A photo posted by Jessy Mendiola (@senorita_jessy) on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:49am PDT

MANILA -- Bashers of Jessy Mediola, take note: Your criticism has helped deepen the bond between the actress and rumored boyfriend Luis Manzano.

This, according to Manzano himself when asked about the negative comments he and Mendiola have been receiving for the past month or so.

"To go through that? It definitely made us stronger," he told ABS-CBN News' Marie Lozano. "I appreciated her more, her strength --mas bumilib ako sa kanya. Mas malaki lang akong tao pero she's way stronger than I am."

The slew of hate began when Mendiola was tagged in the high-profile breakup of Manzano and actress Angel Locsin. Both Mendiola and Manzano have denied the speculations, with Locsin refusing to comment.

It shifted into high gear after Mendiola was named as the "Sexiest Woman" in the country by readers of local men's magazine FHM, besting Locsin, who finished fourth. Locsin won the title in 2005 and 2010.

"Ang taong naghahanap ng mali ay makakahanap ng mali," Manzano explained, referring to the body shaming remarks Mendiola received following her win. "They don't want to understand the other side of the spectrum. To begin with, they never liked her."

"So they wouldn't put any effort into understanding her. Ganoon naman talaga. I'm not going to knock into people's houses, saying, 'Hey, like me.' No, you don't like me? Fine," Manzano added.

The "Family Feud" host also denied that he and Mendiola are already a couple. "Wala pang formality, wala pa. We are just enjoying this journey. It's a journey filled with road bumps, and we're just going to enjoy everything -- both the good moments and the bad," he reasoned.

READ: Jessy on real score with Luis: 'Hindi pa kami!'