He may not be a welcome part of presidential sister Kris Aquino's life for now, but basketball superstar James Carlos Yap is still considered family by President-elect Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III – at least until his inauguration on Wednesday.
Honeymoon Is Over
Manuel Quezon III, spokesman for the committee preparing for Aquino's June 30 inauguration, said Yap is still part of the President-elect's last-minute activities before the June 30 event.
"Siguro naman po (of course)," Quezon said in an interview on dwIZ radio, when asked if Yap will still be part of the "family" activities in the last 24 hours before Aquino's inauguration.
Quezon said Aquino wants to spend "private and quality time" with his family between now and Wednesday, when he takes his oath as the country's 15th President.
He said that on Tuesday, Aquino plans to face media and present the members of his Cabinet, before taking time off for his "huling pahinga (last chance to take time to relax)."
"Siguro ang huling pahinga at alam ko medyo gusto ng pamilyang Aquino magkaroon ng private and quality time na magkasama (After announcing the members of his Cabinet, Aquino plans to have some private and quality time with the family)," he said.
On Wednesday morning, Quezon said Aquino and his family plan to hear mass at the family's house along Times Street in Quezon City. "Hangarin nila mag-attend ng misa at magdasal nang kaunti upang humingi ng lakas at liwanag (The family wants to hear mass and pray a little to ask for prayers and strength)," Quezon said.
Last Sunday, Kris ended her hosting stint on a television entertainment talk show by declaring the end of her marriage with Yap.
“This marriage is over on my part," she said, following rumors in past weeks about Aquino and Yap's marriage being in trouble.
But Yap has continued to keep his silence on the issue.
"Sumuko na ako (I’ve given up)," she added.
But she declined to comment further, for the sake of their two-year-old son Baby James.
On the other hand, Yap visited the President-elect at the latter's house in Quezon City last Thursday.
While the President-elect confirmed the visit, he declined to make public what he told Yap at their meeting, saying it was private. — LBG
