Jake Cuenca on Fil-Aussie GF: 'This one's for keeps'

MANILA, Philippines - Jake Cuenca said his relationship with Filipina-Australian model Chanel Olive Thomas is "for keeps."

“This one’s for keeps, super saya. Nag-e-enjoy ako sa relationship. Alam mo 'yong kapag walang taping, hindi taping, hindi pelikula ang pinag-uusapan... alam mo 'yon?” Jake said in an interview with PEP.

The Kapamilya actor said his relationship with the Fil-Australian model is "refreshing." He said he could be himself, without proving anything when it comes to his career.

“Pagdating sa kanya, parang ang kailangan ko na lang patunayan ay ang totoong Jake,” he explained. “Hindi ko na kailangang patunayan sa sarili ko by stature or pasikat. So, parang nilabas ko ang pagiging celebrity ko sa kanya.

"Hindi niya ako kilala, hindi niya alam lahat ng nagawa ko. Nakita niya lang ako sa isang billboard, 'yon lang, bale akala niya model din ako. It’s something different for me.”

Jake, meanwhile, said that he is not yer ready to settle down.

“Girlfriend, oo,” he replied with a laugh when asked if he already proposed to Chanel. “Pero mag-propose ng magpakasal, hindi pa naman. Parang ang aga naman. Kinikilala pa namin ang isa’t isa.”

After the primetime series “Ikaw Lamang,” Jake plans to meet Chanel's parents in Australia.