Mark Leviste declares love anew for Kris Aquino: ‘I left my heart in America’

Mark Leviste and Kris Aquino. Image: Instagram/@markleviste; screengrab from YouTube/TicTALK with Aster Amoyo

Amid Kris Aquino’s recent remarks against him, Mark Leviste once again expressed his admiration and love for the Queen of All Media, saying he’s “very fortunate” that she is part of his life.

“The last time I checked, I left my heart in America… Sa aking pagkaalala, ibinigay at ipinaubaya ko ang aking puso sa taong mahal ko,” the Batangas vice governor told entertainment writer Aster Amoyo who asked him about the current situation of his heart, as seen on the latter’s YouTube vlog on Friday, Oct. 13.

While Leviste did not immediately mention Aquino’s name, it can be noted that the actress-TV host has been staying in California for her medical treatments for her autoimmune illnesses. Leviste and Amoyo also noted that the viewers already knew who they were referring to.

Amoyo went on to ask the politician if he had plans of proposing marriage to “that person,” to which Leviste quipped, “Tita Aster, I’ll tell you off-air. You’re gonna get me into trouble.”

Leviste then opted to keep private how much he loves “this person in America” but he underscored, “I think I cannot deny that my expression and even my joy says it all. So, I’m proud of where I am. I’m proud of my love. I’m proud of what we have.”

“As far as I’m concerned, walang nagbago sa akin. Mahal ko siya,” he added.

Leviste further spoke about how he only has the “genuine kind of love” for Aquino and that he doesn’t intend to please those who “think negatively, wrongly about [his] intentions” to her.

“…I take pride in being sincere, being proud, to the point that some people misinterpret it. You cannot please everyone and I don’t intend to please everyone, especially with my own private affairs—my relationship with my loved ones,” he said.

‘Super admirer of Kris Aquino’

Leviste finally named Aquino after he was asked about the showbiz personalities he looks up to.

“With all honesty, walang biro, walang bola—I’m a super admirer of Kris Aquino. She knows that and I’m very proud of it,” he told Amoyo. “Kris is an amazing, amazing person, beautiful inside and out—super beautiful.”

“I’m lucky; I’m very fortunate that she’s part of my life. I’ve seen a different kind of Kris and I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to witness all of this,” he continued.

The politician admitted that he’s not perfect and still has a lot to learn, but he noted that Aquino is one of the people who “make [him] want to be a better public servant and leader.” He also showed the ring Aquino gave him, saying he always wears it as it symbolizes his “love, value for friendship and fidelity.”

“Sa totoo lang, talagang ipinagmamalaki ko ang pagkatao at ang paghanga ko kay Kris Aquino. Oftentimes, she is misunderstood by some, if not many, pero once na makilala mo si Kris Aquino… She’s one of the most beautiful beings I’ve ever met. I’m very, very proud of it,” he said.

Aquino and Leviste’s relationship was revealed to the public last May 18. The following month, Aquino asked Leviste for a “pause” as he left California to return to the Philippines. Aquino has since unfollowed Leviste on Instagram and said that they no longer communicate.

Prior to Leviste’s interview with Amoyo, the Queen of All Media said she was displeased after the Batangas vice governor had posted photos with Phillip Salvador, the father of her eldest son Josh. She also stressed that she has only aired “a very cleansed version” of her side of the story.  /ra