source: abs-cbnnews.com

MANILA, Philippines - Television host-actor Luis Manzano vehemently denied that talent manager Becky Aguila influenced him to date singer-actress Jennylyn Mercado.

Rumor has it that it was Aguila, Mercado's manager, who advised Manzano to court the 24-year-old singer to get back at her former talent Angel Locsin.

Locsin, who is now dating Azkals striker Phil Younghusband, is Manzano's ex-girlfriend.

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Manzano said he finds the issue "very, very stupid kasi 'pag sinabi 'yun, parang insulto sa intelligence ko naman."

The "Pilipinas Got Talent" and "ASAP Rocks" host added: "Unang-una kahit sinong umutos sa 'kin, hindi ko gagawin 'yun, kahit mommy ko pa. Walang pwedeng dumikta sa akin kahit ganung bagay."

Asked for Mercado's comment about the matter, Manzano said: "Hindi ko pa siya nakakausap regarding that issue."

Meantime, Manzano stressed that he wants to keep things between him and Mercado as private as possible.