"Huwag na nating pag-usapan si Zanjoe [Marudo]," Mariel Rodriguez constantly pleaded to the entertainment press yesterday, June 28, at the press junket prepared for her part in Star Cinema's upcoming movie Cinco.
Instead of seriously answering the questions about her former boyfriend, the Wowowee co-host just treated it as a joke and gave unrelated answers.
"Like what I said earlier, sa part na 'yan, ngayon lang ako mag-a-ask na please..." Mariel requested.
The TV host gave the first and only interview about her breakup with Zanjoe to her talent manager Boy Abunda in SNN. In that interview, she revealed that the split-up "was not exactly" her decision. (CLICK HERE to read related article.)
Mariel seems to be firm in not giving interviews anymore about the issue. She explained, "It's hard to talk kasi, as much as possible, I would like to respect the three years na we had together. So, feeling ko, mas maganda na hindi na ako magsasalita tungkol do'n kasi tapos na 'yon."
She also repeatedly told the media that despite what happened, there's really nothing to worry about her. "I'm really in a very happy place right now. I'm really happy,'' Mariel said.
ON ROBIN PADILLA. Following the end of her relationship with Zanjoe came the rumors that constantly linked her to action star Robin Padilla. Talks about them started when Robin temporarily took over the hosting job of Willie Revillame in Wowowee.
Before the public jumps to conclusions, Mariel was quick to say that she and Robin are just friends. She also denied reports that they're already dating.
The TV host-actress defended, "Never pa kaming nag-date ni Robin, never. Nakakasama ko siya in dinners, birthday parties, but never na [date]."
Mariel also took the opportunity to clarify reports that she was the reason why Robin's daughter Queenie seldom saw her dad at home when he was still hosting Wowowee. The 25-year-old TV host denied that she was with the actor during those times.
"The time Robin was doing Wowowee, hindi siya umuuwi talaga. Sa dressing room siya natutulog. Hindi kasama ko! Sa dressing room niya. Kaya siguro hindi niya nakikita ang papa niya. I was not the reason. I am not the reason," she stressed.
Although Mariel is currently single, she said having another romantic relationship is not really her priority.
"I'm okay. But I'm not in a rush," she said. "If love comes, then love's here. Really, alam mo, I love myself now. I told you, it's Mariel's time. I'm just loving myself. I'm just enjoying, walang rush. I'm inspired, masaya ako."
ON WILLIE'S POSSIBLE RETURN. Mariel was also asked if reports were true that when Willie Revillame returns to Wowowee after his "indefinite leave," she and Pokwang would leave the show.
Mariel looked puzzled as she answered, "Actually, with regard to that, wala po kaming control or whatsoever. Actually, kami 'yong mga walang alam sa mga mangyayari, kung kailan babalik. I don't know. Baka nga mas may alam pa kayo kaysa amin. Kasi, we're just waiting kung ano ba ang magiging decision ng management. Kami, ano lang kami, lagi ko itong sinasabi, we're just soldiers. Kung ano ang iuutos sa amin ng management, 'yon lang ang ginagawa namin."
She reiterated, "Wala namang napag-usapan unless tatanggalin kami. Hindi ko alam. Basta kung ano ang naging desisyon ng management, 'yon ang gagawin namin."