The Mark of Kris

Everybody knows, in and out showbiz, that Kris Aquino is my best friend. We’ve been through a lot – from small to big controversies, to happy and sad moments of our lives – we already know each other. Love, that is, is one of the most-talked about topic of Ganda’s (as I fondly call her) life. Remember, there was a point in her life when she became the "talk of the nation" with regards to her controversial break-up and revelation with ex-lover Joey Marquez. Ganda was surely a tough girl when she faced the issue. What matters to her that time is the courage to speak in front of the national television while telling the millions of people how she broke down and fight over. But that was sometime ago. Knowing Ganda as a brave girl, she was able to move on and go through with her life. Baby step by baby step she was able to faced the days that went by and for sure, she’ll face the days that will come together with her son, Josh.

Back to her love life, nowadays, I’ve been asked by many how is she doing with Pampanga gubernatorial candidate (I hope he wins the seat) Mark Lapid – who doesn’t keep or deny his affection to Ganda.

The very first time I heard that Mark has a crush on my best friend. I said to myself: "Ay, kaloka ang bata!" Why did I say "bata?" For one, Mark is eight years younger than Ganda who’s 33.

I thought, Ganda might not like him, because like me, she prefers older men. But to my surprise, Ganda agreed to meet Mark on a group date. The very first time they went out was last March. The two met at Cafe Breton in Tomas Morato. Because of her favor to accompany her, I gladly joined them that night.

I’ve seen Mark on TV via Boy Abunda’s Kontrobersiyal aired over ABS-CBN. That was the first time I saw him and honestly, I didn’t really find him guwapo. But to my delight, when I saw him in Cafe Breton, Mark is attractive and charming in person. I can describe him as tall, dark, handsome and a man with few words with a good character. A very nice and kind guy, Mark has been thanking me over and over again for being with Ganda that night. He also keeps on apologizing for being late in our meeting but we understand why he came late. The traffic was bad in the North Diversion Road and he came directly from his campaign all the way from Pampanga. That’s a plus for Mark, if I like people who apologize yet stay composed.

As days passed, I began to know him more. Mark likes to wear white polo and blue denims. Ganda didn’t like the way he dresses up. Knowing my best friend, who’s very conscious in everything she wears and does, she asked me if I can advise Mark on the more apt way of dressing up. I politely told Mark about it and he smiled at my comment and nodded.

Last May 1, Ganda asked me to go with her to Pampanga for Mark’s campaign in Dau and Mabalacat. Since Mark and I are already good friends, I agreed.

On our way to Pampanga, I was a bit wondering why the song How Did You Know (originally sang by Chiqui Pineda) was playing over and over again. I stayed silent and just observed why my best friend kept on hearing that song. I learned that she even bought two copies of the song revived by Aiza Seguerra.

When we met up with Mark, I was surprised to see that he was no longer wearing the get-up he used to wear. During the campaign, I noticed that everyone seemed to like Ganda for Mark. Some were teasing them and were even shouting "Bagay Kayo, kiss naman dyan!"

On our way back home, Mark insisted on escorting Ganda. She declined his offer because she knows Mark looked tired and has early commitments the next day. But he is a very persistent guy. He insisted on bringing Ganda home no matter what. His intention on Ganda is for real, after she said on The Buzz, that she’s still in love with Joey, his feelings towards my friend, has not changed.

From Pampanga, we stopped over in Petron Bulacan where I transferred to my car. Before I left Mark’s car, I noticed that he was holding Ganda’s hand.

For those who are asking if Mark has a chance in winning Ganda’s heart, or if the two are officially on – that you have to find out in the coming days.

Take a look at these lines from How Did You Know.

‘How did you know, I needed someone like you in my life. You fill the empty space in my heart. You came at the right time in my life. I’ll never forget how you brought the sun to shine in my life and took all the worries and fears that I have. I guess what I’m really trying to say, it’s not everyday that someone like you comes my way, no words can express how much I love you...

If you’re going to ask me, yes, I like Mark for Kris – inside and outside – and he’s willing to change for her.