James Yap says he hasn't seen son Bimby in 10 years
James Yap said he hasn't seen Bimby, his son with Kris Aquino, in a decade.
The PBA star-turned-politician made the statement in an interview with the media on Tuesday, Oct. 8, when he filed his of certificate of candidacy for councilor of San Juan City's 1st District.
James shared that he filed his COC alone as his sister had just given birth, while his partner, Michela Cazzola, had to pick up their kids from school.
When asked whether he was able to see Bimby recently, he said, "Wala na, 10 years na,” he said, as seen in a video shared by ABS-CBN News. “So, okay lang. Okay lang ‘yun.”
James was also asked if he had any message for his son. To which, he said, “No, it’s okay, thank you.”
James was previously married to Kris Aquino. They tied the knot in 2005 and welcomed Bimby two years later in 2007.
The two separated in 2010, and their marriage was annulled in 2012.
In a sit-down Q&A vlog posted on Kris' Facebook page in April 2021, Kris asked Bimby, who was 14 then, if he felt any resentment as he grew up without his dad.
“No, kasi I have such an awesome Mama,” Bimby said at the time.
Kris then asked if he has forgiven his dad for his shortcomings.
“Yeah, 'cause…Sorry sa bluntness po ha, I don't really care," Bimby said. "Hindi siya bastos po. You forget and when you look back at the memories those horrible memories, mawawala na 'yung pain.”
"He has his own life, and I have my own life. We are not in contact," he continued. "He's the one who's not trying to get in contact with me. I have a phone, and it just takes like 10 digits to call me, eh, hindi niya ginawa in ilang years."
The “Queen of All Media” said in a now-deleted Instagram post that Bimby was “rebuilding [his] relationship” with his dad on Father’s Day in 2023.
"Yesterday [on] Father’s Day, my bunso made me proud. He's had the number to contact for almost a week, and the reluctance was so real, yet he took the first step towards rebuilding a relationship that I know will require some time to repair. Pero ang mahalaga ay nagsimula na," she wrote in the caption.
Kris didn’t mention anyone in the caption but said, "It will be easy for you to figure out."
In the same month, the PBA star expressed that he was “super happy” he got to talk to Bimby again after eight years.
"I'm super happy to hear from Bimb after eight years. I've been praying for this day to come. Na-miss ko sobra si Bimb!" James is quoted as saying in a column by Dolly Ann Carvajal.
“It’s the best Father’s Day gift ever. He said that he is looking forward to seeing his brother MJ again and meet his sister Francine soon. He wished me luck in my new career as a public servant,” James added, referring to his children with Michela.