MANILA – Paulo Avelino doesn’t always talk about his new girlfriend in his interviews. However, he opened up a little about their relationship when he appeared on “Tonight with Boy Abunda” Monday.

According to Avelino, he considers Filipino-Australian model Jodie Elizabeth Tarasek a blessing because she came into his life at “a very weird time.”

“I just found someone who could be with me during these hard times, and who is willing to support me,” he said.

Asked how Tarasek feels that a lot of people are interested in their relationship, Avelino said: “Medyo nagugulat pa rin siya pero parang nasasanay na rin. She gets a lot of hate messages as well like tweets or Instagram comments. Nasasanay na siya.”

Although Avelino is no longer getting any younger, the actor maintained he doesn’t see himself getting married anytime soon.

But could Tarasek be the one that he’d like to spend the rest of his life with? “She could be,” Avelino briefly said.

Avelino admitted his relationship with Tarasek in July. He met the model through a common friend, and he has said that likes her for her simplicity.