Rumored sweethearts Diego Loyzaga ad Franki Russel opened up about the real status of their relationship as they teamed up in the first movie entitled "Pabuya" now streaming on Vivamax.
"We are just two people living life, working in this industry, and working hard for ourselves, and I care about you, Diego," said Franki when asked about the real score of her relationship with Diego, during a press conference for the action-drama movie, held at Gateway Cinema, Araneta City in Quezon City recently.
Then the crowd roared into laughter when Franki said: "Mahal mo ba 'ko, Diego? Miss na kita eh."
Asked to comment on Franki's answer, Diego said: "I think Franki answered it."
In May, Franki shared some cozy photos with Diego. Later she deleted it.
Later, Diego said that there was nothing going on between him and the former Pinoy Big Brother housemate.
Franki said that he's grateful to have Diego in her life. He has a big spot in my heart. I trust his advice. Siyempre sobrang experienced na siya sa industry natin. Kapag may tanong ako, I trust his advice. I feel that he cares for me the way I care about him. I'm very happy that he's the first leading man in my first movie sa Viva. I'm very grateful to you Diego."
Diego said that he and Franki share a deep relationship, although they are just friends.
"We were public when we were dating. So it's obvious that Franki and I share a deep relationship. I promised her when I first met her was I promise to be a true friend in this industry. If there's anything you need to know, wonder or think about, you can ask me. You just come to me and ask. Nothing in return, pretty much. Just offering friendship to her," he said. "And so it kinda resonated on the film, we were not like outshine one another or be better than one another. We were just like an ensemble, the whole cast. So our friendship was seen on the screen. That's why we easily clicked because we're close to one another."
Commenting on the chemistry of Diego and Franki on-screen, director Philip Giordano said: "In some of the scenes, it feels so real. Like it feels like they're in a relationship. That has always been the case."
About 'Pabuya'
At war with a rival gang, chased by the police, and dependent on a woman for his escape. That’s the situation Diego Loyzaga finds himself in as he portrays the role of a gang leader named Pepe in “Pabuya”, a Vivamax original movie now showing on Vivamax.
Franki Russel plays Bella, whom Pepe runs to after killing an undercover cop. Bella is sweet and loving, and because of their history, Pepe puts his trust in her. But this trust is shaken when the police issued a reward for his capture.
This movie is a first for Franki, who appeared in the phenomenal TV series “Ang Probinsyano” after being a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother in 2019. Last October, this Filipino-New Zealander beauty also achieved another “first” as she was the first to represent the Philippines in the first-ever Miss Universe pageant in the United Arab Emirates.
Her team-up with Diego Loyzaga is quite interesting since, just like their characters, the two of them seemed to have a romantic involvement in the not so distant past.
Directed by Philip Giordano (Pusoy), “Pabuya” includes a supporting cast that Vivamax viewers will surely be familiar with. Jela Cuenca (Taya, 5in1, Boy Bastos, Palitan, Isalnd of Desire, Silip sa Apoy) plays Maricar, the seductive but selfish ex-girlfriend of Pepe. Felix Roco (‘Wag Mong Agawin ang Akin, Kaliwaan) plays Jojo, the leader of the rival gang. Jiad Arroyo (Doblado, Adan, High on Sex, Kitty K-7) plays Victor dela Cruz, the lead detective who has a shady side to him.