Patience is a virtue that Jake Cuenca has shown to the parents of his rumored girlfriend, Melissa Ricks.

?They now allow me take their daughter out,? Jake told Inquirer Entertainment at a recent press conference for his movie ?Super Inday and the Golden Bibe.?

?They used to be so strict about it. Little by little I?m being given the chance to prove I?m worthy of Melissa?s love.?

Jake has admitted dating the Filipino-American actress for over a year now. The two first met in 2006 while working on the fantasy-adventure show ?Pedro Penduko,? with Matt Evans playing the lead role.

?I work almost every day. When we get the chance, Mel and I eat out or hear Mass. We don?t have a favorite hangout place yet. We?re still trying to establish a routine. We?ve not even had the chance to watch a movie yet,? the actor said.

?Tita Josie (Melissa?s mom) and I are OK. I can?t say we?re already close because she?s currently in the States, but we talk when we get the chance.?

Melissa, however, is ?extremely close? to Jake?s mom. The actor even said his parents favor Melissa to be his girlfriend.

?Botong boto sila,? he stressed.

?They?re cool parents. They allow me to be independent and support the decisions I make. My mom and Mel first communicated through Facebook. When my parents came home after living in Spain for many years, I brought Mel to have dinner with them. I was surprised?close pala ang dalawa. I learned that they also used to talk using webcam.?

He added: ?Melissa is really a special person to me. More than anything, I want to be a good influence to her. I tell her to prioritize her work. When time permits, I ask her to go to church with me. I?m really very spiritual. I also encourage her to maintain a close relationship with her family.?

Jake is busy promoting the Mike Tuviera fantasy-adventure film, an entry to the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival. However, he is hopeful he?d have time to spend with Melissa and his family during the holidays.

?It?s going to be special Christmas this year. For the first time in many years, I have my whole family here with me. It?d be perfect if Mel would finally say ?yes? to me.?

?Super Inday and the Golden Bibe? also features Marian Rivera, John Lapus, Pokwang and Buboy Villar. It is a co-production of Regal Entertainment and GMA Films.

E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph