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A promising relationship between Kris, ‘partner’ Herbert

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Kris Aquino (File photos, NPPA Images)
Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Kris Aquino (File photos, NPPA Images)

It was another lengthy statement from who else but the Queen of All Media.

But this time, it was something she has put her heart into. Indeed, this is a time when finally, Kris Aquino has indicated something blossoming after years of heartbreak and emotional outbreaks.

Different case

Seven years since her painful ride, when she and former husband James Yap had been distant and four years since their formal separation, Kris now proudly declares she is dating. Yes, she has done so in the past, as the rumor mill goes. But this case is different because she willfully named her dashing "partner": Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista.

While it has been widely discussed in showbiz circles in recent weeks, there was no actual confirmation or even just a slight indication from both parties that these reports were true. Then came that Instagram post by Kris on April 6, Sunday that surprised a lot of her followers. With the caption, “Family dinner”, the posted image initially showed the Mayor with the Aquino family having dinner together. Kris subsequently deleted the photo.

This led to a fiery surge of speculative reports on the status of their relationship, until Kris' televised statement on her show with close friend Boy Abunda, Aquino and Abunda Tonight, the next night confirming that she and Herbert are indeed in a relationship.

“I promised him (Herbert) that our relationship won’t be a distraction in his obligations to the three million residents he took an oath of office to serve," Kris said in the telecast. "He has given more than 25 years of dedicated public service, and my respect for him and his office is such that I don’t want to add stress but hopefully give him inspiration."

In addition, Kris said, "...Herbert has expressed his admiration and respect for the dedication and hard work I have put into my profession. And he values the love you, my audience, and I, have shared on a daily basis for almost 20 years."

‘Seryoso ang pinapasok namin’

To further explain why she came out and admitted their relationship, Kris said: "Sa edad, napagdaanan at estado naming dalawa, alam namin na seryoso ang pinapasok namin. We both chose public careers that have given us deep fulfillment, and we do have exceptional professional and personal responsibilities. And part of that, is being answerable to all of you."

However, Kris clarified that their relationship remains a “work in progress” and will hopefully improve as the days go by.

‘I can’t do this on my own’

"I am 43 and on May 12, he will be 46. I am sure all of you who are watching me right now will agree when I state that staying together, that choosing to love one another, requires much day-to-day effort. And if there is something that the past has taught me, it is that I can’t do this on my own."

"Herbert and I are partners in either the failure or success of our being together, and we can strengthen what we have by allowing ourselves to have a chance at forever, by keeping private and quiet about what is here and now. We are a work in progress, and it is a joint project that both of us are happily undertaking with maturity, respect and commitment."

Boyhood crush

Personally, it seems delightful to see Herbert in that picture, considering those memorable days in San Beda High School when his big crush on Kris was legend. I have nothing against the honorable mayor, a schoolmate and friend (with brother Hero) whom I have always known to be humble, compassionate and courteous.

It really is interesting and compelling to see how this turns out.