MANILA, Philippines?I ask for patience. Karylle and I promised each other that we would answer all questions together. I would like things to happen in her own terms," said controversial actor Dingdong Dantes, who has kept mum about the real score between him and the singer-actress.

There is talk that Marian Rivera, Dingdong's "Dyesebel" costar, had caused the couple to break up. Dingdong said his and Karylle's response would be heard "this week."

"We know that people want to hear from us about it. Things have not been easy for the people around us, for those who are close to us," Dingdong told a group of writers on Tuesday during a visit to the set of "One True Love," his latest film.

The actor did say this much about his relationship with Karylle: "We're okay. Yes, we talk about the issue ... We communicate through text messages."

Dingdong clarified that Karylle "did not say anything specific" when she was interviewed for the news program "24 Oras" on GMA 7 last week. "I read the transcript of the interview. It's possible that people misinterpreted her," Dingdong pointed out.

In the interview, Karylle said she was with Dingdong before the actor left for a week-long trip to the United States. Karylle also said talking about the issue publicly would only blow it out of proportion. Dingdong said it was possible that many interpreted Karylle's statement as a denial of a split up.

The actor also denied that Marian had something to do with what was going on between him and Karylle. He said neither was the issue merely a gimmick to promote "One True Love."

"D'yan ako asar. People close to me know that I never resort to gimmicks," he added. "I don't even discuss this with Marian. I don't want her to think I'm bothered by it. Maiilang lang s'ya ... "

Dingdong disclosed that Karylle met up with Marian on Sunday, on the set of the variety show "S.O.P." "They talked. There was no confrontation - that's not Karylle's personality. Wala ring iyakan. Whatever they talked about, it was for a good cause," he said.

Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph