'kahit anong pinagdaanan natin, natapos natin nang maayos ngayon. Nag-uusap pa din tayo, nagkaka-trabaho, at hindi tayo naapektuhan kung ano ang nangyari.' Masaya siya, masaya na din ako. Kaya ako, hindi ko na binabalikan ang nangyari noon kasi abante na ako," Diet said.

Right now, Ocampo is still praying for a time when Hermosa, him, and his new girlfriend Rima Ostwani, could find time to talk.

"Traumatized"

Ocampo, one of the hottest actors today, shared that he learned to love himself after he was hospitalized in US.

"Ang dami kong realization noong bigla akong nag-collapse. Paggising ko parang disoriented [ako]. Then finally, parang experience na traumtic kasi hindi mo alam ang mangyayari sa iyo," Ocampo said.

The actor said that he is just thankful that God gave him another chance. He vowed not to overuse his strength anymore.

"I'm very thankful to God kasi at this point, parang walang nangyari. Very healthy [ako], back in shape. So iyon, maybe may gusto lang siyang (God) ipagawa sa akin.
So maybe he wants me to realize something so nagdasal lang ako," he said.

Ocampo shared that aside from the medical tests he had in the US, he also underwent series of check-ups here in the country, just to make sure that he is healthy and has nothing to worry about.

"Pagdating dito, nagpa-schedule kami ng tests sa mga local doctors - neurologist and cardiologist - and lahat ng test results ay negative. Pero sabi nga nila hindi porket malakas ka ulit ay sasagarin mo na naman ang katawan  mo. So dapat lahat tayo ay learn to appreciate kung ano ang kaya nating ibigay but also irespeto  natin ang katawan natin," Ocampo said.

Ocampo, who is still busy taping for "Only You" with Sam Milby and Angel Locsin, is also slated to do another television series.

In between his acting and handling his businesses, Ocampo actively participates in the Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan (KIDS) Foundation, a children's welfare group, and the People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).