ACTRESS Carla Abellana said it wasn?t until a year after Geoff Eigenmann started courting her that she said yes.

?Our relationship went through a long process before it became official. When he first expressed his feelings, I was going through a very tough time adjusting to show biz. I was also coping with a breakup (with basketball player JC Intal),? Carla told Inquirer during the launch of their new GMA 7 show, ?Magic Palayok.?

Carla and Geoff first worked together in the top-rating adaptation of the Colombian drama series, ?Rosalinda.? They have since worked on three other Kapuso shows??Basahang Ginto,? ?Karinderya Queen? and ?Last Prince.?

In their new show, Geoff plays Jude, who runs a restaurant that competes with Pilar?s (Carla). Her carinderia becomes a hit by serving dishes made by a young girl (Angeli Nicole Sanoy) in a magic clay pot.

Do you cook for Geoff?
I?ve only managed to make pasta for him?with tomatoes, sometimes with olive oil, anchovies and garlic. My mom also likes to bake. So far, Geoff has liked everything we?ve made for him.

How close are you to Geoff?s family?
It was Geoff?s mom (actor-director Gina Alajar) who first welcomed me into the family. Now I get to attend very intimate gatherings. I feel love from everybody.

How are things between Geoff and your dad (actor Rey Abellana) months after they had a misunderstanding?

They?re okay now. Geoff spent Christmas with us at my dad?s house. Geoff is welcome, even at my lola?s or mom?s house. (Carla?s parents are separated.)

Do you get jealous?

There?s no room for jealousy in our relationship. If you?re jealous, it means you don?t trust your partner or you?re insecure. We find that very petty. We don?t need other people to provide the spice in our relationship.

How did you take the news that JC is now in a relationship with TV host Bianca Gonzales?

JC is still a friend. We didn?t part on bad terms.

What is it like working again with director Joel Lamangan?

Direk Joel is more solicitous now. The cast and crew are more relaxed. Of course, work is still serious on the set, but the energy is different. We enjoy ourselves more.

Describe your character Pilar?
She?s very playful, bordering on crazy. A term that best describes her is krung krung.

?Magic Palayok? airs nightly after ?24 Oras.?