In a statement sent to the assistant of host Boy Abunda, Baste said, “may common friends kami kaya kami nagkasama-sama. Pagkakataon ko na rin na magpasalamat sa kaniya kasi very vocal siya sa pagsuporta sa Papa ko during the campaign. Gan’on lang kasimple. Pero expected ko na rin na intrigahin kami. Salamat.”
The rumors started after Ellen posted pictures of herself with Baste on her Instagram account. The pictures were taken during her trip to Siargao Island to celebrate the 25th birthday of actress Beauty Gonzalez. Baste, on the other hand, was vacationing with his friends on the same Island.