MANILA, Philippines – Has actress Claudine Barretto found a new man in her life – and a namesake of an ex-lover at that?

This was the question her fans and followers asked after she posted a photo of her and a guy name Mark Anthony on her Instagram on Sunday, May 4.

However, in a report by GMA 7’s 24 Oras, Claudine said that she and Mark Anthony are just friends.

“Kaibigan ko talaga siya (He’s really my friend),” the actress clarified. “And we are usually together, we work together, may project kami together (we have a project together).”

She also posted another photo of them on Tuesday, May 6, clarifying their relationship.

“Yesterday’s Bonding With Mark Anthony 🙂 @ the Salon. MY FRIEND MARK ANTHONY,” she wrote.

In her teenage years, Claudine had a real-life relationship with her leading man Mark Anthony Fernandez, son of actors Rudy Fernandez and Alma Moreno. They made headlines when they had each other’s name tatooed  on their bodies.

Meanwhile, shrugged off rumors she underwent rehab after many noticed her positive vibes.

“Ayoko na magising na parang depressed ako or sad ako (I don’t want to wake up feeling depressed or sad). There’s so much things in life to be grateful and thankful for,” she said. 

She also said she invited her estranged husband Raymart Santiago to the upcoming recital of their daughter Sabina despite their court battles. The invitation, she said, has been given through their lawyers.

Claudine said she wants her children to build a relationship with their father despite the couple’s problems.

“Kawawa rin naman ‘yong anak ko kung wala ‘yong tatay niya do’n di ba? (I feel sorry for my daughter if her father is not around for the event.) They really have to get along and start to have a relationship with Raymart again.”

The former couple have been at odds with each other when Claudine filed charges of physical abuse against Raymart in 2013. The case is pending with the Marikina Regional Trial Court after the court found probable cause for the complaint.

Claudine is also facing robbery charges filed by two of her former household helpers. They accuse the actress of confiscating their cellphones and valuables after being forced out of Claudine’s Quezon City house on accusations of stealing. – Rappler.com