The 25-year-old model-turned-actor admitted that people around him have been asking if there is any romance brewing between the two of them. “Ang dami ngang nagtatanong, ang daming nag-da-doubt pero ngayon friends lang talaga kami. So far siya yung pinaka-close kong babae sa industry kasi nga matagal ko na siyang nakatrabaho sa Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala and sobrang naging bonded lang kami. Nakilala ko siya and sobrang bonded talaga kami. Parang sobrang positive lang kami,” he said.
Joseph said he sees qualities in Empress that he personally finds attractive. “I think she is girlfriend material kasi she is really nice and she takes good care of herself, she loves her family, she's God-fearing. Parang wala ka ng hahanapin,” he said.
Joseph said that even though his former onscreen partner is very much available, he still has no plans to court her. “Siguro nasa akin yung problem kasi ako I really want to focus on my career so saka na muna yung girlfriend. Inspiration na lang for now (laughs),” he explained.
When asked if Empress is a source of inspiration for him now, Joseph downplayed their growing closeness. “Yeah [inspiration ko siya] as a friend (laughs). Marami akong inspiration like my family, whoever (laughs),” he added.
This year, Joseph said that he is thankful to be part of another successful Primetime Bida series which will be nearing its run soon and starting work right away on another new show. “Actually patapos na yung Honesto eh. Ang last airing namin is middle of his month if I'm not mistaken. By March 17 mag-sa-start na ako ng taping sa Pure Love so I'm so, so excited. I'm so looking forward to it kasi karamihan ng mga artistang makakatrabaho ko dun first time ko silang makakatrabaho like sila Alex Gonzaga, Arjo Atayde, and Sunshine Cruz. At saka yung story itself ng Koreanovela ang ganda. Kahit ako na-hook ako kasi pinapanuod sa akin eh. Sabi nila hindi ko kailangan tapusin pero tinapos ko talaga,” he said.