BUSAN – President Aquino may be single but he will not be alone this Christmas.
In an interview with reporters on Friday, Aquino said he would spend the holidays with his sister Kris and his nephews Joshua and Bimby.
“If you want, you can visit me on Dec. 25. I have companions. I think Bimby has a movie. Kris will force me to watch the movie. Joshua will tag me along. I have companions on Dec. 25 so just visit me on the 26th,” he said when asked for an update on his love life.
Aquino, the country’s first bachelor president, said he would also attend two weddings in the next few weeks as a “dakilang abay (member of the entourage).”
“On the 30th, I will be with Marian Rivera and Dingdong (Dantes) for their wedding. In February, I will have a romantic moment. Chiz (Sen. Francis Escudero) will be married to Heart (Evangelista),” he said.
When asked if he thinks predictions that he would get married before the end of 2016 will not occur, Aquino said: “That is a target in my life that I no longer set.”
“Hinihintay ko na lang yung ano, yung ukol at bukol. Kapag ginusto ng Diyos, ilalatag na lang yan (If God wills it, He will make it happen),” he added.
Aquino said he had wanted to settle down before he reaches 24. When it did not happen, he said he moved the goal to 30.
“My last target is 30. It has been a while since I’m 30. I don’t want to set targets anymore,” the 54-year old President said.
Despite several relationships that did not work out, Aquino does not consider his love life a failure.
“Tulad ng iba dito, ako naman ay nagmahal at minahal rin (Like others here, I have loved and was loved),” he said.
Keep doing his best
In his arrival speech, the President vowed to just keep doing his best in the remaining years of his term.
“In our remaining days in office, with the guidance of the Lord and the continuous support of the public, we will do everything we can to bring about worthwhile service for our beloved bosses,” Aquino said in Filipino upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 Friday night.
Aquino is now the most trusted government official as Vice President Jejomar Binay’s approval and trust ratings plunged, but he stressed in a press briefing that the latest figures would not encourage him to extend his term.
“This is true: every visit to another country makes it clearer. The whole world’s confidence in the Philippines is now very high,” Aquino said, adding the country could be at par with its neighbors and help in achieving growth for the region.
He urged the people to continue to strengthen their cooperation to improve the state of the country and fellowmen. – With Alexis Romero Aurea Calica