Actor Jake Cuenca has officially confirmed that he is now in a relationship with beauty queen and actress Rabiya Mateo, ending months of speculation about their status.

Cuenca made the revelation during his guest appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on Wednesday, May 27, where he directly answered questions about the real score between him and Mateo.

“Kami na,” Cuenca said. “I'm really, really proud to say it. She's an amazing woman, incredible woman, and very intelligent.”

The actor shared that their relationship began through social media, explaining that he decided to reach out to Mateo after finishing his work commitments.

According to Cuenca, he had long admired the former Miss Universe Philippines titleholder.

“She’s always definitely been a crush of mine,” he said.

He added that he eventually decided to “shoot his shot” by sending her a direct message online.

“And, once nu'ng tinapos ko 'yung dalawang programa ko, once I was able to finish my responsibilities, I had to shoot my shot and I messaged her on social media,“ he said.

Cuenca also admitted that he was already following Mateo on social media and had liked her posts before they began talking. He said he was surprised when Mateo followed him back, which eventually led to their conversations.

"I messaged her on social media. I liked her photos first. And then finollow ko siya. Nagulat ako, she followed me back. And then, the conversation started from there," Jake said.

When asked what made him admire Mateo, Cuenca highlighted her “dedication,“ particularly her decision to pursue medicine alongside her showbiz career.

“You know, I always tell her this na in this world of show business na we're all like wanting to stay, we're all giving our best, we're all striving, always doing our best, she's the person who's willing to walk away from it and go to med school. And, I find it very remarkable,“ he noted.

“She just made it to UST med school. So for me, I’m very proud of her,” he added.

The actor also described their relationship as “very happy” and shared details of an unforgettable trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, where Mateo reportedly received her acceptance into medical school.

It was also during the same trip, Cuenca said, that he officially asked her to be his girlfriend.

“It was an unforgettable trip kasi doon ko rin siya tinanong to be my girlfriend. We’re dating for three months, and then finally, I asked her to be my girlfriend officially,” he said.

Cuenca also reflected on how this relationship is different from his past ones, saying he now approaches it with more purpose and seriousness.

"You know, for me... this is also one thing na I wasn't able to do in the relationships I had in the past. Before I would date or be in a relationship and say let's see where this goes as special as this is. I never used to date a woman with purpose. And for me with her, I have a purpose," Cuenca emphasized.

When asked what kind of partner he is, he said he is trying to be a “responsible boyfriend” and emphasized loyalty as a key promise to Mateo.

He also shared that he sees a long-term future with her, saying, “I can see that. I don't wanna spoil it, ayokong magsalita nang ganun, but definitely with her, I can really see it.”

Prior to the confirmation, Cuenca had already hinted at their status in Ogie Diaz’s vlog last March 31, where he confirmed that he and Mateo were “exclusively dating” after being spotted together in public.