MANILA - Actor Zanjoe Marudo shot down rumors that he and his girlfriend, actress Mariel Rodriguez, already broke up.

Marudo appeared confused about the news, saying he had no idea that breakup rumors were circulating.

"Hindi ko pa din alam kung saan nanggaling 'yong intriga. Hindi ko alam," Marudo said in an interview during the press conference of his upcoming television show "Lovers in Paris."

"Lovers in Paris" casts Piolo Pascual and KC Concepcion as the lead stars, and Marudo as a bad boy character who wallows after Concepcion.

Marudo also dismissed reports that he and Rodriguez went on a "cooling-off" period. The pair, who just came back from a U.S. show, are reportedly happy and steady.

He admitted that they are busy with their schedules, but they make sure to spend time together when there is a chance.

"Hindi po kami nag-cool off ni Mariel. Siguro hindi na namin pino-problema 'yong mga ganoong bagay, so suportahan na lang. So kapag may time ay laging nagtatawagan, nagte-text. So kapag may bakante, lagi kaming magkasama," Marudo said.   

Third party?
 
The former Pinoy Big Brother housemate also dismissed speculations that a third party, alleged to be actress Maricar Reyes, was involved in their alleged breakup.

Marudo said the rumors could have started from attempts to link him to Reyes.

"Dahil siguro ilang beses na din kaming pinagpa-parter. Pero dito sa 'Lovers (in Paris)' ay magkasama kami, pero hindi kami magka-partner dito," Marudo said.

The actor said his girlfriend even feels sorry that Reyes's name is being dragged into the issue.

"Naawa daw siya kay Maricar. Bakit nadadawit siya. Alam na may relasyon ako, tapos may nadadamay na ibang babae. Parang nakakaawa," the actor said.

As a proof that he and Rodriguez are still very much in love, Marudo said his girlfriend fave him a poker set she bought for him from the U.S. He said he can use the poker set during free periods when he is not taping for the comedy show "Banana Split."

In return, Marudo bought Rodriguez a computer desktop for when she wants to play "FarmTown" on Facebook.