When James Yap plans to retire from PBA

James Yap —PHOTO BY LITO SY

What a blast I had at the intimate birthday salubong of my “migo” James Yap in Pintxos Bar. He turned 40, but the PBA superstar does not look nor feel his age at all. James took a leave from the professional league to focus on his current political aspirations, although retiring from the Philippine Basketball Association is not yet on his agenda.

“Gusto ko munang ma-reach ang PBA record for ‘All-time No. 1 in three-point shots,’” he said. “I need to make 50 more of those shots. ‘Pag na-achieve ko na ‘yun, pwede na siguro akong mag-retire.” And that night, instead of three-point shots, the birthday boy had shot, shot, shots of booze. Moderately, of course.

We were all ribbing James about pictures of him taken by his fave photographer, Lito Sy. He posed à la Michael Buble, à la Michael Jordan and à la Gino Antonio (a bold star back in the day).

For James’ birthday treat, he took his entire family to Boracay. For sure, he will share videos of their trip on his YouTube Channel (James Yap Official). Being a newbie vlogger is something James relishes.

As the cliché goes, life begins at 40. So I teased James, “Migo, are you ready to begin a new chapter in your life by getting married to Mic (his Italian girlfriend and mom of his two kids, MJ and Francesca)?” He shot back, “Suspense muna, miga.”

Living up to his PBA moniker, The Man with a Million Moves, James would rather keep us guessing when he will take the plunge.

Ayanna Misola

Love and lust merge in ‘Kinsenas, Katapusan’

Even if Valentine’s Day is already over, the entire month of February remains to be the season of love and lust. It gives us an excuse to be either mushy, horny or both. So the sexy thriller, ‘’Kinsenas, Katapusan” (streaming on Vivamax) is definitely recommended by Cupid.

Topbilled by Ayanna Misola, Joko Diaz, Kier Legaspi, it is directed by GB Sampedro. The film is about a May-December love affair that turns into a liaison dangereuse.

Here are quotes from Ayanna (A), Joko (J), K (Kier) and GB:

A: In real life, it’s possible for me to fall for someone who’s old enough to be my dad. Game ako kapag ka-tipo ni George Clooney.

GB: Our film’s title symbolizes the characters portrayed by Ayanna and Joko. She’s just about to bloom, while he is already in his twilight years, like that of a 15-year-old and a 50-year-old. It also plays with the concept of “pay day” in the sense that we pay for the sins we commit.

J: I’ve played sexy before, but this is more daring. I have to evolve as an actor. I assured my family it’s all work. Besides, ‘di naman barya ang tinaya ni Boss Vic sa akin, so kailangan ko ding suklian ng all-out na acting.

A: I don’t mind being called “Bagong pantasya ng bayan.” That means I’m being effective in my sexy roles. Being someone’s fantasy is harmless, anyway.

K: It’s my comeback film, so I had no second thoughts in accepting the project. I just took a hiatus, but I can never turn my back on acting.

A: Joko taught me how to make my eyes do the talking. He said that my expressive eyes are a plus factor as an actress, so I must use it to the max.

Wilbert Ross

The sexy mischief of ‘Boy Bastos’

If you were never naughty in your younger years, you will have nothing to laugh about when you grow old. A little mischief is necessary to spice up our life.

Take it from “Boy Bastos” (streaming on Vivamax). Based on the internet sensation of the early 2000s, the film stars Wilbert Ross, Rose Van Ginkel and is directed by Victor Villanueva. The coming-of-age comedy film is for those who have the urge to merge and an itch to scratch. Libido-doo-dah.

Here are quotes from Wilbert (W), Rose (R) and Victor (V):

V: Our film is a celebration of what we once were. It’s not sexist nor misogynist. It has a distinct male humor à la “Palibhasa Lalake.”

R: I don’t like “kiss-and-tell” guys. But come to think of it, most of them are even more “ma-chika” about their sexual adventures than women are.

W: I don’t judge a girl if she’s still a virgin or is experienced already. What matters is that I’m the one in her life right now.

V: Our film corrects misconceptions about sexual experimentation. It reminds us that we are only young once, so we must go and conquer.

R: I am not yet 100 percent decided to be a sexy star. I still have reservations. I want to explore other roles and hope that my acting will be noticed more than my sexiness.

W: My 16-year-old self can totally relate to my character in the film. Those were my mapusok days. I have mellowed. These days, when I am in love, I’m like a horse with blinders on.