Actress Ruffa Gutierrez has confirmed the authenticity of photos taken of her and John Lloyd Cruz while they were in the US.

During a “hearing” on “The Buzz” on July 5 with  TV host Boy Abunda acting as "lawyer" cross–examining a subject, Ruffa explained why she and John Lloyd were seen entering a hotel together.

“First time niyang makapunta sa Los Angeles na nagbabakasyon so sinamahan ko siya sa SLS Hotel which is the hottest place now [in LA]. Sabi ko sa kanya, dapat diyan na lang siya mag-stay kasi, sorry, hindi naman ako makakapag-stay na kasama siya kasi I've my own place in Beverly Hills. Hinatid ko lang siya at hanggang lobby lang ako."

Ruffa also admitted to have dined out with John Lloyd at the hotel but doused speculations that they checked-in.

"Kung magaling silang paparazzi, dapat sinundan kami hanggang sa loob. Kumain lang kami sa restaurant ng hotel,” she said.

The actress added: "I think there's nothing wrong kung magkita kami ni John Lloyd doon. We enjoy each other's company. We text each other, nagtatawagan kami, and we do go out. Wala naman sigurong masama doon kasi disente naman si John Lloyd. Single siya, single din naman ako."

Ruffa also owned up to another photo in which they are shown walking on a street together.

"Based sa litrato na 'yan, kami ay napaka...walang pakialam sa mundo, naglalakad, namimili at neg-e-enjoy, nagsa-shopping. Napaka-wholesome naman ng litratong 'yan, wala namang implicating d'yan,” she said.

She reiterated that John Lloyd is just a buddy.

"We are not a couple. We enjoy each other's company. Wala naman pong masama whether I enjoy time with a female or a male friend. Mabait naman si John Lloyd, di ba? Okay lang naman sigurong maging kaibigan ko siya, na makilala ko siya."

Boy read a statement from Star Magic head Johnny Manahan regarding the Ruffa-John Lloyd photos.

"Lloyd has been a passionate, dedicated and hardworking actor since the age of 14. He has earned the respect and admiration of his peers and his co-workers through the years and he deserves to have some fun and to enjoy life. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the day in the company of a fine young lady like Ruffa who took the time to show Lloydy around Beverly where she has a house.

"For all of Lloydy's many concerned fans and supporters, I assure you Lloydy is a good, responsible, young adult deserving of your respect and admiration. I'm sure you'd find it in your hearts to allow him to celebrate his own birthday in his own simple and quiet way. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa inyong pag-unawa. Salamat sa inyong pagmamahal at patuloy n'yong pagsuporta kay John Lloyd."

Ruffa said that although she enjoys the company of male friends, it doesn’t mean she is ready for a serious relationship.

"I just want to take things slow right now; to enjoy life kasi matagal na rin naman akong hindi nag-e-enjoy sa buhay ko.

"Fan din po ako ng Sarah-John Lloyd love team at ng Bea-John Lloyd love team. And even my kids are fans. So, sana po sa mga fans, e, huwag naman po kayong magalit kasi talagang hindi po kami isang couple.”

The actress, after pleading to fans that she be given privacy whenever she’s vacationing abroad, described what the photos really say about John Lloyd and her.

“He's my shopping buddy!"