Mic Cazzola throws birthday bash for James Yap

JAMES Yap is teaching her how to be patient, says Michela Cazzola. MIC CAZZOLA’S FACEBOOK

I always look forward to hanging out with ma cherie amie, Michela Cazzola and mi amigo, James Yap.

James turned a year happier last Feb. 15. It was James’ third birth anniversary with Mic around to celebrate with him.

Ever-sweet Mic makes sure each celebration is more memorable than the last. I teased her, “Maybe next year, you will already be Mrs. James Yap.” She shot back, “Kaloka!”

Mic is definitely turning Pinoy with pizzazz! Here’s my tête-à-tête with the charming “Filitaliana.”

What is your birthday gift to James?

A surprise dinner with our closest friends at Shang Palace. Material gift to follow. I like buying gifts abroad.

How’s your relationship with his son Bimby?

We are okay. We went to watch his movie last December. It was fun.

What’s your advice to cross-cultural couples on making a relationship work?

It is hard to generalize. But Italians and Filipinos are similar, so it’s easier to handle things. When it comes to differences, whether cultural or personal, it takes understanding and a little compromise. But that applies to all couples.

How do you handle culture clashes?

I have a strong personality. James already knows how to handle it. We discuss what we don’t understand about each other. We keep our communication lines open.

What do you love most about Filipino culture?

The love for family and for God. Pinoys always have a smile on their faces even during tragedies. They’re optimistic.

How Filipino have you become?

I speak Taglish. On the phone, people think I am Filipino. I’ve acquired a Filipino accent when I speak English. I love pork sinigang and life in the province. I hang out mostly with Filipinos.

If and when you meet (James’ ex) Kris Aquino, what would you ask her?

Nothing specific. I avoid speaking of people I don’t personally know.

How has James changed your world?

I’ve become less selfish and more understanding. He’s teaching me patience. I now count to 100 before I speak. That’s hard since I am impulsive. I’m trying to imbibe the best aspects of his personality.

Buboy’s retort

Since Cesar Montano is my BFF, I can’t help getting affected whenever he’s embroiled in a controversy. His estranged wife, Sunshine Cruz, has filed another case, this one involving their daughters.

Buboy dotes on his daughters and will shield them from harm. For the girls’ welfare, I hope they will let respect prevail.

Here’s Buboy’s official statement:

“I vehemently deny all accusations being hurled against me by Sunshine, most especially the latest … involving our daughters. I may not have been a perfect husband, but I am not a monster of a father.

“I am grossly disheartened [that] Sunshine is using our daughters to suit her own ulterior motives. While we are threshing out our property relations in connection with the pending cases we have filed against each other, she is dragging our children [into the issue] to gain leverage … It exasperates me to hear that Sunshine filed a complaint against me and immediately went to the media to talk about it. Her lawyer even … discussed the merits of the complaint.

“Sunshine and her lawyer should realize that the complaint involves our daughters. As I understand it, the law on Violence Against Women and Children shields minors … from public embarrassment, humiliation and ridicule.

“I respectfully appeal to Sunshine, if you want the property you have been clamoring for, then so be it. I have signed the compromise agreement giving you what you want. But do not drag our innocent daughters [into this issue], to settle our differences.”

Miss Ima

Catch Ima Castro, former cast member of West End’s “Miss Saigon,” in “A Miss Called Ima,” with Richard Villanueva on Feb. 28, 9 p.m. at my fave hangout, The Crowd Bar in Madison Square, Mandaluyong (P500 entrance). It will be one enchanted evening of Broadway hits.

Personal

Congrats to my dear amiga, Mavic Montejo, and her hubby, Remus Canieso, for the fun-filled opening of their resto-bar, Villa Bora in Villa Iloilo. Yayo Aguila and I had a blast on V-Day at the cool joint. Check it out next time you’re in The City of Love.

Damo guid na salamat to my friends in my second home, Iloilo, for always spoiling me, chef Pauline Banusing of one of my fave restos Freska, Gus Banusing of the “in” place Gastropub, Allan Tajanlangit, KC Guerrero, Joseph and Cindy Mabilog, Jellicoe and Quennie Villavert, Susan Romero, Jude Solar and Mayor Jed Mabilog.

Ilonggos are my kind of people!