MANILA, Philippines?Glaiza de Castro said she is ?always cautious? when it comes to dealing with rumored suitor Patrick Garcia.

The 21-year-old actress admitted that fans and ?concerned friends? have warned her of Patrick?s being a bad influence on her. Tabloids also report stories of Patrick?s alleged involvement in drugs and gambling.

But on the other hand, Glaiza is giving Patrick the benefit of the doubt. ?I will only believe those stories only if I?m presented with proof. I don?t prejudge a person,? Glaiza told a group of writers at the recent launch of Facial Plus, which she endorses, in Cubao, Quezon City.

Patrick, 26, has a son with estranged girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado. He and Glaiza became friends when Patrick invited her to watch the Rihanna-Chris Brown concert in October.

Since then, they have gone out to watch movies or visit the malls. ?But never just the two of us. He would always bring his friends, or I?d bring mine,? Glaiza clarified.

She added that Patrick occasionally goes to her house, ?but only upon the invitation of my elder sister. Recently, Ate (a pastor?s wife) asked him to join us in one of our Bible study sessions.? Glaiza belongs to a family of Born Again Baptists.

Cool, funny

But does she like Patrick to be her boyfriend?

?I can answer that only if I know him enough,? Glaiza answered. ?Right now, things are still blurry with him ... But I think Patrick is a cool person. I didn?t know he could be funny.?

Glaiza has never had a boyfriend. While she goes out on dates, she?s not yet ready to commit to anyone. ?Ayos lang ako na ganito,? she said. ?Commitment entails a lot of risks. I?m not ready for that. I know I?d eventually fall in love. When I do, it?d be worth the wait.?

Why is she cautious with Patrick?

?I know what my friends have gone through. A lot of them split up with their boyfriends in the end, kahit matagal silang magkasama,? Glaiza explained.

Glaiza starred in a supporting role in the GMA 7 fantaserye ?Gagambino,? which aired its final episode on Feb. 20.

She?s also appearing in two indie films?one of which is ?4-5,? where she plays the mole to a hired assassin. It is a project of US-based Filipino filmmakers Dan and Brandon Relucio.

Glaiza is presently shooting ?Rakenrol,? director Quark Henares? take on life growing up in the rock scene and his personal experience in forming a band.

E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph