Ruffa and John Llyod totoong nag hangout sa Los Angeles CA.

MANILA - Actress Ruffa Gutierrez confirmed on "The Buzz" Sunday that she and John Lloyd Cruz had spent time together in Los Angeles, California but she quickly reiterated that they were not a couple.

Two photos of the two spending time together in the United States spread on the Internet last week, triggering speculations that they were in fact having a romantic relationship despite their repeated denials here. One photo showed the two entering a posh hotel, SLS Hotel, in Beverly Hills while another caught them strolling along high-end boutiques on Rodeo Drive.

Gutierrez did not deny that the man and woman in both photos were indeed them but she maintained that the public should not be reading too much into it.

She explained that she only showed him around Beverly Hills since it was Cruz's first time in LA. "Sinamahan ko siya diyan (SLS Hotel) kasi right now SLS Hotel is like the hottest place now. So, sabi ko sa kanya dapat diyan na lang siya mag-stay."

She also pointed out that it was only Cruz who checked in at SLS Hotel while she stayed in her Beverly Hills residence.

"Hinatid ko lang siya. Hanggang lobby lang ako. Kami iyan but you know what it doesn't say anything. Sana iyong kumuha na paparazzi sinundan kami sa loob [para malaman] kung anong ginawa namin," she added as she disclosed that they only ate in a restaurant inside the hotel.

On Rodeo Drive, meanwhile, the actress said she and Cruz were only there to shop.

"Kami din ang nasa litratong ito... napaka-wholesome ng litratong 'yan. Wala namang implicating diyan," she said.

'We hang out'

She also said that there was nothing wrong if the two of them met in the US, pointing out that they "enjoy each other's company."

"We enjoy each other's company. We text. Nagtatawagan kami. We do go out and wala naman sigurong masama doon dahil disente naman si John Lloyd. Single naman siya, single naman ako," she said.

Cruz and Gutierrez, who were both born on June 24, flew to California separately two weeks ago for their respective commitments there. Cruz, 26, was part of Star Magic’s 17th anniversary concert while Gutierrez celebrated her 35th birthday in the US.

Their trips had triggered speculations that they were planning to meet up and celebrate their birthdays together in the US. They did see each other in a Star Magic party thrown in Los Angeles. Cruz was reportedly among the guests. Also present in the party were Gutierrez’s parents, Eddie Gutierrez and the feisty Annabelle Rama.

Before they left the country, Cruz had to assure Rama over dinner that he was not courting her daughter.

For her parting shot, Gutierrez admitted that she is ready to meet new people and go out on dates but "I'm also not ready for a serious relationship."

"I just want to take things slow right now. Just enjoy life kasi matagal na din naman akong hindi nage-enjoy sa buhay ko... you have nothing to be worried about. We're just hanging out and going shopping. He's my shopping buddy ," said the actress, who once admitted that she was physically abused by her estranged husband.

"The Buzz" host also appealed that people should still respect their privacy despite their status as celebrities.

'Mr. M' defends Lloydie

Cruz's talent manager and Star Magic executive Johnny Manahan, meantime, defended the actor.

Manahan stressed that "there is nothing wrong with enjoying the day in the company of a fine young lady like Ruffa."

He said his talent "deserves to have some fun and to enjoy life" given that the the actor has been working hard since the age of 14.

"I assure you Lloydie is a good, responsible young adult deserving of your respect and admiration. I'm sure you'd find it in your heart to allow him to celebrate his own birthday in his own simple and quiet way," he added.