In an interview on the set of "Maalaala Mo Kaya" in Bataan on Thursday, Cruz stressed that everything is okay between him and Panganiban, saying that they are happy together.
"We are okay, we are okay. We are happy to be together," he said.
"Kahit na working week ito, for me somehow we still managed na magkaroon kami ng oras sa isa't isa, makita ko siya," he added.
Cruz said he is already used to rumors that he and Panganiban have already called it quits.
"Sanay na kami sa mga tanga-tangang balita... Parang kung mapipikon ako, hindi sa mga ganyang klaseng sabi-sabi. Parang kung mapipikon ako, dapat noon pa ako napikon, lalo na sa mga taong hindi dapat nabubuhay sa mundo," he said.
Birthday wish
Cruz, who turned 32 on Wednesday, said he just had a simple celebration with Panganiban and his family.
"Very, very typical day para sa pamilya namin. 'Yun naman ang goal ko, ayaw ko mag-celebrate, actually. Actually, gusto ko mag-celebrate kapag birthday ng iba pero hindi ko lang alam bakit this time parang ayaw ko. Siguro nga dahil medyo busy. So okay lang, mag-trabaho na lang," he said.
When asked about his birthday wish, the actor replied: "Actually, wala na akong mahihiling pa. I'm very much content with my life. I'm very much content kasi hindi nawawala ang desire ko to work, hindi nawawala ang passion ko to do more and it's evolving for the past couple of years. And siyempre, hindi naman mawawala ang hits and misses so you can't be always on top. Ang importante, you have to desire to do more, to become better, a better version of yourself. Kung sa labas noon, ano pa ba ang mahihiling ko, baka hindi na para sa akin, maaring para sa magulang ko na lang."
Because work remains a priority for Cruz, the actor admitted that he is still not yet ready to have a family of his own.
Pressed to answer if he considers Panganiban as wife material, he said: "Oo naman. Napaka-swerte -- kung hindi man ako -- napakaswerte ng mapapangasawa niya. Wala lang, mayroon tayong kanya-kanyang idea, konsepto ng kung ano ang gusto nating makasama habambuhay. Hindi naman pwedeng puro ganda at puro talino. Hindi ba importante rin na kaya mong patawanin ang partner mo, masarap magluto at talagang yung connection niyo can go beyond what you can imagine, what you can experience? So dapat ganoon kalalim, dapat talaga malaking factor na magkaibigan kayo."
'MMK'
Cruz is now busy taping scenes for his "Maalaala Mo Kaya" comeback episode, which will be aired this June 27 after "The Voice Kids."
The episode is also her reunion project with his "Tabing Ilog" leading lady, Kaye Abad.
After seven years, Cruz will return to "MMK" to play the character of Tarik, a son who wanted to forget his past after his family broke apart and his mother, Espie (played by Agot Isidro), became severely depressed.
After an accident, Tarik was separated from his mom and tried to move on and forget his painful childhood. Tarik's life changed when he decided to search for his mother in the province where he met Rea (Kaye Abad), the woman who became the love of his life.
Joining Cruz and Abad in the "MMK" episode this Saturday are Harvey Bautista, Marlann Flores, Nico Antonio, Jong Cuenco, Sonjia Calit and Maila Gumila.
After this episode with Abad, Cruz is set to do three more for "MMK."
"We are doing one yung dystonia, it's a rare disease, para siyang ALS. Ganoon siya ka-rare at ganoon siya kahirap. I'm doing one with Bea (Alonzo) at yung [last], 'yun ang pinag-uusapan pa," he said.
The actor went on to say that he does not see himself doing an episode with his girlfriend, Panganiban.
"Hindi pa din namin makuhang maniwala na kaya naming magtrabaho ni Angelica. Mahihirapan akong maniwala na makita siyang ibang tao," he said, noting that he already knows his girlfriend too well.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
