Paolo and LJ not in a rush to take romance to the next level

LJ Reyes (left) and Paolo Contis spent the holidays in chilly New York City.

LJ Reyes and Paolo Contis may not talk about their relationship often and in detail, but the photos the couple has been recently uploading to their social media accounts do a very good job speaking for them.

One particular Instagram post by Paolo that caught the eyes of netizens reads—in part—that he “promises to protect” LJ’s heart, “so it will never get hurt again.”

How did LJ react to that heartfelt message? “I feel great that there is a person who wants to do that for me—and he’s doing just that,” the actress told reporters at a press conference for GMA 7’s television adaptation of “Pinulot Ka Lang sa Lupa,” the 1987 drama by Ishmael Bernal.

“He has eased a lot of my burdens,” LJ said of Paolo, whom she described as her “best friend.”

The two GMA 7 artists have children from past relationships: LJ has Aki, 6, with ex-boyfriend Paulo Avelino; Paolo has two daughters, Xonia, 6, and Xalene, 5, with estranged wife, Lian Paz.

“I believe it also helps that we have already experienced quite a lot in life. The maturity is there,” said the 29-year-old talent, who’s not in a rush to take her romance with Paolo to the next level.

LJ Reyes

On the prospect of eventually tying the knot with Paolo, LJ said there are still things to be taken care of. Paolo, for one, is still seeking the annulment of his union with Lian.

“Relationships are something you work on,” the “Starstruck” alum pointed out. “Just because everything is going well today, doesn’t mean you have to get married the next day. You take it one step at a time.”

Pictures of the couple’s recent vacation in New York and New Jersey in the United States show Paolo bonding with Aki, which had not a few people wondering if he had already “assumed fatherhood duties” to LJ’s son.

Prodded if Paulo still visits their son often, LJ curtly responded: “If he wants to.”

“Busy siya, e … Urong-sulong. But it’s OK. I know that Aki feels loved,” she said, adding that her son does ask about his father from time to time, of course. “He sees him (Paulo) on television.”

In “Pinulot,” which is directed by Gina Alajar and will air daily starting Jan. 30, LJ reprises the role of Angeli, a homeless girl longing for a mother’s love. The character was previously portrayed by Maricel Soriano, whom LJ considers one of her idols.

“It’s a big privilege for me,” said LJ, who purposely didn’t watch the original movie, so she could start the job with a clean slate. “I think I would end up subconsciously picking up nuances from Ms Maricel’s performance if I watch it,” she said. “I want to have my own take—and I don’t want added pressure.”