ICYMI, Coco Martin and Jodi Sta. Maria are currently starring in Labyu with an Accent, a 2022 romantic-comedy that’ll definitely have you laughing out loud at its lighthearted scenes. The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry sees the two as onscreen partners for the first time; Coco was not only the lead actor, but also the film’s director!

The movie is somewhat based on the pair’s past experience as OFWs—yes, they both had stints working abroad! In fact, Coco actually chose Jodi to be his leading lady partly due to this: “Si Jodi, alam ko na meron din siyang magandang experience abroad.”

Cosmopolitan Philippines was lucky enough to spend some time with the actors, and for this episode of our Cosmo Challenge series we tasked Jodi and Coco to share some ~*love advice*~ based on several fan-submitted questions.

The timing of these remarks has left some fans speculating. Coco has long been linked to actress Julia Montes, with rumors of their romantic relationship making headlines for years. Although the pair have often avoided discussing their private lives, their chemistry—both onscreen and off—has been undeniable. Recently, though, fans have noticed fewer interactions between the two, sparking questions about the current status of their relationship.

Could Coco’s comments hint at a shift in his personal life? While neither he nor Julia has confirmed or denied any rumors, the actor’s focus on self-love and independence suggests a deeper reflection on relationships. Julia, for her part, has remained relatively low-key, posting cryptic messages on social media that some fans interpret as subtle hints about her own journey of self-discovery.

Jodi’s perspective on the matter adds an empowering layer to the conversation. As a single mother who has navigated her own share of ups and downs in love, Jodi’s message of self-love and resilience struck a chord with many. “You don’t need a partner to validate your worth,” she said. “Your value isn’t determined by your relationship status but by how much you cherish and respect yourself.”

For now, the true meaning behind Coco and Jodi’s comments remains open to interpretation. Whether they’re simply promoting a healthy outlook on love or subtly addressing personal matters, one thing is clear: their words have ignited an important conversation about the many forms love can take.

As fans eagerly await updates from Coco and Julia, the takeaway from Jodi and Coco’s interview is a reminder to embrace self-love and recognize that being single doesn’t mean being alone. After all, love is not just about romance; it’s about finding joy and fulfillment within yourself and the people who truly matter.