JAMES Yap did it. He actually did it.
It might have been a coincidence of course, but the people who were there at his despedida blowout almost two years ago in April 2014 strongly felt that the cager had followed the advice of wizened friends and elders.
The day of the sendoff, James was getting ready to leave for a lengthy European vacation with Italian girlfriend Michela Cazzola.
First stop was her home base in Italy, where they would be staying for most of their vacation.
While in Europe, the cager planned to fly to Seville, Spain, to watch the Fiba World competitions where the Philippines was participating.
James’ PBA team, San Mig Coffee (now Star), had just won a rare Grand Slam feat that season and the team was given the bonus of a long vacation.
* * *
Also at about that time, James was having problems with ex-wife Kris Aquino, who was making it difficult for the cager to share custody of their child, Bimby. She would not even allow visits.
The people huddled around James sympathized with him and suggested maybe he should have a child of his own. Someone he could love and raise. Then maybe he could take his mind off Bimby partially and Kris would not be able to torture him.
James just smiled, as all that talk went around him. He just listened intently. Absolutely no sign that he agreed or disagreed with what was being suggested. It was almost dawn when the party broke up. Everybody in the group joked that it would be a honeymoon trip.
* * *
A few months later, James found his way to Seville to watch one of our games, then he flew back to Italy. The main topic at that despedida was eventually forgotten.
Until last week, when I learned from the group that Michela was going to have James’ baby.
James is surely happy with this development, although I still have to talk to him about this. Did he really take the advice of his friends that night in April?
I hope I bump into him soon so I can pop the question.