Actor Mark Herras has spoken up regarding the swirling rumors about his relationship with singer-businessman Jojo Mendrez after photos of them together at Okada Manila surfaced online.
The controversy gained traction ahead of Mendrez’s press conference at Dapo Restaurant, Quezon City, where he signed a contract with ABS-CBN’s Star Music. The deal covers the release of his latest single, ‘Nandito Lang Ako,’ following the viral success of his revival of ‘Somewhere in My Past’, which amassed over 45 million views across streaming platforms.
Before the press event, photos of Jojo and Mark at a high-end resort casino led to speculation about the nature of their relationship. Fans and online commenters quickly gave their own interpretations, prompting Mendrez’s management to clarify the situation.
They denied any romantic involvement between the two, stating that Mark was tapped to appear in Jojo’s upcoming music video, and their meeting was purely work-related.
Despite this, rumors continued to circulate. When asked about it by a reporter, Jojo refrained from giving a direct answer.
“No comment. Pasensya na. ‘Yan nga ‘yung pinagdadaanan ko ngayon eh. ‘Yung video na lumabas na ‘yan, napaka-malicious,” he said.
“Kaya nga sabi ng management, huwag ko na sagutin, kasi kahit sabihin ko na hindi, sasabihin ng tao ay oo. Kung sasabihin ko naman ay oo, sasabihin naman ng tao ay hindi. So saan ako lalagay?”
Jojo also noted how quickly people jump to conclusions, adding, “Madaling mag-judge ang tao. I cannot explain to everyone na ito ‘yung totoo. Siguro kung makita n’yo siya (Mark), pwede n’yo siyang tanungin.”
A few days later, on February 24, during a separate press event for an upcoming horror film, Mark Herras finally addressed the rumors.
“Baka kasi nakakalimutan nila na I was raised by gay parents so hindi… Kung sa kanila parang malaswa, sa akin, hindi siya masamang tingnan kasi pinalaki ako ng gay parents.”
Mark, whose adoptive parents, Claudio “Daddy Jun” Herras Jr. and Herminigildo “Tito Hermie” Santos, were part of the LGBTQ+ community, stressed that he holds deep respect for their community and friendships.
“Magaling at malaki ang respeto ko sa mga kapwa LGBTQ.”
The actor denied any romantic links with Jojo and urged the public to stop misinterpreting their friendship, emphasizing that their connection is strictly professional.
Adding to the intrigue, Mark made an unexpected appearance at Jojo’s press conference, carrying a bouquet of flowers for the singer. The gesture left many attendees surprised.
Shortly after, Jojo left the event abruptly, reportedly due to feeling unwell. Mark also exited soon after, further fueling speculation.
