Initially cautious about mentioning his friendship with basketball player Calvin Abueva, comedian Vice Ganda has become more open about the relationship that’s been the subject of speculation in recent weeks.

Abueva and Vice Ganda, in separate interviews, have insisted they are only close friends, and not romantically involved. This followed numerous sightings of the two together, as early as September.

Last week, in their most public interaction yet, Abueva took off his jersey and handed it to Vice Ganda after the Phoenix-Meralco game at the Araneta Coliseum. They were also seen hugging briefly on the courtside.

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

On Tuesday on “It’s Showtime,” Vice Ganda was once again teased by his co-hosts about Abueva, but unlike in past episodes where the comedian would deflect the topic, he readily engaged in the playful banter.

For one, Vice Ganda shared that Abueva is a skilled cook, when the topic during a “Tawag ng Tanghalan” interview shifted to cuisines. In the same portion, he casually confirmed having met Abueva’s family.

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv

Later in the singing competition, Vice Ganda was caught by co-host Mariel Rodriguez on the phone, just as they were about to take their turn on stage. The moment was caught on camera, and soon the teasing snowballed to Abueva — whom Vice Ganda was speaking to — obliging to the other hosts’ request for him to send them one of his dishes.

Vice Ganda turned serious during a subsequent interview with another contestant, with whom he said he could relate. As he shared his past experience of certain male friends supposedly being ashamed of him, he credited the “Beast” — Abueva’s basketball moniker — as being the exception.

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv