By WAYLON GALVEZ
Simple but memorable.
That’s how Rain or Shine superstar James Yap described the birthday celebration of daughter Francesca Michelle last Friday in Milano Marittima, Italy.
“Simple lang naman, kami lang family kasama siyempre parents ni Mic,” said Yap.
“Pero siyempre memorable. Maski na sa bahay lang kami nag-celebrate, hindi naman kami lumabas pa, ok lang naman. Masaya pa din, happy mga bata and enjoy sa food,” added Yap.
Francesca Michelle, daughter of the former PBA two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) and wife Michela, turned two last June 27. The couple’s son Michael James will turn four on August 8.
Yap and his family arrived in this town in the province of Ravenna, which is approximately a three-hour drive from the capital Rome, last June 1 because of “family matters”.
Yap, still one of the popular players in the pro league and integral part of the Elasto Painters, said his wife took care of the design in the house, which completed the ‘party mood’ their kids loved.
When asked, however, on what gift they gave to their daughter, Yap said that one has to wait.
“Hindi nga dumating sayang kasi in-order pa online… sa Bacolod City pa manggaling,” said Yap in jest. “Medyo malayo panggagalingan kaya hindi umabot sa mismong birthday.”
“Pero special yun… siyempre birthday. Palagi naman siya may gift sa amin ni Mic,” he added.
Yap said he constantly checks on PBA updates, particularly on the league’s intentions to return next month starting with practice sessions for the 10 teams as PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial had a dialogue with team representatives last week regarding health protocols.
After the opening last March 8, the league cancelled its games and practices due to the threat of coronavirus spread. It is now awaiting approval from the IATF, or the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease – the government’s arm dealing with the health crisis – for the PBA return.
“After nga ng meeting ni Commissioner Willie, nag-meeting kami ng mga teammates, ng mga coaches sa Rain or Shine. Lahat naman gusto na makabalik pero ang concern lang sana maayos yung protocols,” said Yap.
“Siyempre delikado pa din, maski na nag-iingat anjan pa din naman yung banta ng COVID-19. Pero kaming players, kung anong sabihin sa amin, pag sinabing balik na… sunod lang kami.”
Yap said he would fly back to the country next month as soon as there is a decision on the league’s return.
