NEWSFLASH

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VAN DAMME IN MANILA "JUST TO BE WITH JESSICA"

Manila, Oct. 11, 1998 - Erase all doubts about the true relationship between actress/talent manager Jessica Rodriguez and Hollywood superstar Jean Claude Van Damme. Just take a look at the giant color photos on the front pages of today's newspapers: Malaya, Manila Standard and the Philippine Star, showing the two lovers arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The action star himself, who flew in yesterday from Japan with Jessica, told airport reporters that he's in the Philippines "just to be with Jessica."

Wearing a pair of fashionably faded blue jeans and a white shirt casually unbuttoned at the neck, Van Damme was accorded VIP treatment with no less than presidential sons Jinggoy Estrada and Jude Estrada meeting him at planeside.

The two sons of President Estrada are, of course, both action stars in Philippine movies.

The Page One photos show Jessica wearing an elegantly simple pink mini skirt and matching short-sleeved shirt over a mint green blouse. Her straight, shoulder-length hair is slightly tinted.

The couple refused to tell reporters where they plan to spend their short Philippine vacation.

Van Damme and Jessica were in Japan for a few weeks while the actor was shooting commercials endorsing Japanese products. Their relationship started last year when they were introduced in Hong Kong by talent manager Shirley Kuan, a close friend of Van Damme.

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