Billy Crawford says girlfriend Nikki Gil is partly the reason he chose to stay in the Philippines and put his career abroad on hold.

"Career-wise, she's part of the plan as well na nandito ako. You know, hindi ko naman sasabihin na nag-give up ako sa buong buhay ko para sa kalagayan ko ngayon. But she's part of the reason why I'm still here," said the 28-year-old singer-performer at the press conference of his 25^th anniversary showbiz anniversary concert in September, which was held yesterday, August 24, at the Evissa Superclub, Timog Avenue, in Quezon City.

However, if there's one thing that Billy has given up for his girlfriend of two years, it would be, "Well, puso ko, na-give up ko."

The Panahon Ko 'To host admitted that, in his younger years, he played around with romantic relationships. 

Now 28, the former child star said that out of those experiences he has learned to be faithful. "I'm at that age na, siguro, 25 years na ako sa industriya, so marami na akong nakilala. But no regrets. I think you just grow up one day and you just realize na there's more to life than being a chickboy, or whatever."

So, to show his love, Billy made sure that everything would be memorable for Nikki when she celebrated her 23^rd birthday last Monday, August 23.  Aside from a custom-made jacket and an iPad, Billy joined her in celebrating this special day with her family and close friends.

Does this mean he's planning to settle down?

"Hindi pa rin, hindi pa rin.  I have to take my time.  I have to be sure, we have to be sure," he answered. "Sa ngayon, hindi ako magiging selfish na iisipin ko ang sarili ko, at my age, 28, kasi Nikki just turned 23.  You know, everything is in God's will.  Kung mangyayari 'yan, I don't know.  Hindi natin alam 'yan. Basta kailangan I'm wealthy enough and healthy enough to make a family, na masasabi kong puwede akong mag-step away sa showbiz at kumportable ang pamilya."

Billy also mentioned that his girlfriend might still be too young to settle down. "For Nikki, she's very young. I don't think she needs to settle down yet. Marami pa siyang pangarap na kailangang maabot," he said.

He was happy about the video greeting of his mom to Nikki where she also joked that they get married.

"Well, happy ako kasi parang assurance naman na parang botong-boto nga ang pamilya ko kay Nikki and vice versa. Alam ko naman na close din ako sa family ni Nikki. I think it's too early to say. Siguro my mom just said that kasi gusto lang niyang sabihin 'yon. Parang she's fine now.  Happy na siya," said the former That's Entertainment mainstay.

"WE LEARN FROM EACH OTHER." Aside from making him smile, Nikki has brought changes in his life, and one of these is being more focused in a relationship. 

 "If I'm in love with someone, like ngayon, focus ako sa kanya lang," Billy said.

He added, "When you find someone and you love that person, that person can change your life—when you least expect it, ha. Kasi, hindi ko naman alam na I'm gonna fall in love with Nikki, that I'm gonna be with Nikki. Binigay siya ng Panginoon sa akin to change my life and to make me focus."

In a previous article, Billy mentioned that he might fly back to France to work on a project he's preparing for his comeback on the international scene. Did he assure Nikki that he would never leave her?