Billy Crawford admits: ‘Nililigawan ko si Coleen’

MANILA, Philippines – Months after his split with Nikki Gil, Billy Crawford admitted he is currently courting Coleen Garcia.

It comes after photos of two watching an NBA game between teams Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks in New York last December 27 surfaced early this month.

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“Yes, nililigawan ko (si Coleen). She’s not my girlfriend yet and I would love for her to be,” Billy said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s showbiz talk show “Buzz ng Bayan” on Sunday, January 12.

Coleen was rumored to be the third party behind the breakup of Billy and Nikki. However, the “It’s Showtime” co-host reiterated in his “Buzz ng Bayan” that Coleen is “definitely not part of my past relationship at all.”

Billy said that Coleen initially wanted to “pull away at one point” from Billy because of the accusations being thrown at her due to her association with the actor-TV host.

“Ako, bilang lalaki, I’ll pursue her. Paninindigan ko. Yeah, I want to get to know her slowly,” he said.

Billy admitted he indeed watched an NBA game in Coleen.

“I did ask Coleen to watch the game with me before leaving. I bought tickets beforehand and said, ‘I would like to go there in NY, to spend time with you, to watch the game and have dinner’,” he said.

However, Billy explained Coleen was in New York with a friend, while he was there to meet family and friends. He further said they met up with fellow “It’s Showtime” mainstay Ryan Bang, who was also in New York for the holidays.

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He also refused to comment further on the reason for his breakup with Nikki, despite the actress’ recent revelations about their split. Among the reasons Nikki cited for their breakup include “difference in values” and her “no sex policy.”

“I respect Nikki and I respect everything that she said. And I feel it’s not very gentlemen-like para i-continue to talk about things,” Billy said.