(L-R) James Yap, Francesca, Michela Cazzola and MJ. Image: Instagram/@jamesyap18
James Yap and his Italian partner Michela Cazzola appear to have quashed the separation rumors hounding them as they celebrated their son MJ’s 8th birthday together.
Yap and Cazzola prepared an intimate celebration at home with basketball-themed cake and balloons, as seen in the photos shared by the athlete-politician on his Instagram page on Thursday, Aug. 8.
The family of four, which includes the couple’s daughter Francesca, looked ecstatic as they sang the birthday song to MJ and posed for photos.
“Happy 8th Birthday to our Bugoy. We love you!” he captioned his post.
Image: Instagram/@jamesyap18
Image: Instagram/@michelacazzola
Image: Instagram/@michelacazzola
Image: Instagram/@michelacazzola
Fans then flocked to the comments section to extend their birthday greetings to MJ and to compliment their family as well.
Image: Instagram/@jamesyap18
Image: Instagram/@jamesyap18
Speculations of Yap and Cozzola’s supposed separation have made rounds on social media since June, when eagle-eyed netizens noticed that the couple had not been posting each other on their respective Instagram pages.
Prior to MJ’s birthday, Yap’s most recent Instagram photo of Cozzola was shared in October 2023. Meanwhile, Yap’s most recent photo in Cozzola’s page was shared in February 2023.
Yap and Cazzola have been together since 2012. They welcomed MJ in 2016, and Francesca in 2018.
When asked about their plans of getting married, Cozzola told Philippine Daily Inquirer in 2022, “I see married people who are happy, while many others are not. Marriage isn’t always necessary.”
Meanwhile, Yap also has an older son named Bimby with Queen of All Media Kris Aquino.