James Yap grateful to ex Kris Aquino: ‘Thank you for defending me. I’m surprised, what’s wrong?’
Yap to ex Kris: ‘Thank you for defending me. I’m surprised, what’s wrong?’
ALTHOUGH visibly surprised to find an unlikely ally in Kris Aquino, San Mig star James Yap nonetheless thanked his ex-wife for leaping to his defense in the face of criticism he received from bashers after the Mixers’ Game Six loss to Ginebra in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.

Aquino defended Yap from online game-fixing allegations during her new talk show ‘Aquino and Abunda Tonight’ with Boy Abunda on Tuesday, stressing that in the many years she has known her ex-husband, she’s convinced that the San Mig star will never do such a thing. “For as long as I’ve known James Yap, and I’ve known his whole personality, he would never sell a game because he spent his whole life for that (basketball),” Kris was quoted as saying in her new TV show.

Kris was quick to add with a smile: “He’s (Yap) gonna love me for this. He’ll be happy when I say ‘to.’”

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The gesture came as a surprise for Yap, considering the two celebrated figures had a tumultuous marriage that led to an annulment two years ago. Their son, Bimby, is now a movie star and top endorser.

Still, Yap said he appreciated the gesture from his ex-wife.

“Ah, thank you for defending me (Kris),” said Yap, who came under fire from bashers for his foul on Mark Caguioa and a missed three-point shot from way out in a 91-94 loss to Ginebra on Monday night. “I was surprised (by Kris’s gesture), what’s up?”

Still, the two-time league MVP said he is already used to copping flak from critics in the 10 years that he has been a pro player.

“Just practice because when you are the player expected by the team, we can’t please everyone,” explained the pride of Escalante, Negros Occidental, who is turning 32 on Saturday. “It’s natural (bashers and criticisms). Just focus and ignore the bashers. Just move on then practice,” he added.

“In the long time I’ve known James Yap, and I’ve gotten to know his whole personality, he wouldn’t do it to sell a game because he’s dedicated his entire life to (basketball).” Celebrity host and endorser Kris Aquino