Jake Cuenca told Push.com.ph that it felt liberating for him to finally admit that he and Melissa Ricks have been exclusively dating for almost two years now. “We’re exclusively dating. Meaning to say she’s very special to me and I don’t want to lose her. Ngayon at least ‘di na masyado kailangan magtago. Pangalawa, you feel vindicated kasi siyempre espesyal sa ’yo yung tao. Dahil kung espesyal sa ’yo yung tao dapat pinagmamalaki mo ‘di ba? “

Known for his playboy image, Jake shared that it was Melissa’s simplicity which endeared her to him the most. “Alam mo habang tumatagal ang buhay nag-e-enjoy ka sa material things, sa very extravagant things. Pero one thing that Melissa has is the joy for simple things. Sobrang simpleng bagay sobrang saya na niya. Alam mo siguro may time na nakalimutan ko yung simpleng bagay at siya ang nagpaalala nun sa akin.”

The dashing actor confessed, however, that he enjoys lavishing her with expensive gifts once in a while (i.e. Louis Vuitton and Prada bags). “Maraming beses na akong nakapagbigay sa kanya ng mamahaling bagay pero it’s never about the price. Ang regalo hindi naman sinusukat sa presyo, nasa intensyon ‘yan, nasa sentimental value ‘yan. So ‘di naman kailangan mahal ang ibibigay mo para mapasaya ang isang tao at ako din hindi ako humihingi ng mahal na regalo. Ang sa akin tignan natin kung may makita akong regalo na mahal na feeling ko magugusthan niya at bagay sa kanya e ’di sige bili tayo ng mahal na regalo.”

Although he is busy with his work commitments for the Metro Manila Film Fest entry Super Inday and The Golden Bibe, Jake made sure to spend quality time with Melissa during the Christmas break. In any case, their respective families approve of their relationship so they won’t have any difficulty going out on dates whenever they want to. “Kahit sobrang busy okay lang yun. Sabi nga nila kung gusto maraming paraan, kung ayaw maraming dahilan.”