MANILA, Philippines — Model Jef Gaitan, who is often seen together with singer Mark Bautista nowadays, admits they are “close” but not romantically.

According to the former “Survivor Philippines: Palau” contestant, she and Bautista are merely “church mates.”

"Kasi nagkasama po kami sa workshop ng Viva. And then na-open up ko sa kanya na I am a Christian, but wala na 'kong chance to go to church. So he invited me [to his church]. And since then I think, slowly, nandun pa rin kami sa process of getting to know each other,” says she at a recent media gathering.

Gaitan insisted that Bautista, who was once linked to singer Sarah Geronimo, is not courting her.

“I don't think we're dating. I don't think may panliligaw na,” says she vaguely.

Gaitan was non-committal when asked if Bautista has a chance to win her heart should he pursue her. "Mark is a good guy. I would want to get to know him more. Yung closeness, nandodoon. Pero kung sa love... Pahinga na po muna tayo sa love,” she says.

Gaitan, who is signed under the Viva Artist Agency (VAA), maintained she is too busy for love. She is a constant presence on “Party Pilipinas” and is set to appear in the October issue of FHM Philippines.

Her appaerance on the popular men's magazine is only the first of many future efforts to show more skin.

“But not too much na bold-bold. Pero at least, yung limitation ko, nabawasan," says she.

Prior to Bautista, Gaitan was linked to Marvin Keifer, a co-contestant in “Survivor Philippines: Palau.” Gaitan admitted that they became an item but broke up early this year.
 
“Wala pong third party. We just need time apart...na nadagdagan pa ng mas mahabang time, hanggang sa nawala na talaga," said she.

Before and during the process of making “Survivor Philippines: Palau,” Gaitan was the girlfriend of singer Nyoy Volante. The two broke up soon after the series aired.