Jake Cuenca says Chie Filomeno was his ‘TOTGA,’ won’t let her go this time

(From left) Jake Cuenca, Chie Filomeno. Images: Instagram/@juancarloscuenca, Instagram/@martindes__ via @chiefilomeno

A month after they were confirmed to be dating, Jake Cuenca said he is intent to pursue actress Chie Filomeno again — just as he did in the past.

During an interview with entertainment reporters, Cuenca revealed that he and Filomeno used to go out on dates in the past, but their budding romance didn’t work out at the time. However, he said that he considers her to be his TOTGA — “the one that got away” — but this time around, he is not about to let her go.

“In so many ways, she’s kinda like the one who got away from me. Kasi we dated na before, a long time ago,” he said.

Cuenca recalled that Filomeno was then already with “It’s Showtime,” but for reasons that he did not elaborate, they stopped dating. “But then, nahinto the first time. For me, given the second time around, parang I don’t wanna let her go.”

(In so many ways, she’s kinda like the one who got away from me. Because we dated before, a long time ago. She was in “It’s Showtime” already, she was already dancing in “It’s Showtime.” But it ended that first time. For me, given the second time around, it’s like I don’t wanna let her go.)

According to “The Iron Heart” actor, he was presented with a “second chance” during the Star Magic Christmas Ball in December last year, and he took that opportunity to rekindle their romance.

While laughing, the actor shared that he approached Filomeno during the Star Magic Christmas Ball in December, saying their moment together felt like it was “something from a movie.”

“I went up to her, naglakas-loob ako. It was the Christmas Ball of Star Magic. It was not the plan, it’s biglaan talaga (it was really sudden). It felt like something from a movie. Because I had so many things to do that day,” he said.

“I was just gonna go to the Ball just to give my respect to Lauren Dyogi, say hi to the bosses and get out of there. That was my thing naman (anyway), but I saw her so I stayed,” he further added.

Cuenca’s revelation comes a month after Filomeno confirmed that they’re already dating, in which she clarified that she’s taking her time to get to know him before agreeing to be his girlfriend.

“You can say we’re dating, but what’s good about Jake is that he knows where my heart is. He understands that I have priorities and he doesn’t rush me. He respects my decision and is willing to wait for me. I think that in any kind of relationship, it’s important that you have an understanding and that you stick to it,” she was quoted as saying. EDV