Francine Prieto shrugs off "user-friendly" tag

From Philippine Entertainment Portal November 19, 2007:

Sexy actress Francine Prieto rebuffed accusations that she plays on her suitors' emotions by always asking favors before ditching them and leaving them in the cold.

"Hindi naman. Wala naman akong mga niloloko na lalaki dahil takot ako sa karma. Kaya nga sabi ko, ‘pag walang pag-asa 'yong lalake, inuunahan ko na kaagad. Parang magkaibigan na lang tayo, hanggang ganoon dahil ayoko nang umasa pa," explained Francine to Showbiz Central jurors Rufa Mae Quinto and DJ Mo Twister yesterday, November 18.

Francine also clarified that her relationship with former Bahay Mo Ba 'To? co-star Keempee de Leon never went beyond the bounds of friendship. "Magkatrabaho lang kami pero wala, e. Wala talaga, e, hanggang ganoon lang," she said.

But was there an attempt on Keempee's part or any subtle hint that he was interested in taking their friendship to the next level?

"Nagpa-cute. Nagtanong before sa akin kung may pag-asa daw siya," confessed Francine upon the incessant prodding of Bubble Gang co-star Rufa Mae.

Apparently, Kempee's modern method of wooing a girl doesn't match Francine's idea of traditional courtship.

"Gusto ko pumupunta sa bahay, nililigawan ako," Francine explained.

HELPING HAND. Another guy being linked to the statuesque comedienne is newsman Oscar Oida. According to rumors, Francine allegedly asked the GMA-7 reporter to do her school projects. And since Oscar was said to be smitten by Francine's charm, he wholeheartedly agreed while hoping that his gestures would endear him to the actress.

"Hindi ko siya pinagawa. Tinulungan niya ako," argued Francine. "Correction, isa lang po ‘yong ginawa niya. Tinulungan niya lang ako sa isang project ko, ‘yon lang."

Although she never said it directly, it was obvious that Francine turned down Oscar's love.

"Wala lang. Ano ba? Hindi talaga kami, e. Hindi talaga kami bagay sa isa't isa," she simply answered.

Francine generously shared the qualities she's looking for in a guy: "Importante sa akin ‘yong personality, e. Lalo na kapag matalino ‘yong lalaki,' yong masarap kausap."

Surprisingly, the guy doesn't necessarily have to be drop-dead gorgeous.

"‘Yong malinis lang yong hitsura, maayos 'yong hitsura. Hindi naman kailangang mala-Aga Muhlach or Richard Gomez."

+++ There is hope yet LOL! She asked some dude to help her with a school project? She should've asked me instead, hehe.