Bimby’s MVP: Most Valuable Papa

KRIS Aquino (center) with Ryzza Mae Dizon and Bimby Yap.

We can walk away from our spouses but we can never “divorce” our kids. Thus, James Yap and Kris Aquino have an eternal link in their son Bimby. The high-profile couple, who were painfully at odds many headlines ago, have rekindled their ties as friends, for the boy’s sake.

It’s the best gift for Bimby, who turns 7 on April 19. An advance celebration is set April 8 at my fave metro haven, Bellevue Hotel in Alabang. It’s the choice venue of many celebs; the birthday party of Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao’s son Michael was held there, as was the wedding reception of Maricar Reyes and Richard Poon.

James meant to throw another bash for Bimby but changed his mind. “It would be best for Bimby to see his parents together on his special day,” James explained. “I asked Kris to split the bill with me. I got a bit shocked at the cost, but it would be money well-spent for my little boy.”

Dad also gave Bimby a scooter/skateboard. “He brings it with him for our bonding time every Friday,” said James. “We also go swimming. I’d like him to be athletic, like me.”

The PBA star is not used to calling the boy Bimby. “I call him Baby James, or my Junior, since many people say he’s my Mini-Me.”

Off court, James is still MVP, Most Valuable Papa—to Bimby!

Kris even told James he could bring his girlfriend, Michela Cazzola (aka Mic), along. “I’m touched,” Mic said.

I’ve hung out with the bella Italiana and James. Kris and I used to see each other a lot because she was an anak-anakan of my late mom. Knowing both ladies, I predict that they will get along well.

New kid on the block

After Bimby and Ryzza Mae Dizon, the new kid on the block is Diego Ledesma. He’s the new Internet sensation, thanks to his catchy TV ad for PLDT Home DSL. Following the success of its “Anna Banana” campaign, PLDT brings us another story to show how important family  values and strong connections are.

The Ledesma family is proud of the 7-year-old, who has thousands of fans because of his Facebook advice column, “Ask Diego.” The telecom’s limitless and reliable family-sized connection comes in handy because each member of the clan has his or her own gadget—including Diego, who is the youngest. The family that surfs together stays together.

Bonding with the Revillas

Politics is off-limits as a topic when I’m with Sen. Bong Revilla and Lani Mercado. They have shown me nothing but kindness. Now that they are in hot water, I can’t help reminiscing about our bonding moments in Discovery Shores Boracay every Holy Week.

I guess I won’t be seeing them this year when I spend Semana Santa  in Boradise. They have gone to the Holy Land instead.

Bong once told me that going to Boracay during Lent was a family tradition because they believe that swimming in the sea will wash away whatever alat they have in their lives.

I would just like to thank them for the fun Boracay memories. I will definitely miss hanging out with them. So I will just toast to better days ahead for their fam.