Eric Fructuoso has denied rumors linking him romantically to actress Kim Rodriguez, saying they are simply close friends.
The two actors previously worked together in a television series. Since then, they have remained close and have often appeared together in social media posts, including TikTok dance videos and other lighthearted content, fueling speculation among fans.
During his guest appearance on "Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs," Eric addressed the rumors when host Susan Enriquez asked about the real status of their relationship.
"Sasabihin ko 'yung si Kim, ang buddy-buddy ko talaga. Because magkalapit lang bahay namin. Somewhere within the area rin," he explained.
When Susan followed up by asking, "So hindi kayo mag-jowa?" Eric answered plainly:
"Hindi."
Eric said he even sees Kim more like family.
"Actually, ang totoo niyan, masakit man sabihin, parang feeling ko minsan, 'pag kasama ko siya, parang kasama ko 'yung anak ko. Pareho silang kilos, pareho silang makulit."
He also shared that one reason they are often together is their shared interest in living a healthier lifestyle.
"Ang linya ko kasi, papuntang healthy lifestyle. Siya, ganu'n din," the actor said.
According to Eric, they also belong to the same talent management under Ogie Diaz and share a close friendship with broadcast journalist Mark Manicad.
"Isa pang close namin si Mark Manicad. Kaming tatlo talaga 'yung magba-buddies. Nataon lang, mas malayo lang 'yung bahay ni Mark at mas tamad siya lumabas," Eric shared.
"So 'yun lang 'yung difference. Kaya kami ni Kim ang madalas magkasama," he added.
Also in the interview, Eric laughed off being described as a womanizer.
"Ay, hindi po. Marupok nga lang," Eric said.
He added, "Ang lalaking babaero, gumagawa ng effort para makakuha ng chicks. Hindi po ako ume-effort."
When asked if his looks were enough to attract women, Eric jokingly replied, "Hindi ko masabi. Parang ang kapal naman ng mukha ko. Pero parang ganu'n na nga."
CHECK OUT ERIC FRUCTUOSO'S LIFE NOW WITH HIS FAMILY
Eric Fructuoso was part of the '90s teen boy group 'Gwapings' together with Mark Anthony Fernandez and Jomari Yllana.
Now that Eric is a family man, he lives a simple life but is still active in showbiz.
Eric's life is so simple that he gets to clean his motorcycle.
He also doesn't mind if he's wearing a sock that has a hole.
Eric and his family also sometimes eat with their hands.
Since he transferred to a new apartment, Eric showed his followers how to eat without utensils and plates.
Eric also doesn't need a helper because he can carry everything he buys, like when he carried this brand-new airconditioner.
Although he has money to buy food from expensive restaurants, Eric still chooses to buy his burgers from Burger Machine.
Expensive alcohol? Nah. Just a bottle of the affordable San Miguel Gin.
Many people assumed that Eric is now a tricycle driver in Naic, Cavite. Later on, he clarified that he posted the picture to inspire others to be proud of whatever job they have. He added that he is willing to become a tricycle driver when the time comes.
Unlike most celebrities who have their own private vehicle, Eric is okay with taking public transportation to help him get from one place to another.
Taking his love for motorcycles up a notch, Eric used his earnings to set up a small motorcycle shop located in Naic, Cavite.
Eric proves that he's smart when handling his finances by setting up business after business. Early 2021, he opened the first branch of Gwapigs Porkchop located in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan.
Eric has also been a victim of ice cream container used as meat storage.
As long as Eric is with his family, his life is already complete.