MANILA, Philippines – Young actress Shaina Magdayao has opened up for the first time about her relationship with John Lloyd Cruz 3 months after The Box Office King’s public admission that they are already an item.

In her exclusive interview with “The Buzz,” Magdayao admitted that she was surprised by Cruz’s admission on television. Nonetheless, she said she felt relieved and thankful.

“Masaya kasi ang laking luwag sa aming dalawa. I’m very thankful na merong isang tao na proud sa akin at puwedeng ipagsigawan sa mundo na I’m someone important,” she said.

Magdayao said their friendship blossomed into love at a time when she was going through rough times. She said Cruz, being a good friend, provided the support she needed.

It would be recalled that rumors about the actress and Cruz’s relationship cropped up after Magdayao’s break-up with actor John Prats. In his previous interview, Cruz clarified that they became an item way after her relationship with Prats ended.

The actress said they never expected it to happen. “Masarap siyang kasama, masarap siyang kausap. Hindi talaga namin ini-expect na [magiging kami].... Hindi talaga.”

She also defended their decision not to appear in one project together. She said they want to protect their private lives. “At masarap ‘yong kapag tapos mo sa trabaho, meron kang reality, meron kang totoo na babalikan.”

As for her love scene with Coco Martin in Star Cinema’s “Sa’Yo Lamang,” Magdayao said Cruz perfectly understands that it is just work.

Other intrigues

Meanwhile, Magdayao also faced other intrigues being thrown at her.

The actress, for one, vehemently denied that she is a hard drinker, calling the rumor as “too harsh.”

She also disputed insinuations that she parties hard. She said she goes out but only with her trusted friends, her sisters and cousins.

She added that she knows her limitations and her responsibilities.

She also admitted that she gets hurt whenever she is being accused of something untrue although she respects the opinions of her critics. 

“Sinungaling naman ako kung hindi ko sasabihin na hindi ako nasaktan. Pero siguro ‘yong nagpakampante sa akin is alam ko ‘yong totoo,” she said, adding:

“I’m really very lucky and thankful sa mga tao around me na talagang solid ang support system ko. Pati ang mga taong hindi ko akalain na mahal ako, sobrang na-apreciate ko [ang suporta nila].”

She is also grateful that offers still continue to pour in for her.

Aside from "Sa'Yo Lamang," she will appear in "Precious Hearts Romances presents Alyna" on ABS-CBN. It will premiere on September 20.

When asked about her biggest mistake in life, meantime, the young actress said: “Bata pa ako. I’m bound to make my biggest mistake. Siguro in 10 years kung nandito pa ako, baka masasagot ko yan.”