Despite his realistic portrayal of a gay man in the forthcoming Star Cinema film “In My Life,” actor John Lloyd Cruz said he has never had an encounter with the third sex.

This the actor categorically stated when asked by TV host Boy Abunda on the showbiz talk show, “The Buzz,” last Sept. 6.

"Wala," John Lloyd said firmly even to questions of gender benders making a pass at him.

But will he at least entertain romantic or sexual proposals from gays?

"Ang iniintindi ko sa bawat taong nakakasalamuha ko [ay] ang puso, hindi 'yung gender [niya]," was the diplomatic response.

John Lloyd admits that taking on the role of a gay man is his most daring career move to date, especially since it required him to do intimate scenes with a male actor, Luis Manzano.

Still, John Lloyd said that portraying such out-of-the-box roles challenges and excites him.

Based on the trailer of “In My Life,” many say that John Lloyd stole the thunder from Vilma in their highly charged confrontation scene.

Well?

"Mahirap paniwalaan 'yon pero maraming salamat kay Ate Vi. Kagaya ni Kuya Aga (Muhlach) noong ginawa namin ang [pelikulang] ‘Dubai,’ napakalaki ng impact niya [Ate Vi] sa akin.

Sila kasi, ang maganda sa kanila, mahusay silang artista. Kung may hihigit pa sa word na generous, 'yun sila. [At] impact ang ginamit kong term kasi hanggang sa tumanda ako, kasama ko na ‘yon.”

John Lloyd said he prepared intensively for his role in “In My Life.”

"Ang gusto ko kasi mula noong simula pa, mabuhay 'yong puso niya [Noel, the name of the character he plays in the movie] sa akin. Pagka nabigyan ko na ng puso, tuloy tuloy na 'yon [at] hindi mo na aakalain na he's gay. Doon lumalabas yong pagiging maasikaso [nung character] at 'yung romance."

The role opened the actor’s eyes to how a gay feels and thinks.

"Nagkaroon ako ng chance na makasilip sa puso ng isang gay. To tell you honestly, bilib ako sa kanila. Tingin ko, ibang klase [sila] at hanep magmahal."