MANILA, Philippines - I'm not a liar. If there's one thing I'm guilty of, it's just being too quiet about my personal life, said actor Dennis Trillo, who recently admitted breaking up with actress Cristine Reyes.

Dennis was aware that his admission had earned him a lot of flak, especially from fans, who posted their views on the Internet.

"One word for Dennis: Sinungaling! Deny, deny, deny. Ngayon, aamin?" a blogger said. "Halatang gimmick at gumagawa lang ng issue. May bagong movie at TV show kasi," said another.

In an interview during the recent press conference for his latest movie I.T.A.L.Y., Dennis announced that he had been "happily single...for more or less two weeks now."

Painful

Dennis also said the break-up was "painful, just like any separation. But I welcome the change. Gusto ko munang mapahinga sa intriga."

He did not expect the backlash. "I never used my personal life to promote my career. I'm just sad about whats happening. Ako pa ang babaligtarin", he told Inquirer Entertainment on Friday.

The actor swore that ending the relationship with Cristine was a difficult decision and definitely not just a gimmick. "It was a very complicated relationship; that's why we decided to end it."

Truthful

Dennis continued: "I never publicized the issue. It just so happened that I was asked about it at a press conference. I just answered truthfully."

The rumor that the ex-couple are still seeing each other secretly, surfaced shortly after Dennis announcement. Cristine was reportedly spotted inside the GMA 7 compound, apparently waiting for Dennis.

The actor swore that theres no truth to this. "Cristine is an ABC-CBN artist. It's not logical for her to be seen in GMA 7. Ang kapal ko naman to ask her to [come by] after making that statement."

Dennis added that beauty queen Carlene Aguilar, mother of his 11-month-old son Calix, had nothing to do with the split-up. "What happened between Cristine and me didn't involve Carlene. In show biz, it's really hard to sustain a relationship, more so if your partner is also in the business," he explained.

Calix will turn a year old on Sept. 22. Dennis said they were to celebrate the birthday in a simple gathering yesterday. "The theme is Baby Einstein. That's all I can say about it. It's a really private affair," the actor said.

E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph