MANILA, Philippines –Are Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli finally admitting their relationship?

Despite trying to keep quiet over their rumored romance, it seems the singer and the actor-triathlete are slowly revealing the real score between them.

In an interview with DZMM published on ABS-CBN, Matteo admitted to calling Sarah mahal (love). Matteo was forced to answer the question after Director Wenn Deramas posted the screengrab of the message on his Facebook and even teased him about it.

In March, people were surprised when Sarah attended Matteo’s birthday bash at Tipsy Pig in Pasig where she even sang a duet with him. Showbiz columnist and host Ogie Diaz even shared a photo of the two holding hands together on his Instagram account.

Most recently, more photos of them surfaced on social media. Actress Judy Ann Santos posted a photo of them together with husband Ryan Agoncillo during a get-together after watching Sarah’s movie Maybe This Time.

Judy Ann and Sarah became close after doing the movie Hating Kapatid.

Since last year, Sarah and Matteo have been dodging questions about the real status of their relationship with Sarah saying that she has no obligation to tell the world she’s in love. (READ: Showbiz couples: just friends?)

In January, during an episode of Minute to Win It, Matteo said that he has nothing to hide with regard to his relationship with Sarah saying he prefers not to talk about it. (READ:Showbiz couples: Confirmed, almost, maybe? )

But according to an interview with Pep, Sarah said that she is proud of whatever she and Matteo has.

She also said that Matteo has been consistent in asking permission from her parents when they go out.

In an another interview with Pep, Matteo said that not only is he happy with Sarah’s company ,but also the fact she is getting exposed to more people.

“Yes. I’m very happy also na she’s slowly being exposed to different people. She’s enjoying more,” he said.

As for the real status of their relationship, the Filipino-Italian actor also said in the same interview that while he would like to talk, he respects Sarah’s parents.

“I would love to talk, I would love to [be] honest and everything, but I also want to respect [her] parents… yun.

“I just keep quiet and I don’t wanna involve work with it.

“Whatever Sarah and I have, I wanna keep it personal.”  – Rappler.com