Shaina denies rumored romance with Piolo, says love can wait

MANILA, Philippines - Shaina Magdayao denied reports that she is currently dating Piolo Pascual, saying they are only good friends.

Photos of the two holding each others’ hands during an ABS-CBN event two weeks ago circulated online. This sparked rumors anew that Shaina and Piolo are indeed an item.

But the Kapamilya star merely laughed off the issue.

“Grabe naman. Agad-agad?” Shaina quipped when asked by members of the press if there’s something between her and Piolo recently.

“Magkaibigan po kami. He is a good friend. He’s always been a good friend to me,” she explained.

Shaina added, “Wala talaga. Walang halong biro, pero wala talagang panahon ngayon.”

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The actress added she’s not looking for love right now as she hopes to focus on her work. Shaina will be part of the Richard Gomez-Dawn Zulueta soap opera “You’re My Home,” which is slated to air first quarter of 2014.

Enchong Dee, Iza Calzado, and Cherry Pie Picache are also part of the cast.

She’s also part of the movie “Pagpag,” an entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

“Pinagdarasal ko ngayon, sana huwag po muna. This time, I believe that it can wait. It will wait,” Shaina said. “Pero ngayon, sobrang daming opportunities na dumarating sa akin. Sobrang daming trabaho na hindi ko ine-expect. Kaya gusto ko munang i-value yun, gusto ko munang pangalagaan yun.”

She added, “Hindi naman natin mapipigilan pag umibig tayo di ba? Yun na yun, e. And it’s such a wonderful thing na umibig muli, but I’m praying na sana huwag muna kasi napakaraming trabahong dumarating sa akin ngayon.”

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Shaina, who will be celebrating her birthday this November, considers “You’re My Home” as an early birthday gift.

“Sobra ko pong swerte, sobrang nagpapasalamat ako. Maagang pa-birthday gift ito, kasi November ang birthday ko di ba?” she said.

"Itong proyektong ito, tinuturing kong birthday gift talaga from my network, my bosses kaya nagpapasalamat talaga ako.”