Hunky actor Jake Cuenca has opened up about the real score between him and actress Chie Filomeno.

The two have been the subject of rumors in recent months as eagle-eyed fans noticed that Jake, 35, has been leaving flirty comments on Chie’s Instagram posts. Just recently, he and the hot actress, 26, heated up social media with snaps from their sexy shoot for this year’s Metro Body in collaboration with Star Magic.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Hot Summer LaHot Sexy 2023 event on Thursday (May 4), the The Iron Heart actor spoke up on his current status with Chie, admitting that he “admires” the actress.

“I’m admiring her. I guess I can say that,” he said. 

“She knew that I admire her. Yeah,” he added. “Before anything, like it’s just, very ano lang… we’ve known each other for a while and we’re enjoying each other’s company.”

Jake was previously in a relationship with beauty queen-actress Kylie Verzosa. He announced their split in a lengthy note on Instagram in April 2022, after over three years of dating.

“I say this with such a heavy heart but me and Kylie have decided to go our separate ways,” he said. “I’m still so proud of us because we didn’t want to break up in anger. We both wanted to be able to look back on our relationship with no bitterness, no anger, and no regrets — only the good memories. Certainly that’s what I will be holding on to.”

Addressing Kylie, he said, “I will still be here to support you because in so many ways I feel part of your journey and I will always pray for your success. I’m happy we were able to finish this chapter of our lives the same way we started it. Holding hands, as friends. Wherever you are or whatever you’re doing I will always be sending you love and positivity. Know that you will always have a person in me who will always be proud of you. I’ll see you around Kylie.” 

READ: Kylie Verzosa admits to previously dating Marco Gumabao: ‘We tried it out’

Meanwhile, Chie was last linked to actor-singer Kyle Echarri.