Entertainment

10-year age gap with Billy does not bother Coleen

Chuck Smith - The Philippine Star

July 10, 2014 | 2:32pm

MANILA, Philippines – Despite her young age, Coleen Garcia said she's always been serious when it comes to romantic relationships.

The actress-TV host, who is currently linked to 32-year-old actor-singer Billy Crawford, said she has “never been not serious in a relationship” even though she's only 21 years old. This, she explained, is because of her parents, who separated when she was younger.

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“My parents were separated so ayoko na maulit. I guess my whole life I've just been saying na, 'I want to be serious. I don't want to play around.' I've always been serious. And I wouldn't be in a relationship if I weren't serious,” Coleen said in an interview during the press conference for the 10th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival on Wednesday, July 9.

Coleen said she and Billy still don't have any labels on their relationship, although they're “getting there.” Their families have met recently also. The “It's Showtime” co-host said they just hang out with their families instead of going out for dates.

“My family and his family actually get along well. And that's something that's new. Talagang nagha-hang out talaga sila. It's is relief in a way, kasi we know we can get along well and have a good time,” she explained.

Coleen Garcia (left) in a scene from the 2014 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival entry #Y, directed by Gino Santos (Photo courtesy of Cinemalaya)

Her more than 10-year age gap with Billy does not affect them, Coleen said.

“Actually, I think it's what I've been needing,” Coleen said of their age gap. “Kasi in the past, I was very headstrong with what I want. I was very serious. And you know how they say na yung girls, usually they mature earlier? I never really got along well with people my age. My friends kasi are usually older than I am, at least the closest ones.”

Coleen is part of “#Y,” one of the 10 entries in the New Breed category of the 10th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. The film is directed Gino Santos and also stars Elmo Magalona, Sophie Albert, and Kit Thompson.

“It's a first Cinemalaya for me because I'm really stepping out of the box. I really want to try different things din,” she said.

The ABS-CBN talent said she plays the role of vulgar, promiscuous woman in the film. Does Billy approve of her edgy choice for the role?

“I told him what my role is. He's very supportive naman. As long as it's what I want. Siguro may mga reklamo siya, pero wala siyang magagawa,” she joked.

Elmo Magalona in a scene from the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival entry #Y (Photo courtesy of Cinemalaya)

She added: “At the end of the day siguro, when it comes to the two of us, when we're not comfortable we let each other know. And at the same time, we just adjust for each other but not to the point of getting in the way of each other's work.”

“It's not me naman, e. I'm not changing the way I am, I'm not changing my views or my values,” Coleen said of her role. “It's just really being a different person and that's what's exciting about it.”

Coleen is not new to acting; she's starred in the 2013 Bea Alonzo-Dingdong Dantes romantic movie “She's the One” and played the role of a lesbian in “It's Showtime's” Holy Week drama special.

But while doing “#Y,” she realized acting is now her “newfound love.”

“Sana. Sana talaga,” Coleen said when asked if she will pursue acting seriously from “#Y.” “Because I'm really willing. I'm willing to really work hard at this.”

The Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival will run from August 1 to 10, 2014.