James Yap (right) with Bimby Aquino in a file photo
Since the buzz du jour is that Bimby Aquino reached out to his dad, James Yap, I called “migo” (that’s how I address James due to our Ilonggo connection) about it. I’m not at liberty to divulge everything that migo told me out of respect for the privacy of their “renewed” father-son relationship.
All I can share from our convo is this: “Miga, I’m super happy to hear from Bimb after eight years. I’ve been praying for this day to come. Na-miss ko sobra si Bimb! It’s the best Father’s Day gift ever. He said that he is looking forward to seeing his brother MJ again and meet his sister Francine soon. He wished me luck in my new career as a public servant.” (MJ and Francine are James’ kids with his fab girlfriend, Mic Cazzola.)
Even if Kris Aquino and James are already an ex-couple, the superstar baller can never be an ex-Dad to their son, Bimby.
The “man with a million moves” (James’ PBA moniker) is raring to build millions of memories with Bimby to make up for lost time.
John on turning 50, going through midlife crisis
While my good friend, John Estrada, was center stage with Richard Gomez and Coco Martin at his birthday bash in Kao, it suddenly hit me that his two best buds represent turning points in the birthday boy’s career.
Goma and John topbilled the iconic ’80s/’90s sitcom, “Palibhasa Lalake,” which catapulted John to stardom, while Coco and John star in the current hit show, “Batang Quiapo.”
Aside from his birthday, John also celebrated the friendships he made along the way to fame. But even before John became famous, he has always been award-worthy as a friend.
Here’s my chat with John:
What’s your biggest realization as you turned 50?
I feel more comfortable with myself and my body. It’s like you’re trying to fit into such big shoes all your life, then eventually, you are easing into the fit. That’s what 50 feels like. It finally fits.
Did you experience midlife crisis?
I went through depression and that taught me to live life one day at a time. Nothing good comes from dwelling on past mistakes. You just have to move forward.
From left: Richard Gomez, John Estrada and Coco Martin—PHOTO COURTESY OF NICE PRINT
What makes you proud of your wife, Pri?
One thing that stands out about Pri is she’s not materialistic. Even during our toughest challenges, she never faltered. She stood by me through hell and high water. My wife is exactly the kind of woman I need.
What has made your friendship with Richard rock-solid?
Goma is the brother I never had. He was instrumental in opening doors for me. No matter how long we have not seen each other, our bond remains intact. Time and distance melt away.
What makes you and Coco click?
It’s mainly because of mutual respect. I admire his humility, sincerity, dedication to his craft and how he looks out for everyone he works with.
Love on a jampacked bus
Hearts collide at full speed as a femme fatale crosses paths with a married man in “Tayuan” (now streaming on Vivamax).
Angeli Khang (left) and Chester Garcia
Megged by Topel Lee, the movie tells the story of Ella (Angeli Khang) and Rico (Chester Grecia) whose affair starts on a jampacked bus. What they don’t expect is that their dangerous liaison could turn into pure bliss. How will they handle a love that’s wrong but real nonetheless?
Here are quotes from Angeli (A), Chester (C) and Topel (T):
A: For a change, I don’t play a weakling or a victim. This time, I portray an empowered woman who knows how to get what she wants.
C: It’s my first movie, yet I’m the lead actor already. It’s quite daunting, but Angeli guided me. She made my baptism of fire easier.
T: At first, I was hesitant to venture into the sexy genre, but I dared to experiment and step out of my comfort zone.
A: I would choose the man I love over a guy who’s just good in bed. Because when you love someone, everything else follows.
C: I set malice aside during intimate scenes. I just look at it as work to learn from in order to grow as an actor.
T: In our film, it’s the girl who makes the first move. Woman power should not be underrated. INQ