Is Rayver Cruz dating Julia Barretto?

Actor-dancer Rayver Cruz finally spoke up on persistent reports that he is dating teen actress Julia Barretto.

In an interview after the finale press conference for the hit series "Two Wives," Cruz stressed that he and Barretto are just good friends.

"Walang real score. Kapag napag-uusapan namin ni Julia, natatawa lang kami kasi super close ako sa family niya. After ng London Barrio Fiesta naging close ako sa kanya at sa mama (Marjorie) niya. Tapos pagbalik namin ay naging close ako sa buong family niya," Cruz explained.

"Natutuwa ako na nagkaroon ako ng second family kasama sila. Hindi ko in-expect 'yon kasi mga Barrettos, pero sobrang saya nila kasama. Natatawa na lang kami kasi parang kailan lang may nag-tweet sa akin 'dating daw' eh 'yung picture na 'yun kinunan kaming dalawa lang pero kasama namin 'yung buong family," he added.

The actor also made an appeal to stop romantically linking him to Barretto.

"Sa ngayon tigilan niyo na si Julia. Hindi kami exclusively dating. Parang nakakatawa lang kasi sobrang close ako sa kanila, nakakahiya naman sa kanila huwag na nating ipilit," Cruz said.

The actor, however, admitted he really finds Barretto beautiful.

"I find her very attractive. Sinasabi ko naman sa kanya sa harapan niya, sino ba namang tao ang hindi magkakagusto sa kanya magkaka-crush pero at this point in time parang ang dami pa niyang pwedeng gawin. Ewan ko kung gusto niyang mag-ano (entertain) ng suitors niya imposible namang walang nanliligaw sa kanya hindi ba? Pero sa ngayon kasi I'm happy na super close ako sa kanya, magkaibigan kami," he said.

Erich Gonzales getting Death threats?

   Erich Gonzales answers questions from the media at the press conference for 'Two Wives.' Photo: ABS-CBN

MANILA -- Actress Erich Gonzales admitted that she has been receiving threats since she started appearing as Janine in ABS-CBN's hit series "Two Wives," which is now down to its last three weeks.

"Dumating sa punto na 'yung mga manonood sobra silang affected sa impact ni Janine sa buhay nila. Siguro maraming na-Janine sa real life, maraming nakaka-relate. Dumating ako sa point na 'yung Instagram ko ngayon ay naka-private na kasi nakaka-receive ako ng death threats. Minumura ako. Hindi na si Janine ang tinatawag nila kung hindi si Erich na," Gonzales told reporters at the show's finale press conference on Wednesday.

"Although I understand na nadadala ang mga tao sa kwento, akala nila totoo na o totoong buhay na 'yon. Pero I find it disturbing na may mga threats o pagmumura na. Siyempre artista ka, hindi nila maintindihan na ginagampanan 'yung role, parang hindi nila ma-separate siguro. Sana maintindihan nila na ako mismo, sa sarili ko, hindi ko gusto ang script, ang lines na ginagawa ni Janine. Pero siyempre it's my job na maging makatotohanan yung role ko," she added.

The actress said she is happy that viewers appreciate her performance in the soap, especially since it was her first time to do a "bida-kontrabida" role.

"Masasabi ko na napaka-challenging role para sa akin. Ang dami niyang hugot sa buhay, ang dami niyang angst. Kasi nung una ay kimi lang siya, tahimik tapos biglang sumabog at naging palaban. Mahirap gawin," she said.

"Two Wives" airs weeknights after "Forevermore."

Watch:Julia Barretto reacts to 'rivalry' with Liza Soberano

In an interview aired on "Aquino & Abunda Tonight" Friday, Julia Barretto shrugged off her supposed rivalry with "Forevermore" actress Liza Soberano, emphasizing they are close friends.

The "Mirabella" star said she would rather focus on preparation for her upcoming debut on March 10, which will be aired as a TV special dubbed "Just Julia" on March 29.