James Yap tells ex-wife Kris Aquino: 'Stay in love'

MANILA, Philippines – “Ayoko na makialam d'yan, no comment na ako,” basketball player James Yap said when asked if he approves of ex-wife Kris Aquino's relationship with Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista in an interview with GMA-7's showbiz talk show “Startalk” aired Sunday, April 20.

The 32-year-old cager added what matters is that Kris is happy. “Sinasabi ko naman sa kanya, 'Stay in love',” he said. 

RELATED: Kris on James - Sana nagpatawad ako

On her TV show “Aquino and Abunda Tonight” earlier this month, the 43-year-old TV host-actress admitted she is dating Bautista. 

In a separate episode of her late night talk show, Kris also shared an interview-conversation she had with James during the 7th birthday party of their son Bimby, when she said sorry to her ex-husband for the "heartache' that she caused. 

The TV host added she appreciated James' effort to love Joshua, her son with actor Philip Salvador.

“Syempre yun naman ang pinagpe-pray ko, na maging okay kami. Masaya ako dahil naapreciate niya yung ginawa ko before, na nilove ko si Josh, naapreciate niya yun. Hindi ko inexpect yun kasi hindi naman siya nagpapakita ng... alam mo yun,” James said.

He added, “Nagsorry ako sa kanya dahil nagkulang ako as a partner niya before. Nag-sorry ako sa kanya dahil yung husband material, baka wala sa akin. Yung hinahanap niya na husband material, wala sa akin so hindi ko nabigay.”

“Ang mahalaga is happy siya ngayon, happy ako ngayon, move on na lahat.”

Many questioned Michaela's absence in Bimby's birthday party earlier this month despite Kris' invitation. 

RELATED: Kris invites James & Michela to Bimby’s party

This prompted a number of netizens to think Michael may have gotten jealous of Kris over the latter's recent public reconciliation with James.

But the cager said he does not think Michaela got jealous of Kris.

The “Startalk” report revealed  James and Michaela stayed in Punta Fuego, Batangas for a two-day vacation recently. 

“Thank you dahil kahit papaano understanding siya, nakakaintindi. Kasi pangit din naman na makipagagawan ka ng atensyon dun sa party. Ang focus talaga namin is yung sa anak namin, wala ng ibang iisipin pa yung ibang tao kundi yung anak namin,” he said.