MANILA, Philippines?A woman?s hunch made Isabel Oli return an engagement ring from her then boyfriend Paolo Contis.

?I was serious about that relationship,? the actress recounted. ?In October (last year), on my birthday, we got engaged. But I returned the engagement ring three weeks later because I felt there was something wrong. I told him to just hand it back after he has resolved his personal issues. Sadly, the ring never came back.?

Two months later, Isabel and Paolo ended their three-year relationship. Shortly after that, Paolo admitted he is dating Lian Paz, a member of the group EB Babes.

Isabel said that with the help of family and friends, she is now slowly picking up the pieces. She, however, admitted that the breakup has left her ?too scared to fall in love.?

There was news that Pao gave Lian a ring, too. Was it the same ring?

I?ve heard about that, but I?m not sure if it?s the same ring. He said the one he gave me, a family heirloom, was returned to its original owner.

How are you three months after the split?

I feel lonely sometimes. But I?m happy to be single. I can do things I didn?t have time for when I was still with a boyfriend. Recently, I spent four days in Boracay with friends (fellow ?Gagambino? co-stars Glyza de Castro, Jenica Garcia and Nadine Samonte).

You were at Paolo?s house recently.

Only to get my dog from his sister. I?ve not seen him since we broke up.

Does your busy schedule help you cope with loneliness?

I had to make major adjustments. It?s good that I turned out okay.

There was a rumor romantically linking you to cager Wesley Gonzales.

There?s nothing going on between Wesley and me. I don?t think I?m ready for anything right now. May guys na nagpaparamdam, but none of them are bold enough to say they?re courting me.

Lian?s group EB Babes is part of the PLDT MyDSL campaign. As its new endorser, are you emotionally prepared to work with her?

I?m not angry at Lian. I?m not sure what my reaction would be if we finally meet. I don?t know her personally and we?ve not been formally introduced. Let?s just wait and see.

E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph