Kris: ‘Life revolves around my sons’

CEBU, Philippines -  Critics can malign Kris Aquino all they want, but not even her most fervent of haters can accuse the actress-TV host of being a bad mother to her two sons, Joshua and Bimby. 

“When it comes to being a mom, I had the best example in the world. I grew up with such a good mom, so I’m trying to follow in her footsteps and be everything that she was,” referring to her late mother and former Philippine president Corazon Aquino. “With her, I felt that I was always a priority, and I feel that my two sons can say the same thing. My life really revolves around them. I’m lucky to have reached a point in my career where I can adjust my schedule to be with them.”

Not known to hold mall shows to promote her own movies, the ABS-CBN star gave exception to the movie debut of her youngest offspring with basketball hotshot James Yap — she reportedly blocked off her schedule to accompany the kid in promotional duties for “My Little Bossings,” such as the one held last Sunday at SM City Cebu. The presidential sister is obviously pulling out all the stops to ensure Bimby’s first film takes the top spot in the December box-office race.

An entry to the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), “My Little Bossings” stars box-office comedian Vic Sotto, child wonder Ryzza Mae Dizon, Aiza Seguerra, and a special participation by Kris, who is also one of the film’s co-producers. 

Does this signify Bimby’s full-blast showbiz entry? “No. It’s up to him, but for now, sayang eh, kasi mataas ang grades niya. He’s on the swim team, he’s part of the taekwondo club. He’s also one of the main performers in their school’s Christmas pageant. So as far as work is concerned, if ever he will do something, it will be during vacation. If a sitcom will push through, it should only be during weekends,” explained Kris, who can rival Sarah Geronimo’s Mommy Divine for the ‘Stage Mother’ crown.

Kris said it was hard to balance her producer’s hat and being mom to one of the main stars, and that ultimately, her instinct as mother won out.  “I didn’t restrain myself from being over-protective. You can’t help it. As a producer, you think of the amount spent per shooting day and then there’s being a mother na cut-off na, patulugin na natin. I would say na mas nangibabaw talaga yung pagiging nanay ko.”

The process of being involved in a film’s conception all the way to its post-production was described by Kris as a “learning experience.”

“Vic, Boss Orly [Ilacad], Mr. T [Tony Tuviera] — they’ve been so generous. I think their relationship lasted this long because they respect and trust each other and that’s something I learned from working with them,” she said.

‘Set for life’

Whether six-year-old Bimby decides to follow her mom’s footsteps in the limelight or venture on another career path his heart desires, he’s already assured of a secure future, thanks to Kris’ wise investments.

She revealed, “He’s lucky because his Ninong Boy [Abunda] and Ninong Deo [Endrinal] who are my managers, hindi kumakaltas in what he earns from the time he was four years old when he had his first endorsement. He has properties that I invested in, he has a full education plan all the way to a Masters education, if he wants to. He has a trust fund he can get when he turns 25 years old. So he’s set for life.”

While there is that danger of trust fund kids resting easy, knowing they won’t have to work for a dime, Kris believes she doesn’t have to fear Bimby growing up into a spoiled, lazy brat.

“I think his work ethics won’t be a problem because he sees how hard I work. Hindi naman sa pagyayabang, we’re already comfortable, pero nagsisipag ako because I love my work. I think he sees that from his mom, to my sisters and my brother, that it’s innate in us to work hard. And more than that, to respect the people you work with,” she said.

“It would have been a bigger crime for him to see his commercials and as an adult he’ll ask me, ‘Mom, where’s my money?’ Kitang-kita niya that it’s all there. We’ve heard so many stories of child stars that had issues with their parents most especially about finances. That’s the last thing I would ever want to be accused of. Sa nakikita ko sa kanya na he doesn’t want to be absent from school, I don’t see any problems na magiging tamad ito later on kasi masipag siyang bata.”

Christmas wish?

Is there anything that the Queen of All Media, perceived to have all the comforts and perks of  life, desires this Christmas season, apart from the success of My Little Bossings? 

“Honestly, I can’t ask for more. I have my sons, I have my siblings, we moved into a new home, there’s peace in my heart and in my home life, so I’m okay with that. Ayokong magpaka-greedy. Kung anong meron ngayon, I’m so grateful. Kung may ibibigay pa si God na karagdagang kaligayahan, hindi ako tatanggi. I’ll just be thankful.”

Kris is set to host the MMFF awards night on Dec.