Ever since their Pinoy Big Brother Double Up stint, Jason Francisco and Melai Cantiveros’s relationship has been going strong, with the couple currently working together on the daily afternoon series Precious Hearts romances Presents: Mana Po. The 23-year-old actor from Mindoro admitted that he was nervous about headlining the show at first, but he gained more confidence after he did some preparations for it. “Siguro naman ready na kami kasi nag-workshop naman kami kaya medyo siguro nahinog din. Pinaghirapan naming ng todo para malabas namin yung gusto ng mga director,” he said.
Although he admitted that he misses working with her on other shows, Jason said they had to take a more serious approach when they started taping for PHR Presents: Mana Po. “Siyempre miss ko siya kasi dati ‘pag nasa Kokey or Banana Split set kami, nagkukulitan kami. Pero dito sa Mana Po, hindi na kami nagkukulitan kasi kailangan namin i-internalize sa sarili namin yung aming mga character kasi nawawala minsan. Kaya kami napapagalitan ng director tapos minsan nakakalimutan namin yung mga lines pagka-sobra na yung pagkukulitan namin. Minsan ‘di na lang kami nag-uusap para kami na yung iti-take, kailangan na namin mag-concentrate dun sa character namin kasi napakalayo nila dun sa aming totoong sarili. Masyadong madrama dito eh. Mahirap din yung mga English English at mag-pronounce kaya nakakahiya ‘pag nagkakamali,” he said.
Ever since they left PBB, Jason said he has noticed a lot of positive changes in his girlfriend. “Ang natuwa akong pagbabago niya is yung marunong na siya mag-ayos. Kasi dati hindi talaga yan nag-aayos sa sarili niya. Kahit anong gawin ko. Ngayon, marunong na siya mag-ayos, mag-makeup at manamit. Masaya ako dun kasi yun yung klase ng pagbabago na gusto ko eh. ‘Di ba ‘pag may girlfriend ka, ayaw mo naman na hindi maayos itsura? Dati kasi magulo yan sa buhok eh. Yung buhok niya gusto ko lagi maayos,” he explained.
But Jason clarified that this doesn’t mean he wants Melai to totally change how she looks. “Yung kulot siya, gusto ko. Eh ngayon, iba na yung buhok niya. Kasi lagi ng tinutuwid. Okay lang na ganun kasi kumukulot pa rin naman yan. Mamaya-maya kulot na ulit yun ‘pag nabasa,” he added.
When it comes to character, Jason said he is proud of how Melai did not let their growing fame inflate her ego. “Sasabihin ko naman sa kanya yung ganun, kung nag-iiba na siya eh. At saka ako pa naman yung tao na mapag-obserba. Kahit walang ginagawa, kahit nakatingin lang, siyempre hangga’t puwede, sasabihan ko siya. Kaya ko naman siya nagustuhan kasi hindi siya nagbabago. Siguro mahiwalayan ko lang siya ‘pag may nakita akong bagay na hindi na talaga siya yung pagkakakilala ko. Kumbaga nawala na ako sa buhay niya,” he admitted.
After recently giving Melai a ring for their anniversary, Jason is hopeful that their relationship will remain steadfast despite the intrigues that come with being in showbiz. “Sana lang. Sana mas maging stronger pa kami kasi napakahirap ng ating kinatatayuan na lugar. Medyo masikip ito. Alam nila lahat kaya magulo. Pero sana hanggang ngayon magiging matibay pa rin kami. Kasi one year na kami sa showbiz,” he said.