The romance budding between actor Xian Lim's and actress Kim Chiu's characters on primetime teleserye My Binondo Girl is gaining popularity nowadays, but what TV host Kris Aquino wanted to know on the December 9 episode of Kris TV was whether or not their relationship onscreen extended into real life.

While they said they are just friends, Xian admitted he has a crush on his co-star. "Malaki ang paghanga ko kay Kim (I admire Kim a lot)," he is quoted as saying. "Katulad nung kanta. Ginawa ko yung kantang kinanta namin kanina, 'Sa Yo Lamang.' 'Inyong-inyo lamang ako.' Yun po yung line na nag-appear nang ginagawa ko yung kanta. And ang ibig sabihin noon, I'm just showing her what she's worth. (Like the song I wrote, the one we sang together a while ago called 'Sa'Yo Lamang.' 'I'm yours alone.' That's the line that appeared in my head when I was writing the song. And that means I'm just showing her what she's worth.)"

Kim, who guested on the show with him, revealed Xian had given her a teddy bear somewhat similar to the one his character gifted her on the show. He even keeps a twin bear at his own condo--a fact Kim discovered when she went to visit with their co-star Matteo Guidicelli. "Life-size teddy bear, malaki siya. Mataba, malaki, fluffy, malambot, dark brown."

At the end of the show, Xian gave Kim a message. "Gusto ko lang malaman mo na ang lahat ng ginagawa ko, it's not because naandito ang show or people are telling me to do it. (I just want you to know that everything I'm doing, I do, not because we're at a show or people are telling me to do it.) It's straight from the heart. Baka you're having doubts na 'maybe, he is being showbiz.' It's not like that. I'm sincere sa friendship natin. I'm happy and I'm comfortable around you. Masaya kang kasama. Sobra. (You're really a joy to be around.)"

Kim answered by thanking him for the song he made for her and for always being around when she needs him. "Sana huwag na siyang mahiya. Masyado siyang mahiyain. Sana mag-open up ka naman. Sana makilala pa kita at magkilalanin pa tayo. (I hope he stops being shy. He's too shy. I hope you open up to me. Let's get to know each other better.)"

(Photos courtesy of PEP.ph)