MANILA – “Love You to the Stars and Back” lead stars Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia finally revealed their relationship status.

Speaking during the movie's press conference on Sunday, Garcia admitted that while he liked Barretto even before they worked on “Vince and Kath and James,” it was only in January this year that he started courting the actress.

“Sobra kong nae-enjoy 'yung presence niya and sobra niya akong napapasaya. May mga scenes nga kaming ginawa ni direk na mga heavy scenes na hindi ko magawa kasi masaya talaga [ako kasama siya]. Napapasaya niya ako ng sobra,” he said.

If they were to go on a road trip, Garcia said he would love to bring Barretto to his hometown in Batangas so that the actress can finally meet his relatives and friends.

Despite confessing his feelings for Barretto, Garcia said he’s still afraid to ask her to be his girlfriend.

“Puwede siyang mag hindi. Kasi sa ngayon, 'yung trabahong pumapasok sa amin, ang hirap sayangin. Nakakatakot kasi talagang magtanong. Kasi parang lahat naman tayo natatakot tayong ma-reject,” he said.

Barretto, for her part, shared that she would not have allowed Garcia to court her if she doesn’t like him.

“Siyempre pinayagan ko siya manligaw kasi siyempre may gusto rin naman talaga sa kanya,” she said blushing.

Barretto also doesn’t feel that there would be a problem if ever they officially become a couple.

“If I’m being very honest, I’ve learned to prioritize my work but he’s become such an important person in my life and it’s not like nakakasagabal siya sa trabaho ko. So I don’t see any problem naman kung if ever, pagsabayin 'yun,” she said.

It also makes Barretto happy that her family accepts Garcia for who he is.

“Very well loved naman siya by my family, very well accepted kaya nakakatuwa din naman para sa akin,” she said.

In fact, Barretto’s mother Marjorie was also present at the press conference and she expressed her support for the two.

“Kung sino ang gusto ng anak ko, doon ako. Basta happy at protective sa mga anak ko, okay na ako. Basta inspired,” Marjorie said.

Asked what quality of Garcia does she personally like, Marjorie said: “Nakikita ko kasi very makapamilya siya. Important sa amin 'yun. He likes being with our family. Parang he looks like a good son. Pero hindi ko pa nami-meet ang family.”

Barretto and Garcia call each other “Baba” but they decided not to disclose the reason behind it.

“Love you to the Stars and Back” hits theaters nationwide starting August 30.