Jake Cuenca on doing Bench project

KAPAMILYA star Jake Cuenca is proud with his Be Bench underwear billboard in Edsa.

During the grand press launch of the newest primetime teleserye “Rubi,” Jake said that doing the Bench project is a dream come true.

“Yung in-offer sa akin ng Bench ang project na yan I'm very happy. Kung baga ginawa ni Richard Gomez yan dati, ni Jomari Yllana, ni Wendel Ramos at marami pangiba, so yung mabigyan ako ng opportunity na gumawa ng billboard na yun for its a childhood dream come true.”

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The billboard was a hot topic this week as many, even politicians, raised their dislike in the advertisement for showing too much skin in public.

According to Jake, when the project was offered to him, he immediately accepted it because he was able to do an underwear campaign with Bench before.

“Mahal na mahal ko ang Bench, ang laki ng utang na loob ko sa kanila kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanila wala siguro ako dito sa kinalalagyan ko. So nung binigay sa akin yung campaign na yan, its something that I'm truly proud of, something I'm really thankful for,” he said.

When asked on his reaction if authorities will try to untie his billboard, the actor said it is up to the management (Bench).

“For me that campaign was a blessing, yun ay pinaghirapan ko. Syempre may mga ibang tao na hindi magugustuhan yung billboard,” Jake said.

He added: “Of course masakit. kung hindi nila gusto, it's their opinion, pero sa akin, in the end of the day makita ko lang yun na nakatayo eh I'm happy and I have no regrets in doing the pictorial whatsoever."

Dating ex-housemate

The “Rubi” actor also broke his silence on the issue of him dating ex-housemate Sam Pinto few years back.

“We dated, lumabas kami ng ilang beses and we had a good time,” he said.

Sam, who was invited to ABS-CBN's Sunday showbiz talkshow "The Buzz," confirmed during her guesting that she went out with Jake for a couple of times.

Jake at first was reluctant to answer questions regarding the issue because he didn't have any opportunity to talk to Sam after the comment was made.

“Nagkausap na kami, nag apologize nga sya yung mga lumabas sa tv, sabi ko its no problem with me, talagang kasama sa industry yan, its something you need to get used to,” he said.

Though the “going out” didn't end up with a romantic relationship, Jake said they will always share a special bond together.

He added that if given a chance, he would like to work with Sam and he's very happy with her blossoming showbiz career.

“I'm happy with Sam outside the PBB house and I hope I can work with her very soon. I'm very proud with what she accomplished.”

Jake is part of "Rubi," the Valentine offering of the Kapamilya network, which will start next Monday, February 15.

The actor shared that the localize version of the hit Mexican novela will surely sizzle the primetime programming.

“Basta mainit na mainit ang show namin. Sabi nga ni Diether (Ocampo) kanin na lang ang kulang dahil may ulam na,” he said.

Joining him in Rubi are Angelica Panganiban, Diether Ocampo, Shaina Magdayao, Cherry Pie Picache, Cherry Gil, Coney Reyes, Bing Loyzaga, Susan Africa and many others. (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)