It started as a blind item about a couple, that in time turned out to be EB Babe Lian Paz and actor Paolo Contis. The controversial love story of Lian and Paolo involved a lot of people, like Paolo's ex, Isabel Oli, and the people who supposedly made it difficult for Lian to enjoy her newfound love in Paolo. But through all the controversies the couple found themselves in, they somehow managed to survive the storm and forge a lasting relationship that has resulted in a blessing that most every couple dreams of.

Yesterday on Startalk, Paolo and Lian came out with the news that she is four months pregnant with his child. Why did the happy couple reveal the good news only now? Was it because of the blind items circulating in the papers and Internet blogs?

"Actually nauna pa ang blind item," laughed Paolo. "Siyempre, inuna muna namin ipaalam, of course, sa mga katrabaho namin sa GMA-7, Nanay Lolit, her family and my family. Wala naman kaming planong itago ever."

Back in July, PEP interviewed Lian (CLICK HERE) concerning her health issue, an ovarian cyst that appeared to be the size of a golf ball. Has the cyst given her any problems with her pregnancy?

"Yes, medyo," Lian said. "Nahirapan akong magbuntis. Noon first trimester ko, kailangan nakahiga lang ako. Mababa kasi ang progesterone ko, so kailangan ko pa mag-take ng pangpakapit."

Paolo then revealed, "It was either i-opera siya na hindi naman sure kung hindi na babalik. And at the same time may ii-stop ang menstrual niya for a year. The third one was fertility. Siyempre, pinag-usapan na namin 'yan. Kaya nga noong lumabas yung [rumor] na ayoko panagutan, e, anong ayoko? E, pinag-usapan nga namin ito."

LIAN AND PAOLO'S MOM MEET. Another rumor had it that Paolo's mom did not approve of their relationship. But Paolo once again debunked such talk by sharing that the two most important women in his life have finally met.

"Yung mommy ko quiet lang yun," said Paolo. "Of course, it will take time pero the first step na nagkita sila, e, I was very, very happy... Si Lian family na ng family ko."

Meanwhile, Paolo's "Nanay" Lolit Solis was also happy for the Lian. Paolo laughingly related, "Sabi ko seryoso pa, ''Nay, may sasabihin ako.' Sabi niya, 'Ano, jontis na?' Haha!"

How about Lian's manager, Malou Choa Fagar? Will there be a career waiting for Lian  after the birth?

"Actually, wala na. I mean, hindi na ako nag-renew sa Eat Bulaga!" said Lian. "If ever na pagkatapos ko manganak kung magwo-work po ako, if given the chance bakit hindi? Pero siyempre, itutuon ko muna ang attention ko sa baby."

HOW ABOUT WEDDING PLANS? Paolo smiled and said, "Iyon nga plano namin. Eventually, it will be revealed in Startalk."

Lian's message to Paolo's mom was simple and sincere: "Happy ako na nagkakilala na po tayo at last at saka sana mayroon tayong magandang time together.

"Mamahalin ko po anak niyo. Huwag po kayo mag-alala."

"Mommy," Paolo said, calling out to Lian's mom, "alam niyo po na kung gaano ko kamahal si Lian. Huwag po kayo mag-alala, alagang-alaga ko ang anak niyo.