It was the many “unresolved issues” simmering between them that did in the relationship between “Survivor Philippines: Palau” castaway Jef Gaitan and singer Nyoy Volante.

This was what Gaitan told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online to belie rumors that co-“Survivor” castaway Marvin Keifer had something to do with the split.

The dusky 22-year-old model is being linked to 18-year-old Keifer after several episodes of the TV show hinted of “mutual admiration” between both. Keifer was recently voted out of the show.

“(The breakup) wasn’t because of Marvin, most definitely,” she confesses in an exclusive interview. “Nyoy and I…we’ve been having problems even before I joined the show.”

Gaitan cited scheduling constraints, among other things, that contributed to the collapse of her one-and-a-half-year relationship with Volante.

“We’re both busy with work. Plus, there were questions, issues (that) we didn’t get to address properly. It just came to a point when we both just decided to move on,” she shares.

Gaitan admits she is now seeing Keifer. 

“We go out. Friendly dates lang naman…sometimes with friends…sometimes (it’s) just the two of us.

“We’re still getting to know each other. I admit that I like him but no, we’re not ‘on,’” Gaitan says, laughing.

She is open to the idea of eventually “falling” for Keifer. She pointed out several traits that the young man possesses that she deems “admirable.”

“He is a cool guy. I like it that he is adventurous and kind,” she quips.

Gaitan continues to stay strong in “Survivor,” outlasting several contenders thought to be “stronger” than her.

“Maybe my strategy is working,” she demurely offers, mentioning “timing” and “cunning” as among her major weapons.

“Being viewed mostly as someone weak has its advantages.”

Her stint in the show changed her, according to Gaitan. “Whereas before, I’m just a bit too ‘girly-girly,’ now I’m more open about exploring, discovering things. I’m more sporty now---tougher even.”

She is interested in pursuing a career in showbiz.

“I really would like to explore show business,” gushes she. “I want to sing, dance, act…I want to do them all!”

Is she willing to go sexy given that most of her fans are hot-blooded males?

“I don’t want to make my parents suffer or worry after being supportive of me all this time. Maybe I could but it depends on the context.

“I don’t want to do ‘bold.’ I might wear a two-piece bikini but more than that, I really have to say no.”