MANILA, Philippines?Singer Kris Lawrence is one lucky guy. From among many suitors, he was picked by Katrina Halili, ?FHM (magazine?s) Sexiest Woman? for two straight years.

Katrina, 23, met Kris, 26, when they performed in a series of shows in the United States.

The actress said they immediately hit it off, having a lot of things in common. ?We love sweets, Chinese food ? and puppies. Most important, we both don?t like partying so much. We?d rather hang out with friends,? Katrina told the Philippine Daily Inquirer during a press gathering for the movie, ?One Night Only.?

She clarified, ?[We?re] more than friends, but we?re not committed.? She said this set-up works for them because maintaining a serious relationship in show biz is difficult.

?I?m busy with TV and movie projects. He?s in and out of the country for shows. He just left again for Dubai,? Katrina said. ?But we make sure to stay in touch by phone or the Net. Basta nagkakaintindihan na kami.?

She hopes to spend Christmas with Kris and her family, currently based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. ?Just for a simple dinner,? she said.

?One Night Only,? directed by Jose Javier Reyes, is OctoArts International Films? official entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival in December.

Katrina plays Jasmine, who enters into relationships with a congressman and a rich Chinese businessman for financial gain. The movie also stars Jennylyn Mercado, Alessandra de Rossi, Diana Zubiri, Valerie Concepcion and Paolo Contis.

After Christmas, Katrina said, she may leave for the United States to visit a friend in Los Angeles. ?I need a break before working on my next film,? she explained. Would Kris join her? ?That?s a secret ? for me to know and for you to find out.?

Katrina is set to star in the remake of the 1979 hit, ?Miss X,? where award-winning actress and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos played a prostitute in Amsterdam. Gil Portes directs.

Marinel R. Cruz