Japanese model-actor Akihiro Sato claims a bum stomach and his schedule prevented him from attending the recently-concluded 23rd Star Awards where he was supposed to have been the escort of Rufa Mae Quinto.

"I couldn't go kasi nga I have a taping in the morning. My call time was at 5 a.m. And I felt bad and wanted to take a rest. Sorry na, sorry. I want to support a friend but I had stomach ache. Sorry," he says during the launch of the new "Darna" series.

Belying rumors that Rufa Mae was disappointed with his non-appearance at the awarding ceremonies, Akihiro reveals that the comedienne actually gave him a call to congratulate him.

"She (Rufa Mae) called me. She told me, ‘You won the Face of the Night.’ I said, ‘Really? Oh, my God!’"

But because Akihiro was a no-show, the Face of the Night award went to John Lloyd Cruz. 

The Japanese model-actor claims he is clueless on why he's being linked to Rufa Mae and Rhian Ramos. He thinks it may have something to do with working with Rhian in an out-of-town sortie.

"We went to Iloilo [as celebrity guests in GMA 7's 10th anniversary], we had a show there. And then we became friends.Mabait siya. At saka, I try to [get to] know all artistas right now. She's mabait."

Akihiro denies courting the young actress.

"She's very busy. Wala siyang time," Akihiro blurts.

He adds that courting Rufa Mae is not a good idea since she is already "taken."

"I think she's going out with someone."

Still, Akihiro intimates that he enjoys Rufa Mae's company.

"Sobrang masaya. I'm very comfortable. I know her better and so I'm much closer to her [than Rhian]."

Incidentally, Akihiro's stint as a vampire on “Darna” is his third project for GMA 7, following appearances on “Celebrity Duets” and “SRO Cinemaserye Presents: Moshi Moshi I Love You.”