Noy, new date seen at concert

MANILA, Philippines -  Does President Aquino have a new love interest?

A reliable source said the President watched the reunion concert of the Hotdog band on Monday night at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City with a new date.

The source said the President picked up his date in one of the villages in Pasig City but did not name her to protect her privacy. “They’ve known each other from way back,” the source said.

The President and his date arrived at the hotel around 7 p.m. and had dinner at a Japanese restaurant before going to the concert, the source added.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said he was in the same concert and confirmed having seen the President with his date but failed to get her name.

Carandang said it was also the first time that he saw the President with his new date.

“I saw her. I didn’t meet her. I didn’t know who she was. We were with a large group of people. I was not with the same people. I didn’t have a chance to meet her or talk to her. I arrived separately but I suppose he introduced her to everyone else,” he told reporters.

Carandang said the President and his date shared a table with Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and family, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Cristino Naguiat Jr. and wife and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and wife and former senator Manuel Roxas II.

“I think they all had a good time,” he said.

The President used to date stockbroker Maria Elena Lopez but the two have reportedly parted ways.