James has 3 reasons to party

Last Feb. 15, a day after his ex-wife Kris Aquino turned 41, James Yap hosted a “tayo-tayo” party at the Conway’s Bar of Shangri-La Makati. He had three good reasons to: It was his birthday, it was (still) Valentine season and, most important of all, it marked his “independence day.”

Three weeks earlier, the court handed its verdict on the annulment case between him and Kris, with their properties (plural na plural!!!) divided in an amicable out-of-court settlement. Must be fair because both exes are wearing that “million-peso” smile these days and exuding that “free again (at last!)” aura.

The Birthday Boy toasting his well-wishers before trying very hard to sing.

During their separation, Kris and James were careful not to be seriously involved with other parties (“third” or otherwise) because it might jeopardize the annulment case, never mind if Kris has been linked to a few good men (one of them a widower) and so was James.

Present at James’ party were his B-MEG Llamados teammates and friends from showbiz, including his fellow Visayan soulmate Isabel Oli who has been a constant presence in the life of James (he insists that they are just friends, being both Visayan).

True to the Birthday Boy’s nature, the party was tame. It was a quiet dinner with a band playing James’ favorite songs. In the mood to celebrate, James even tried very hard to sing (helped along by the band soloist). Had Anne Curtis (the “new concert princess”) been there, she would have given James a standing ovation. No kidding!

James Yap’s ex-wife Kris Aquino with sons Joshua and Baby James

And where was Kris all the while? Didn’t James invite her? Haven’t they become good friends, now comfortable with each other, after the annulment?

She was abroad, celebrating Valentine and her birthday with sons Joshua and Baby James and other companions.

“We were in Tokyo Disney Sea until 2 p.m., then went back to Fantasyland in Disneyland,” Kris texted Funfare. “It was freezing cold with icy rain. We came back 11:15 p.m. of Feb. 15. Yes, James invited us but the boys and I were exhausted.”

Isabel Oli sharing a secret with her fellow Visayan soulmate.

Last night, James treated the two boys to dinner, minus Kris.

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James with Cesar Montano and wife Sunshine Cruz...