Senatoriable Bongbong Marcos waters down rumors linking him to Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo: 'I’ve never been in the same room with her!’

By now, senatorial candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos must have realized that politics and show business thrive on similar things: intrigues and controversies.

In his first ever huddle with the entertainment media during his launching as image model for Ever Bilena’s Blackwater body spray and deodorant line last February 24, the wannabe senator was immediately splashed with both.

Among the many questions thrown at the boyish congressman from Ilocos involved young pop singer Sarah Geronimo, with whom he was once linked.

Not too long ago, it was rumored that his car was seen frequently parked outside Geronimo's house, prompting speculation that Marcos—though married—is courting the singer-actress.

Of course, he denied the allegation.

“Hindi ko alam kung saan nanggaling ‘yung istoryang ‘yan...dahil siguro nadaan lang ako doon sa kalsada na lugar nila. The truth of the matter is, I have not met her. I’ve never been in the same room with her,” he explained.

He, however, expressed willingness to meet and get to know Geronimo, given the chance.

“I would love to meet her. She’s loved by many. Many Filipinos are very supportive of her not only because of her [singing] talent; she’s also a great comedienne. I know because I watch her movies.”

According to Marcos, he had started watching her movies precisely because of the rumors swirling around them.

“Noong lumabas ‘yung istoryang ‘yan, tinatanong ko, sabi ko, 'Sino kaya siya? Why are they putting our names together? Who is this young lady?' One time, I was with Imee (Marcos), actually, and we were in EDSA, she pointed out a billboard, sabi niya, ’’Yan, ‘yan ‘yung Sarah Geronimo’,” he shared.

Bongbong admits hearing so many good things about the young actress-singer.

“Once in a while, I see her on TV. Once in a while, I see her on the cable channel. I think she is a great talent. I think she epitomizes all the good things that Filipinos have in them, the resourcefulness, the ingenuity, humility and hard work...the work ethics.

"Tuluy-tuloy ang kanyang palabas sa sine, her concerts and I have become an admirer of her. I think she is a lovely young lady and she is a great example to all the Filipinos.”

A newbie in pitching products, Bongbong explained why he agreed to become Ever Bilena’s newest endorser.

“Actually, the reason I entered into this partnership with Ever Bilena is because of my belief that they are prime examples of what Filipinos can achieve if they try to do good things the right way; if they decide to not be intimidated by the competition that comes from other places.

“Kasi mayroon tayong colonial mentality kung minsan. Sinasabi natin na basta imported mas maganda kaysa sa local. Eh, hindi naman totoo ‘yon eh. And Ever Bilena is the best example that I know dahil tangan-tangan over the years ‘yung pinagtiyagaan nila and they can show it. It’s good example to show the Filipinos. Kaya nating sabayan kahit sino. We don’t have to think that we’re inferior [in any way], somehow with other groups that come abroad. The success of Ever Bilena speaks for itself...they have continued to [be successful] in a very Filipino way.”

Also present at the launch were Ever Bilena executives led by its president and CEO Mr. Dioceldo S. Sy.