Philippines' Scariest Challenge chief host Jomari Yllana believes that maintaining a low profile when it comes to his romantic involvement with singer-actress Pops Fernandez is the main reason they're still very much together.
"My past relationships, masyado siyang high-profile. Napag-uusapan like with Aiko [Melendez], Ara [Mina]. Kami ni Pops naman ‘pag wala nang camera, napakasimpleng tao lang namin, tahimik kami. Gusto namin tahimik lang, siguro kaya tahimik lang din ‘yong relationship namin," shared Jomari.
PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) along with the other entertainment reporters had the chance to talk to Jomari yesterday, October 9, at the press conference of TV5's horror-reality show, Philippines' Scariest Challenge, held at the Kimono Ken restaurant on Tomas Morato, Quezon City.
Jomari, however, quickly clarified that he's not up to comparing his past relationships with what he is currently enjoying with Pops. "Siyempre unfair din i-compare ‘yong tao," he said candidly.
"HINDI TALAGA AWAY." Just recently, Pops and Jomari found their relationship under public scrutiny after it was reported that the two figured in an argument and nearly broke up. In the three years that they've been an item the couple has successfully kept their relationship relatively private—a rare accomplishment considering their celebrity status.
That's why when rumor came out that the relationship was heading towards splitsville, the entertainment media quickly latched onto the story and continuously sought out both Pops and Jomari for comments.
Pops confirmed the news but opted not to divulge the reason behind the spat.
"First time na medyo nagkalabuan kami," Pops confessed during the presscon of Divas 4 Divas at the Teatrino in Greenhills, San Juan last October 6.
Pops continued: "It wasn't bad, but because it's the very first time, hindi talaga... Meron kaming hindi napagka... Hindi lang siguro kami nakapag-communicate well and I think that's the reason."
Jomari seconded his girlfriend's claim, saying that although there was indeed a row, both of them were able to handle the situation in a civil manner. Their mutual silence—which lasted for almost a week—was for both of them to think things over rather than give the impression that they're distancing completely from the relationship.
"Siguro kasi miscommunication, misunderstanding, hindi nagkaintindihan so naplantsa naman namin. Nabigyan naman namin ng linaw," he said.
The enigmatic actor reasoned that since he and Pops never found themselves in a verbal argument, the incident can never really be branded as a serious case of lovers' quarrel.
"Hindi pa din away," Jom smiled, "hindi talaga kami nag-aaway."
ON GABBY AND MARTIN. Jomari also took the occasion to share his thoughts on the rumor linking Pops to actor Gabby Concepcion. Other than her supposed closeness with Gabby, the Concert Queen was also being dragged into the controversy involving the former matinee idol and his former manager Rose Flaminiano.
"Actually nagulat ako ba't ako nasali doon," Pops told ABS-CBN News.
When asked about this, Jomari coolly replied, "Medyo alam ko kasi kung saan nanggagaling, e. And ayoko na lang sabihin and nakakadamay ng ibang tao. Ang sa akin, wala akong whatsoever problem with Pops, pati kay Gabby... walang problema."
In fact, Jomari and Pops were together at the wake for Gabby's father: "We were there nung wake ng father niya to give respect sa yumao niyang ama."
As for Pops's inconsistent relationship with ex-husband Martin Nievera, Jomari said that he would rather stay clear on any issue, both good or bad, involving the two.
"Alam kong meron siyang past and nirirespeto ko ‘yon," explained Jomari. "It involves pa din ‘yong present dahil may anak sila."