James Yap’s girlfriend: Our coming baby is a welcome gift

I am super happy for my Migo, James Yap and ma cherie amie, Mic Cazzola, because they are “infanticipating.” Mic wanted to keep it a secret for some time, but she told me that she had to admit that she’s four months pregnant since it’s getting harder to hide her baby bump.

The fab mom-to-be said that she and James would be happy to have a boy or a girl.

“Our coming baby is a welcome gift and a big blessing,” Mic said. “My cravings are cheese with honey and chocolate ice cream. I’m eating like an elephant!”

For sure, their half-Italian/half-Filipino baby will be adorable—a perfect combination of Mic and James’ best traits.

Cross-cultural love wins!

Gerald’s love lessons

I immensely enjoyed watching Dan Villegas’ “Always Be My Maybe.” It’s such a charming film that we, at the Cinema Evaluation Board, gave the Star Cinema rom-com a grade of B.

Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz have great chemistry. Kakai Bautista and Ricci Chan, as Arci’s best friends,  are hilarious.

The movie makes you feel giddy, but it avoids too much cheesiness and mushiness. It’s no fairy-tale romance. The story is as real as love and pain are in this age of “pa-asa (giving false hopes) and no labels” kind of relationships.

Here’s my one-on-one with Gerald:

GERALD Anderson

What did your movie make you realize about love?

Being in love is the best feeling in the world, but struggles as a couple are unavoidable. The challenge lies in overcoming trials yet staying in love. The honeymoon stage doesn’t last forever, so you have to be prepared to face problems and do your best to stick together.

How can you relate with your character, Jake?

I can relate with the mistakes Jake made in his relationships. My conversations with Arci in the movie taught me a lot about love. It felt so real.

How did you and Arci manage to have onscreen chemistry, even if it was just your first film together?

I really can’t pinpoint the reason, but I’m glad we clicked. I’m thankful that Arci was warm, open and professional.

What’s your advice to guys who are “pa-fall” (men who give false hopes) and girls who fall easily?

To guys who enjoy “playing” with girls’ feelings by leading them on, they better stop doing so because they will regret it later.

Guilt will haunt them. Personally, I enjoy making a girl I like kilig (giddy). But I will do that only if I’m sure about my feelings for her. If you aren’t sure about what you feel, spare the girl the pain and don’t give her false hopes.

For girls who become “victims” of guys who lead them on, it’s part of a process. Learn from it. Don’t blame yourself, but make sure it does not happen again. If it happens over and over again, then it’s already your fault!

How do you move on after a breakup?

I spend time with my loved ones. I focus on sports or get into a new hobby like photography, which I enjoy doing now.

What are the signs of your being in love?

When I smile or laugh when I think of her. When I relish simple joys like watching movies or having lunch with her. When I’m willing to invest my time in her. When I prioritize her.

Are you friends with your ex-girlfriends?

We are not friends as in pals who hang out regularly. But we are OK and cool with each other.

What do you find hard to understand about women?

When they don’t understand that guys need “alone time” from time to time. They misinterpret it and think that their boyfriend no longer cares because he does not want to spend time with her. Girls also need “me” time. Every couple needs space.

What’s the craziest thing you did for love?

When I had a “you and me against the world” kind of relationship.

Is there still that simple province boy left in you?

Yup. My friends in General Santos, when I was still a nobody, are still my friends now. We do the same things we used to do. We hang out in shorts, sando  and slippers in front of the house as we reminisce about the good old days.

I am wary of making friends now that I’m successful, because I can’t tell if they have vested interests.

What are your thoughts about fidelity and jealousy?

As a guy, it’s unavoidable to be attracted to another girl, even when I have a girlfriend.

During my younger years, I did foolish things. I used to say it’s OK as long as my girlfriend doesn’t find out. But I’m past that stage. I regret being that way… but it taught me a lot.

I’m not the jealous type. But in the movie, I felt how painful jealousy could be.

If your life story were made into a movie, what would the title be?

“Always Be My Maybe.” Let’s not go far.

Personal

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