ROCCO Nacino and leading lady Sanya Lopez are not in a hurry for love.
The two are rumored to be dating now after their newfound closeness while doing Kapuso primetime series "Encantadia".
Nacino admitted that Lopez is close to him and he was thrilled upon hearing the news that they are working again together in a new soap.
"She's the closest person to me right now. Special siya sa akin," he said at the recent "Haplos" press conference.
But when pressed if he sees jumping into a new relationship after his failed romance with Lovi Poe, the 30-year-old actor said he wants to take things slow.
Nacino said he respects Lopez's time and knows that they have other priorities in mind.
"Hindi ko alam kung ready na ba ako pumasok ulit doon, same din with Sanya. Napakaganda ng career namin and alam namin ang priorities namin. At the same time, andito kaming dalawa para sa isa't isa."
He also doesn't want to ruin what they've started on and off the camera.
"Bakit kami mag gamble na pumasok sa isang relationship kung lagi naman kaming magkasama and okay naman kami. Hindi kami nagmamadali," he added.
Lopez, on her part, said that she's not looking for a relationship now. She said her main concern is to make the most of the opportunities presented to her by the network.
"Mas priority ko talaga nag trabaho ngayon. Takot ako na mahati yung focus ko, yung attention ko sa iba. Sa ngayon, ang hirap ipasok ang relasyon pag meron kang opportunity ka na ganito," she said.
But if the time comes that she's ready and Nacino is still there, she only has this request: "Kung dumating man doon, please be careful with my heart."
The two will be seen daily on GMA's afternoon primetime block starting July 10 as they headline their own series "Haplos".
Lopez breathe life to the character of Angela Alonzo, a physical therapy undergraduate whose goal in life is to find and love a man as amazing as her father.
Her character is then romantically involved with Gerald Cortez, played by Nacino, a hardworking salesman. His only desire in life is to complete his own family.
The actress said "Haplos" came as a big surprise and blessing to her. She never thought that after doing "Encantadia," she will have her own show on GMA-7.
Lopez disclosed she was supposed to take a week's vacation after doing the primetime series but was asked to do screen test for a secret project.
A week later, she and Nacino were introduced as GMA-7's newest on-screen team up.
"Masaya ako kasi minsan lang yung ganitong opportunity at hindi lahat nabibigyan ng soap. Thankful din ako kay Rocco kasi andiya siya lagi and ramdam ko naman yung pag-aalaga niya."
As for Nacino, the actor said he's just grateful to be working again in a new soap and to share the screen with Lopez.
"Nagulat ako (na may new show agad) but I'm very, very happy. Napakalaking bonus na may work agad and makasama siya. Ang saya makita na ito na yung naging produkto ng hardwork namin," he said.
Directed by Gil Tejada Jr., "Haplos" premieres July 10 after "Impostora" on GMA Afternoon Prime. (SunStar Philippines)