Actress Ava Mendez has set the record straight regarding the rumors linking her to Jak Roberto.

The rumors started when photos and videos of them together at a party circulated online. Some netizens quickly put malice on their relationship, as Jak was assumed to be intoxicated at the party with Ava.

In a TikTok video, Ava explained what happened during the party, debunking any romantic connections with Jak. She began by saying they both had a mutual friend, and the party was for that friend’s birthday. Ava and Jak were invited as separate individuals and did not attend as a couple.

As with any party, guests tend to drink and have fun. In Jak’s case, Ava mentioned that he might have gone a little too far with his drinks. “Si Jak, medyo naka-inom na rin,” she said.

She proceeds by clarifying that the photos circulated online were cropped ones, not showing that they were with other people that night. Ava narrated that they took pictures with the guests per table.

“Nung una may mga lumalapit sa kanya na mga usherette na babae. Siya, hindi naman siya isnabero…so nakipag-usap siya. After ‘nun, may mga gusto nang magpa-picture sa’ming dalawa ni Jak. So bawat table pinupuntahan namin at magkatabi kami ni Jak. So kung makikita niyo picture namin magkatabi pero mga kasama namin naka-crop. Ayon, ginawan na ng issue,” she recalled.

After her explanation, Ava was asked to describe Jak’s behavior after drinking at the party. She claims that Jak was a bit touchy that night due to the alcohol. “Nagiging touchy na siya. Hindi lang naman sa akin,” she remarked.

Ava furthered, “‘Yung iba kasi binibigyan na nila ng malisya, pero ‘pag talagang kilala mo ‘yung tao, parang siyempre normal lang, makulit lang, kasi nakainom e ‘di ba? ‘Yun naiintindihan ko ‘yon.”

The actress also clarified the issue that she and Jak allegedly stayed in a hotel together. She refuted the rumors and said that it was the birthday celebrant who got them separate hotel rooms to rest in for the night. “Ayaw kaming paalisin ‘nung may birthday, kaya kinuhaan kami ng room doon. Para mag-stay, magpahinga tapos after ‘nun, uwi na. […] Sa isang kwarto kasama ko ‘yung kapatid ko, ‘yung driver ko.” Ava stated.

The party went on with a few more drinks in Ava’s room that night and ended with all of them moving back to their respective hotel rooms. Later, she mentioned that Jak went back to their room in a bid to continue their drinking session, however, there was nothing left for them to drink. “Sinabi sakin ng mga kapatid ko na bumalik uli si Jak kasi gusto pa mag-inuman. Pero wala na nga, tapos na lahat. Kasi wala na ring iinumin, ubos na ‘yung alak h,” she told in the video.

Jak is currently in a steady relationship with fellow Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza. He has yet to break his silence and address the issue. Amid the rumors, the two spent the Christmas holidays together.