Ashley Tisdale performs at Z100's Annual Jingle Ball Concert at Madison Square Gardens. New York City, USA 12.12.08

The High School Musical star reportedly ended her year-long relationship with Murillo earlier this month (Apr09).

Just days later, Tisdale was photographed stepping out with music video director Scott Speer - prompting speculation of an acrimonious split with V Factory star Murillo.

But the 20-year-old is still friendly with Tisdale, insists Murillo's dad Alex.

He tells People.com, "They remain good friends. They are in the same circle, they have the same friends... I think it was just the right time to do what they did."

And the elder Murillo isn't ruling out a reconciliation between his son and Tisdale: "Jared is very, very happy, and is very pleased with what's going on with his work. I think for him it's a good time now to move forward... And you know what? You never know how life turns out. They might hook up again, you just never know."

Source: WENN