Melissa and Jake (inset).

Rumored couple Melissa Ricks and Jake Cuenca admitted they went malling in Alabang a few days ago but denied it was a date.

Apparently, the two chose to go there to avoid fueling the rumors but the media still got wind of their “rendezvous.” Melissa said she does not frequent the Alabang area because it’s very from her place in Quezon City.

“I’ve only been to Alabang once. Kasama si Jake pero hindi lang kaming dalawa,” Melissa clarified on “Showbiz News Ngayon,” February 8, 2010.

Jake echoed the admission. “Nakalabas na kami doon with a group of friends, ganyan. Hindi naman, hindi naman madalas mangyari iyon,” he said.

The actor is also said to have been Melissa’s date at the recent premiere of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson’s movie “Paano Na Kaya.” However, Jake emphasized that he was there to show support not only for Melissa, but for his other friends who are part of the cast as well.

“Marami naman silang nag-imbita. Nandoon ako para sumuporta. Siyempre, nandoon ang mga kaibigan ko. Nandoon si Melissa, nandoon si Kim at si Gerald.”

Melissa added: “Actually, I was gonna invite Jake kaya lang na-invite na siya nina Kim at Gerald...”

More on Jake, showbiz newbie and “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Sam Pinto is also being linked to him. Sam even admitted during a recent interview that she had gone out on a couple of dates with him.

“Wala na ako doon,” was Melissa’s succinct comment on the matter.

Jake played safe when asked to rate Melissa and Sam.

“They’re both very beautiful women and at the same time, I’m very lucky to be their friend,” he said.