MANILA, Philippines -- James Yap is elated with the court decision allowing him to reunite with son, James "Bimby" Yap, Jr.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News' Ginger Conejero on Friday, the star cager said he looks forward to spending quality time with his only child with actress-host Kris Aquino, his former partner.
This after the Makati Regional Trial Court denied Aquino's appeal for a permanent protection order (PPO) against Yap on behalf of their son.
"Siyempre sobrang saya, 'no. 'Yun lang talaga 'yung pinagpe-pray ko, na ma-deny 'yung kay baby James. Hindi ko na iniisip kung anuman 'yung resulta ng case ko kay Kris," Yap said.
While the PPO for Bimby was denied, the court granted a protection order against Yap sought by Aquino for herself.
The order stems from an incident last December 3, when Yap allegedly attempted to "force himself" on Aquino in front of their son. Yap has denied making such "amorous advances" on Aquino.
The actress' appeal for a PPO for her son was due to Yap allegedly causing "distress" on Bimby from his mere presence, following the alleged incident in December last year.
Asked whether he has activities planned for his reunion with Bimby, Yap said on Friday, "Siyempre, sisikapin ko na maging masaya kami sa bonding namin."
"Ibibigay ko kung ano 'yung hilig niya ngayon, kung ano 'yung gusto niyang gawin ngayon, dahil medyo matagal-tagal kaming hindi nagkita o nag-usap, so hindi ko alam kung ano ang hilig niya ngayon," he said.
According to Yap's legal counsel, Atty. Lorna Kapunan, the court decision on the PPO for Bimby brings back in place the visitation schedules for the basketball player. He was earlier allowed by the family court to visit Bimby on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Aquino and Yap were married in civil rites in July 2005. Their marriage was declared null in February last year, following allegations of infidelity on Yap's part.
The father no longer has custody of Bimby, but was able to visit his son 109 times in a year as previously ordered by court. The child lives with Aquino along with his half-brother, Joshua.
Yap plans to make "changes" to the way he spends time with his son, saying his prior visits were mostly spent only at home.
"Kasi before nung nagbi-visit ako sa kanya, hindi kami nakakalabas, lagi na lang sa loob ng bahay nila, so hindi talaga 'yung bonding, 'yung laro," he said.
He added: "'Yun ang iniisip ko ngayon, kung paano siya maging masaya, ngayong may chance kami lumabas sa public. Of course, every time na meron kaming gagawin, kailangan happy kaming dalawa."
Asked for his message to Bimby, who he hopes to see "as soon as possible," Yap said, "Excited ang Papa mo na makita ka ulit. Talagang pinaglaban kita."
"Sobrang saya ko dahil answered prayer talaga. Pinagdadasal ko na mangyari itong ganitong sitwasyon na makasama ka ulit," he said.
He added: "Lagi mong tatandaan na love na love ka ni Papa. Sisikapin ko na maging mabuting ama sa'yo at maging masaya tayo together every time na nagba-bonding tayo, every time na magkasama tayo. Ito lang tandaan mo: love na love ka ni Papa."
