SWEET! Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola arrive together at the #StarMagicBall2016 red carpet. pic.twitter.com/HhZv0hXt35

— ABS-CBN News Showbiz (@ABSCBN_Showbiz) October 22, 2016

MANILA - Actress Jessy Mendiola and television host Luis Manzano walked the red carpet of the Star Magic Ball on Saturday together, unfazed by the negative criticism their close relationship has received.

Mendiola, who was named the "Sexiest Woman" in the country last year, opted for a a relatively simple backless dress by John Rufo, while Manzano matched his sleek, dark tuxedo with an eye-stealing red bow tie.

Asked if they are dating, Manzano said: "Our smiles speak for ourselves. Iyong interview niya sa 'Tonight With Boy Abunda,' and our interview with your guys, it leaves a smile on our faces. And for me, that's the most important thing. We are jolly, we are ecstatic over what we have between us right now."

Manzano added that he and Mendiola have decided to take their time in this relationship. "There's a reason why we are letting everything fall into place," he said.

The two are long-rumored to have been dating, with some even tagging Mendiola as the reason behind the breakup of Manzano and actress Angel Locsin. Manzano has since cleared Mendiola's name, but has still refused to detail his split with Locsin.

Since the controversy with Locsin first blew up, Manzano and Mendiola have shied away from being seen in public, and refrained from posting photos of themselves together on social media.

However, in recent weeks, it appears that the pair have become comfortable in talking about their rumored romance in public. In an interview on "Tonight with Boy Abunda," Mendiola admitted that she is open to the idea of marrying Manzano.

She was asked: "If there is one person, if there is one man, that you will marry at this point in your life, would that be Luis (Manzano)?" To which Mendiola replied: "Yes."

A portion of the proceeds from the 10th Star Magic Ball will be donated to Lingkod Kapamilya for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Lawin.

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