MARCO GUMABAO Sometime October, photos and a video of Marco Gumabao and Janella Salvador hanging out at a bar spread like wildfire on social media, making fans speculate they’ve been “dating.” But in a recent interview, Marco cleared he and Janella are just friends. He also explained they were with other friends when the photos were taken. “Yes we hang out. We went out, we were both single. And when the photos or video surfaced online, we were surprised with the reaction we got online,” he said. Because of the fans’ not-so-good reaction, the actor and Janella have stopped seeing each other. “We talked about it. And we decided na… ‘I think its best that whatever this is, let’s just end it,”’ he shared. “Let’s not give them (fans) a reason to get angry. So, we’re just friends.” JANELLA SALVADOR Marco was brave enough to admit things got a bit strained with Elmo Magalona after the photos came out. Note that Elmo was Janella’s former love team partner. The two were rumored to have a romantic relationship until several “issues” surfaced. Marco said he approached Elmo during their shoot for the Kapamilya Christmas Special recently. “I went up to him. I noticed there’s tension between us. So, I approached him. Well, I don’t think he’s jealous, but because of the issue, I feel that there’s awkwardness,” he shared. “I told him that whatever issue was that, we didn’t mean to destroy his relationship with Janella or what…’” According to Marco, Elmo accepted his apology. “He told me, ‘You know what, Marco, I really appreciate you coming up to me. Not many guys would do this, not everyone would say sorry and would own up to it,” he shared. But since he pointed out that Janella is “single” at the moment, does he have plans of courting her in the future? “Janella is such a sweet girl. If given a chance, yeah, why not, ‘di ba?” he shot back. “But if you’re gonna ask me now, I think this is not the right time.” On whether or not Janella and Elmo are in good terms, Marco is clueless. “I’m not sure. I don’t know anything about it.” On work On a different note, Marco is part of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2018 entry “Aurora. In it, he plays Anne Curtis’ ex-boyfriend, Ricky. When a passenger ship named “Aurora” collides into a rocky shore, over a thousand passengers perish. Leana (Anne) is asked to help look for the cadavers in exchange for a large amount of money. Helping her in the search is Ricky and a boatman named Eddie, played by Alan Paule. Also in the cast is Phoebe Villamor. Working with Anne is such a good experience for Marco, who described the actress as “very easy to approach.” “Aurora” was shot in Batanes and for Marco, the most challenging part was to “act and swim at the same time.” “Actually it was a fun shoot. We stayed in Batanes for 10 days. The water there has strong current.” Thanks to Director Yam Laranas' guidance, Marco was able to pull off every scene. “I just trusted him. I know he is a Hollywood director, and I’m a bit pressured upon knowing he’ll be the one to direct the film. But I admire him for his dedication to the project. He works really fast,” lauded Marco. Produced by Viva Films and ALIUD Entertainment, “Aurora” is in cinemas nationwide.