John Lloyd Cruz

MANILA, Philippines — John Lloyd Cruz wants to make sure love with Shaina Magdayao is indeed sweeter the second time around.

“Ito ang pwede kong i-share for now with the intention na doon ko siya gustong dalhin sa ganung klase ng pag-aalaga. I’m talking about the relationship. Siguro hanggang dun lang muna na nagkahiwalay kami noon and then inayos and we got back together,” said the actor.

According to reports, John Lloyd and Shaina broke up in October 2011, only a year into the affair.

Asked if it all felt as if they were starting over, the “Unofficially Yours” lead actor said, “Hindi naman all over again kasi hindi naman natapos completely or nabasura yung unang part. Kung starting all over again, I don’t think so. Okay na kami at papunta sa mas magandang relasyon.”

But John Lloyd said the option to label the romance is his. He understands if other showbiz couples leave romance in a more casually-lit, commitment-free setting. “Sa akin lang whatever works for you whether official or unofficial. Kung ano man ang napag-usapan ninyo or set-up ninyo as long as okay kayo, kasi ang hirap, masyadong complex ang issue. Pwedeng unofficial pero exclusive, official pero you can date others. Kung ano yung agreement ninyo stick to that and protect it,” he said.

John Lloyd is currently promoting “Unofficially Yours” under Star Cinema. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, it is his first rom-com team-up with Angel Locsin.

Opening on Feb. 15, the plot revolves around putting or not putting labels on relationships. The actor claims many will be able to relate to the situation faced by the lead characters. The movie shot many of its scenes at the Manila Bulletin offices in Intramuros.

John Lloyd has only good things to say about his leading lady. “Nakakatulong si Angel kasi she is very open and very supportive and very willing. Maswerte para sa isang leading man na katulad ko na meron kang isang kapareha like Angel who is very much willing and very much eager to come up with the best scenes. Malaking tulong sa akin yun kasi mas fluid ang motion and mas fluid ang interaction. I can say I was blessed or I guess I got really lucky.”