Actress Shaina Magdayao. Gretchen Fullido, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Working with Piolo Pascual on "Pamilya Sagrado" has breathed new life into their friendship, actress Shaina Magdayao says even as she seeks to clarify rumors regarding their romantic status.

Pascual and Magdayao first worked together in the TV series "Lobo" when the actress was just 17 years old. 

"We worked together when I was 17 in 'Lobo.' Siya 'yung first, siya 'yung first love scene ko, siya 'yung first kissing scene ko. So first ever mature role ko 'yun," Magdayao recalled.

Their professional paths diverged after "Lobo," though they briefly reunited for the film "On The Job" and then again for a Lav Diaz film. 

"When they pitched this project to me, I'm like, seryoso ba? I know Piolo. I know his family," said Magdayao. "Pero, acting-wise, showbiz-wise, nag-mature din ako as an actress. Siya rin, mas nag-mature din siya as an actor. How are we going to work together, really?"

Initially, the idea felt strange, but soon excitement took over. "It would be very interesting siguro now na parang mag-ibang tao na kayo. Kasi from 17 years old to ilang taon na ako ngayon," Magdayao said.

Their renewed partnership has revitalized their friendship. "I guess, 'yung friendship namin nagkaroon ulit ng isang branch. Kasi, 'di naman namin na-explore 'yung showbiz side. But, now, we can say na parang, okay, medyo nakapagtrabaho na kami. And, medyo makikilala nyo ulit 'yung isa't isa sa kung paano 'yung disipline ng isa't isa with the craft," said Magdayao.

But as for anything romantic, Magdayao was clear. 

"Nari-kindle, ano ba 'yun? Parang wala namang nari-kindle na nangyayari. But, definitely may bagong... like what I said, may bagong side of him ang na, naded-iscover ko every bubble. And, I guess ako din. Like, this is the Shaina that he's never really seen," she said.

"Wala naman kaming love angle. Grabe kayo," she added.

The actress revealed that her history with Pascual goes further than "Lobo."

"I've known him since I was eight. 'Marinella,' nandun na siya," Magdayao recalled. When asked about the possibility of a future together, she said: "People change, eh. So, I don't know. Of course, he is a really good person. Like, grabe. Mabuting tao siya talaga. He has a very good soul."

Magdayao's admiration for Piolo is evident. "He's a good... I know for a fact that he has a good brother, he has a good son, he has a good father, he has a good friend. Kahit sino sigurong babae would say, oo naman, 'di ba? Life won't be difficult with someone like him."

However, she remains focused on her career and personal growth. "If, like, now, now, hindi ko siguro masasagot. Because, like, what I said, at this point in my life, parang hindi 'yun ang naha-highlight sa akin ngayon. Parang we already know that at this point in our friendship. No matter what happens, no matter in our lives or in our careers, we're always gonna be there for each other. That's what I can say."

For Magdayao, working on "Pamilya Sagrado" is special, as the show was green-lit by the late Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal. 

"Sa mga hindi nakakalam, this is the last show na binigyan ng green light ni Sir Deo when he was still alive," said Magdayao.

There are other ventures for the actress, including representing the Philippines at the New York Asian Film Festival as a jury member. While initially hesitant, she is excited about the opportunity. 

"When I was asked, honestly, I was hesitant. Because in, because never kong naisip na magiging part ako ng isang jury. And also, lumaki ako ng sanay ako na ako 'yung or performance ko 'yung kinikilatis ng isang jury," she said.

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