MANILA, Philippines - That particular chapter in our lives has finally ended,? declared actor John Estrada, almost a year after his controversial ?kissing photo? with Gretchen Barretto sent tongues wagging across the nation.

John insisted that he had yet to talk with Gretchen about the incident, but that they remained good friends.

?Gretchen is a wonderful person. There has never been any problem between us even after that. We just both decided it would be better for us not to be seen together anymore,? John said during a chat with entertainment writers last week.

More trouble

In past interviews, Claudine Barretto, Gretchen?s sister and a Kapamilya talent just like John, expressed dismay over the circulation of the photos. She blamed John, from whose cell phone the photos originated, for being negligent.

John subsequently figured in more controversies, latest of which was his arrest at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for illegal possession of bullets. He was to board a Malaysian Airlines flight for Kuala Lumpur when the final inspection of his hand-held baggage yielded nine pieces of live 9 mm ammunition.

?I cannot talk about that case; but my lawyers are taking care of it,? said John. ?Let?s just say, I learned my lesson the hard way.?

Cautious

John was also cautious when reporters sought his reaction to the breakup of Jericho Rosales and Heart Evangelista, who earlier claimed John hit on her in a local bar. ?It?s their business,? John said. ?All I can say is that I think it?s not impossible for the three of us to be friends again.?

John said he is extremely proud of the growing friendship between his girlfriend, Brazilian model Priscilla Meirelles, and his children with his ex-wife, actress Janice de Belen. ?I introduced Priscilla to my kids two weeks after we decided to go steady. Since then, we have been taking the kids out to dinner every now and then,? he related.

The actor said Priscilla and Janice first met at the graduation ceremony of his eldest daughter Yna, now 16. ?Priscilla and I didn?t have the chance to talk with Janice longer than we wanted. But Janice saw that Priscilla greeted our kids by kissing them,? he recounted.

John also said he is happy about his first team-up with Sharon Cuneta in the Star Cinema film, ?Caregiver.? He plays Sharon?s husband, Nedy, a male nurse. The film was partly shot in London.

Honored

This early, film critics are saying that the role is likely to earn acting awards for John. ?It?s a Chito Roño movie. He made sure everybody would shine. To be in this film is a huge honor for me,? John said.

What was it like working with Mega? ?Sharon is such a sweetheart. She?s unbelievably nice. Totoong tao,? he said. ?When we were shooting in London, she did things on her own. When she?s tired, she?d lie down wherever she could. Walang pakialam kung marumi. She?s very simple. You wouldn?t think she?s the big star that she is.?

?Caregiver? will be shown in theaters nationwide starting on Wednesday. It also features Rica Peralejo, Jhong Hilario, Boots Anson-Roa, Mickey Ferriols, John Manalo and Makisig Morales.

Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph