Myrtle Sarrosa and JC Santos pose for a photo. #ABSCBNBall2018 | via @cedrickkbasco pic.twitter.com/k7gAPg9jwp

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 29, 2018

Past iterations of ABS-CBN’s annual ball have seen stars arriving together, either as known long-time couples, or as first-time dates effectively sparking romance rumors.

This year, the new pairing of Myrtle Sarrosa and JC Santos, who walked the red carpet as each other’s date, had viewers of the Saturday event wondering if they are romantically involved.

Speaking with reporters at the ball, Santos and Sarrosa explained that they were recently scene partners in an acting workshop, and ended up agreeing to go to the ball together.

“Nagkayayaan lang kami na, ‘Tayo na lang mag-date sa ball!’” Sarrosa said. “Ako ‘yung suwerte na siya ‘yung kasama ko tonight. For all the balls ng Star Magic, I always went alone. So I’m thankful na this year, it finally happened na may [kasama na ako].”

Santos, who made his TV breakthrough in 2016, was a first-time guest in the annual ball.

While they clarified they are only “good friends” at this time, both said they are not closing their doors on developing a deeper relationship.

Asked what qualities of Santos she finds endearing, Sarrosa said: “Gusto ko talaga ‘yung ugali ni JC. He’s one of the guys in the industry who I can say is really kind-hearted, mabait. I guess sobra kaming magkasundo.”

Santos, meanwhile, described Sarrosa as “approachable” and “easy to be with.”

The two could only manage a laugh when reporters quizzed them on the possibility of ending up together. Sarrosa, in jest, thanked them as if to prematurely end the interview, but Santos eventually mustered a response: “Kung anumang ibigay ng tadhana.”