MANILA - Architect Conrad Onglao has finally broken his silence over two weeks since singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla called off their engagement.

In a statement on Saturday, Onglao said he loves and respects Padilla, expressing hopes for a reconciliation.

He went on to say that Padilla is the "best thing" that has ever happened to him.

Onglao, however, did not give further details on their break-up.

"I love and respect her a lot and whatever issues we have are between us and hopefully we can work it out and who knows maybe get back again," he said.

"She's the best thing that ever happened to me, ever!" he added.

Onglao proposed to Padilla in August last year. Their wedding was set to happen sometime this year.

Entertainment editor Ricky Lo, in a column on The Philippine Star, had said the failed relationship may have been caused by Onglao's attitude towards celebrities and showbiz.

Lo said one of his sources claimed the singer-actress might have gotten "fed up" with the architect's "hurtful" words aimed at those working at the entertainment industry.

Padilla, for her part, had said she was already in the process of "healing," with the support of her family and friends.

Before Onglao, Padilla was the long-time partner of the late Comedy King, Dolphy. She was also married to dentist Modesto Tatlonghari, the father of Karylle. They separated in 1987.

Onglao, on the other hand, was previously married to interior designer Ivy Almario, with whom he has two sons. They were divorced in the United States and obtained a legal separation, and church annulment here in the Philippines.