“We (Jennylyn and Dennis) are able to compare notes when it comes to our sons and on being single parents,” Jennylyn Mercado says.

Two years after she broke up with actor-boyfriend Patrick Garcia, with whom she has a love child, single mom Jennylyn Mercado has apparently found someone special again.

The guy is not totally a stranger to her. He is Dennis Trillo, her leading man in GMA-7’s daily afternoon series, “Gumapang Ka sa Lusak.”

Jennylyn does not hide the fact that she and Dennis are now “exclusively dating,” although none of them wants to talk about the real status of their relationship. “What is important to us right now is that we are happy by simply being with each other,” Jennylyn says. “We don’t see anything wrong if we go out on a date. We are both single.”

The two reportedly spent the Holy Week break in Hong Kong, where they were spotted holding hands. Some of their controversial candid photos even came out on the Internet, which prompted them to admit they are indeed dating.

Single mom, single dad
Their special friendship blossomed on the set of their drama series, where Jennylyn and Dennis often got to talk to each other in between breaks while taping.

Being both single parents, they were able to easily relate to each other. Dennis also has a three-year-old son, Calix, his love child with former beauty queen Carlene Aguilar.

“We are able to compare notes when it comes to our sons and on being single parents,” Jennylyn says. “I even share a few tips with Dennis on how to take care of his child. Since boy din, we are able to talk about how they can be really makulit.”

Patrick forgiven
Jennylyn has definitely moved on after becoming a single mom. For the first time since she gave birth to her son, Alex Jazz, who is turning two in August, Jennylyn insists she no longer harbors any grudges against the father of her child.

The 23-year-old actress admits she has forgiven Patrick. In fact, she is now ready to allow the actor to see and visit the boy.

“I left everything to God and I believe He was the one who gave me a change of heart,” Jennylyn says. “I kept on saying before in God’s time, I will allow Patrick to see AJ. Now, that time has come. I’m ready to make peace with him so he can visit his son. Hindi na mabigat sa dibdib.”

Jennylyn has been estranged from Patrick since she got pregnant with AJ in 2008. Given a chance, she is now even willing to work again with Patrick.

“I know everything will work out for the better between the two of us,” declares the first “Startruck Ultimate Survivor” winner. “We can be friends for the sake of our son.”

Yet, she cannot be any prouder about being a single mom to AJ, who is set to enroll in toddler class this coming school year. “I was able to raise him on my own and provide for all of his needs,” she asserts. “It’s not a challenge for me to take care of him. I am happy to be his mom.”

In their backyard, Jennylyn had a playground built for AJ, complete with a swing, seesaw, slide and a basketball court. “That’s his little corner in the house,” Jennylyn offers. “He is so active and full of energy whenever he’s in the playground. It’s so nice seeing him running, jumping, screaming and having lots of fun.”

Being a hands-on mom is something that Jennylyn does with flying colors, no matter how busy she is with her showbiz commitments. “Tutok ako talaga with everything that AJ does since he was born,” she says. “I prefer it that way. Nakikilala ko talaga ang anak ko. I want to know everything that’s new about him.”

After a tiring day at taping or shooting, Jennylyn feels thrilled when she comes home and sees AJ smiling to her. “I guess any first-time mom can relate to my when I say nakakawala talaga ng pagod when you see your kid,” she says.

One hot mama
Asked what keeps her beautiful and in shape even after childbirth, Jennylyn discloses she entrusts her looks and body to noted cosmetic surgeon Vicki Belo, known as the “Doctor to the Stars.” Aside from proper diet and regular workouts in the gym, Jennylyn goes to Belo for non-invasive body contouring sessions called Novashape. No wonder, she has no problem staying young and sexy, making her the perfect endorser for the esteemed beauty clinic.

Her undeniable appeal has made her grace covers of popular men’s magazines, flaunting her sexy curves and beautiful face. Seeing her for the first time, one can never guess she is a proud mom to a 20-month-old boy.

“You have to constantly look good when you are in showbiz,” Jennylyn allows. “You owe it to your fans to maintain your good looks and be fit. I’m glad that even after I’ve given birth, I was able to get back in shape. Now, I’m happy just being with my son. I’m working hard because of him. I want to give him a good life.”

Jennylyn has her hands full with showbiz projects that fill up her calendar. Aside from her GMA-7 sine-novela, “Gumapang Ka sa Lusak,” she is also in the cast of the remake of “Working Girls,” directed by Jose Javier Reyes. The updated version comes 25 years after Ishmael Bernal’s film classic was shown.

Bankrolling the remake are Unitel Productions, Viva Films and GMA Films. Also starring are Ruffa Gutierrez, Eugene Domingo, Iza Calzado, Cristine Reyes, and Eula Valdez.

Moreover, Jennylyn is presently promoting her new solo album under Viva Records. Titled “Love Is,” the CD contains revivals of stirring love songs like “Tell Me,” “A Long And Lasting Love,” “If Love Is Blind,” “Words Get In The Way,” “I Don’t Want To Talk About It,” “Maybe This Time,” “Don’t Know What To Say, (Don’t Know What To Do),” “I Guess I’m Over You,” “Oh Won’t You Tell Me,” “Run,” “Again” and the carrier single, “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough.”