Tin regards Echo as her "first love"

Kristine Hermosa regards Jericho Rosales as her "first love"

Bong Godinez
Sunday, August 16, 2009
12:08 AM

The passing of time changed their romantic feelings for one another. But it failed to alter the fact that Jericho Rosales was Kristine Hermosa's "first love."

And the mere mention of the word "first love" was enough to make Jericho blush in embarrassment.

"Hindi, kasi siya sanay na nalalaman na first love ko siya," Kristine teased, making Echo cringed even more to the delight of the entertainment reporters who witnessed the two ex-lovers reunite at the press conference of ABS-CBN's upcoming teleserye, Dahil May Isang Ikaw.

The press conference was held last night, August 10, at the 9501 restaurant in ABS-CBN, Quezon City.

Dahil May Isang Ikaw marks the comeback of Kristine and Jericho's onscreen tandem after five years of working separately. Jericho and Kristine—considered as one of the successful modern loveteams in local show business—became lovers in real life. Immaturity combined with the pressure of living up to fans' expectations unfortunately proved too much for the couple to handle.

After parting ways, consequently signaling the end of their screen partnership, Jericho hooked up with young actress Heart Evangelista, while Kristine found another love in the arms of actor Diether Ocampo.

FIRST LOVE NEVER DIES? It was interesting to see Kristine casually talk about her past with Echo (Jericho's nickname). Kristine's obvious ease in discussing her failed romance was a clear indication that she definitely had moved on.

"Hindi ko naman siya nakalimutan, ever," said Kristine with all honesty. "Siyempre naman 'pag naging parte kayo ng buhay ng isa't isa, hindi na mawawala 'yong pagiging special."

Their breakup, according to Kristine, was painful particularly on her part. In hindsight, the mestiza actress estimated that it took her considerable time to recover from the heartbreaking experience. But she acknowledged the fact that they were both young and inexperienced during the time of their relationship.

"Before that [recovery stage], hindi ko kayang makita pa si Echo. Parang naiisip ko pa lang siya, nadudurog na puso ko. E, siyempre, minahal ko nang sobra 'to... Pero siyempre 'pag mga bata pa kayo, ganun 'yong feeling."

REUNITED. With their past romance all behind them now, both Kristine and Echo said they're simply happy to be working with each other again. The thought that there's still clamor from the fans to see their tandem once again excite both parties.

"Happy kasi magkakasama kami ulit," said Kristine. "Ever since naman talaga, kumportable ako ka-trabaho si Jericho kaya nakakatuwa kasi kapag nagkakasama kami sa eksena kumbaga meron ng chemistry."

Asked on Echo's qualities that she missed the most when they were not working together, Kristine replied, "'Yong kalokohan ni Echo, 'yong pagiging kalog niya [at] pagiging maalaga."

The possibility of falling in love with Echo again remains remote, said Kristine. What they currently have now is merely a "working relationship."

Asked further to reconsider her position, Kristine eventually gave in: "Hindi naman natin hawak ang future natin. So, hindi natin alam kung ano'ng mangyayari sa atin... Mas maganda na hindi tayo magsara ng pintuan natin."