D8

More mature story for Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay for this year's festival

Derek, 41, declared he is ready for marriage, but understands that his girlfriend, model Joanne Villablanca who is 17 years his junior, would still like to focus on her career, especially since she’s a single mother.

“We’ve been going out for two years now and I’m ready. I’m at a point in my life where I can see the future being smooth sail right time for both of us,” he explained. “We all know that she’s a mom and she has a wonderful daughter and it feels like having a family already and I like it. The right time will come.”

Jennylyn on the other hand is in the same boat as Joanne as single mom to nine- year old Jazz [ her son by ex- boyfriend Patrick Garcia], and is neither ready for marriage yet.

“Ibakapagmayanakkana, ‘yuntalagaang priority mo.Kailangando’nmuna,” she related. Luckily, Dennis understands her perfectly since he also a son from a previous relationship.

“Maramipaakonggustong ma- accomplish in my career and maliitparinyunganakkosomas kailanganniyako. [Dennis] and I, sangayon,nag-e- enjoy langkami,” Jennylyn simply said, choosing as always to keep details about her relationship with Dennis as private as possible.

Given their similar situations— although on opposite ends—Derek and Jennylyn agree on one thing: That no one should ever rush into marriage because it is, and should always be, a lifelong commitment.