James Yap on getting married to Italian gf: ‘Slowly but surely’

MANILA, Philippines - PBA star James Yap dispelled talks that he is already planning to settle down with Italian girlfriend, Michaella Cazzola.

In an interview with a sports news website, Michaella said that the wedding with James “will come next year.”

READ: James Yap’s girlfriend hints at marriage

But in an interview with STAR entertainment editor Ricky Lo aired on GMA-7’s showbiz talk show “Startalk” on Saturday, October 26, James said: “Actually, yung kasal naman, andyan lang yun.”

What’s important, the San Mig Coffee Mixers player added, is that “kilalanin mo talaga kung magiging okay ba kayong dalawa.”

“O kung magkasama kayo, magiging masaya ba kayong dalawa,” James explained.

“Yun yung mga na-experience ko before. Ang pagpapakasal, hindi pwedeng madaliin,” he said. “Andyan lang yan, Pero ang mahalaga is kung compatible kayong dalawa, kung happy kayong dalawa.

James was married to ABS-CBN star Kris Aquino, with whom he has a son, six-year-old Bimby. Their marriage was declared null last year.

Asked if he and Michaella have already talked about their dream wedding, James said they haven’t talked about it yet.

“Tulad nga ng sabi ko, hinay-hinay lang,” he said. “Slowly but surely.”

The 31-year-old basketball player admitted Michaella has not met Bimby yet. “Kailangan niya talagang makilala kasi anak ko yun.”

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The PBA star said he has been in a relationship with Michaella for over a year now.

“Game siya sa lahat,” James said when asked what he likes about his Italian girlfriend.

“Ibig sabihin, ‘Michaella, punta tayo sa ganito, o chill-chill muna tayo sa ganyan, tambay-tambay muna tayo sa coffee shop.’ Pwede, pwede,” he further explained.

“Yun yung masaya. Yun yung maganda sa kanya. Pwede sa lahat, kahit saan mo dalhin.”