Lotlot de Leon, Janine Gutierrez and Jericho Rosales. Image: Instagram/@ms.lotlotdeleon, acebook/NeriMe Crtvs
Lotlot de Leon did not answer outright if she approves of Jericho Rosales for her daughter Janine Gutierrez, but the veteran actress underscored that she wants her children to be with someone who is “proud” of them.
De Leon was asked about the love life of her eldest daughter during an interview on the online show “Marites University,” as seen on its YouTube channel on Wednesday, Sept. 18.
“Boto ka ba?” show host Jun Nardo asked, to which De Leon clarified, “Kanino po?”
“Kay Jericho!” Nardo exclaimed.
De Leon did not respond right away and just let out a laugh while co-show host Rose Garcia talked about Rosales and Gutierrez.
“Ako, basta ang importante sa akin unang-una [ay] ‘yung kagaya n’yan, pinagmamalaki ‘yung mga anak ko,” De Leon then said, seemingly referring to Rosales’ admission of dating Gutierrez during a press conference.
“Ang sarap nung, ‘Uy, girlfriend ko [siya],’ or ‘Dine-date ko [siya],’ or parang ‘I really want to be with her.’ Ang sarap na marinig ‘yon from someone who’s admiring your child,” the veteran actress added.
De Leon also stressed during the interview that there is no truth to claims that she favors Rosales more than actor Paulo Avelino, who was previously romantically linked to Gutierrez.
“Unang-una po, ngayon lang ulit ako lumabas at nagpa-interview. Wala pa po akong ibang nakakausap at walang ibang nagtatanong sa akin ng kahit ano,” de Leon said.
“So kung ano man po ‘yung mga nababasa niyo—wala po akong sinasabi about anyone, so hindi po totoo,” she stated.
Gutierrez and Rosales first sparked dating rumors in July after they were spotted together at a museum. Weeks later, Rosales confirmed that he is dating the actress and that they are on a getting-to-know stage.
Rosales first met Gutierrez’s family during her brother Diego’s single launch in July as well. The actor was also present at the intimate birthday party of her grandmother Pilita Corrales in August.