MANILA, Philippines – Actress-host Mariel Rodriguez finally cleared the air about her sudden decision to go on an indefinite leave from ABS-CBN’s new variety show “Pilipinas Win Na Win”.

According to Rodriguez, her decision does not mean that she loves her job less.

“Kung pwede ko namang i-try na gawin ang gusto ko hindi naman siguro masama yun. Baka naman pwedeng maging masaya,” Rodriguez said during her one-on-one interview with E-Live’s Bianca Gonzales shown over Studio 23 on Saturday.

Gonzales, who was among the many people shocked by Rodriguez’s announcement, asked her why she opted to take an indefinite leave.

“Hindi ko alam. I really don’t know. But I know I will be back. Sana welcome pa rin ako,” Rodriguez said.

No regrets

The actress admitted that she took a risk with her move.

“It is a risk kasi hindi ko alam kung ano pa ba ang mababalikan ko. Sana makabalik pa rin ako sa ginagawa ko. I'm really happy. I do not regret the decision I made. Finally, I'm going to be able to do what I want. Finally, I'm going to do something for myself,” she said.

Earlier this week, Rodriguez left for India to follow her sweetheart, Robin Padilla.

“He's gonna be there. Para pumerfect na talaga yung timing. I don’t know if it's destiny or the timing. I don’t know kasi this is all not planned naman,” she explained.

Rodriguez also crushed rumors that have been going around that she’s leaving because she’s pregnant.
 
“Allow me to be happy. I was thinking they're gonna say I'm pregnant, I'm super not pregnant. I'm really, really not pregnant. I just really need a break,” she said.

The former Wowowee host admitted that she had been asking for a 2-week vacation but it was denied because of the new show, “Pilipinas Win na Win,” which replaced Wowowee.

“It’s an indefinite leave, but my decision is very definite,” she said.

She, likewise, denied speculations that she and the action star tied the knot in India.

“Kung anong gusto nilang isipin, at this point I'll go where life takes me,” she said.

She also reiterated Padilla’s early statement that if and when they decide to marry, it won’t be kept as a secret.

Whirlwind romance

The actress-host admitted their romance is something that she did not expect. In fact, she first got the impression that Padilla was a bad boy and linked to several women.

“Pero yung nakilala ko siya, hindi. He was just so much more. Sobra siyang matalino. Ang lalim niyang tao,” she said, adding that Padilla treats her like a queen.

She also spoke about the strong statement made by Padilla’s ex-wife Liezl Sicangco that the actor has been neglecting their children because of her.

“I'm not contradicting kung anuman ang feelings ni Ms. Liezl. Kung anong gusto niyang sabihin pwede niyang sabihin dahil siya ang ina. Yung sinasabi ko lang yung nakikita ko o napapansin ko na mabuting ama si Robin,” she said.

“It’s really between him and Ms. Liezl and the kids,” she added.

As for her future with Padilla, Rodriguez has this to say: “Yung kasalukuyan, yun ang magdo-draw ng future. Kailangan i-enjoy lang namin wherever the road will take us. Just be happy for me kasi I’m really, really happy”.