Kris Aquino was accompanied by her lawyer friend, Atty. Gideon Peña, at the premiere of her new movie, 'I Love You, Hater' held Tuesday night. MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN News

MANILA – It turns out that all Kris Aquino needed was not "pag-ibig," as suggested in one of the rom-com flicks she starred in years back, but a "genuine friend" to become a "better version" of herself. 

The TV personality, whose long history with love seem to have more downs than ups, made sure to thank the person responsible for her renewed sense of optimism — Atty. Gideon Peña. 

The lawyer, who is also a university professor, made an intriguing post on Instagram on Tuesday, sharing a quote that read: "Even if we can't find HEAVEN I'll walk through HELL with you."

A post shared by Gideon V. Peña (@the.mightywarrior) on Jul 9, 2018 at 9:50pm PDT

The overall impression was that it was for Aquino, who fueled the romantic speculations by replying: "THANK YOU. Because of your genuine friendship I am a better version of me." 

Kris Aquino replies (right side of the photo) to Gideon Peña's post, telling the lawyer: 'Thank you.'  Screenshot from Gideon Peña's Instagram account

Peña did make it clear that he and Aquino are just good friends, telling a follower in the comments who warned him not to hurt the actress emotionally: "Please don't over analyze." 

Kris Aquino downplays (right side of the photo) romance rumors by maintaining that she and Peña are just friends.Screenshot from Gideon Peña's Instagram account

Aquino seconded this, describing Peña as her friend, "and I've got his back in the same way I'm definite he has mine." 

It was only last month when talk of a romance brewing between the two began, buoyed by their seemingly sweet exchanges on social media and in an interview for Aquino's blog. 

'Bakit kinikilig ako?' Kris, law professor's sweetness stir romance rumors

They were seen out in public Tuesday, when Peña accompanied Aquino in the red carpet premiere of her new movie, "I Love You, Hater," co-starring Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto. 

LOOK: Kris Aquino attends ‘I Love You Hater’ premiere with law professor

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