Kris Aquino Reveals Why Ex-Husband James Yap No Longer Sees Their Son Bimby

Kris Aquino, one of the most recognizable and influential figures in Philippine entertainment and media, is no stranger to opening her life to the public. Known for her emotional transparency, the “Queen of All Media” has long shared the ups and downs of her personal journey — from her high-profile relationships and health battles to her unwavering dedication to motherhood. But in a recent emotional statement, Kris finally addressed a question that has lingered for years: Why does her ex-husband, James Yap, no longer see their son, Bimby?

Her revelation, both honest and heartbreaking, shed light on a deeply personal issue — one that resonates with many parents raising children in blended or broken families. And once again, Kris’s courage to speak her truth sparked a national conversation.

A Love That Didn’t Last

Kris Aquino and James Yap were once among the Philippines’ most talked-about couples. Kris, the media royalty and daughter of two political legends, and James, the rising PBA star, seemed like an unlikely match — but their romance captured the public’s imagination.

In 2005, the couple tied the knot in a civil ceremony. Just two years later, in 2007, they welcomed their only child together, James Carlos Aquino Yap Jr., lovingly known as Bimby. But the fairy tale didn’t last. By 2010, the couple had separated. Their marriage was annulled soon after, and what followed was a complicated co-parenting arrangement that quickly faded into complete estrangement.

For more than a decade, Kris has quietly raised Bimby on her own, often fielding questions about James’s absence. Until recently, she kept her reasons private — until now.

Kris Breaks Her Silence

In a heartfelt message shared via Instagram, Kris Aquino finally opened up about why James Yap has not been present in Bimby’s life for years. With her usual blend of honesty and grace, Kris said:

“I was quiet for so long because I wanted to preserve whatever dignity was left between us as co-parents. But now, I believe I owe the truth to my son — and to those who have always cared about him.”

According to Kris, the issue is not about bitterness or revenge. It’s about a pattern of emotional distance, neglect, and a lack of initiative from James to be a real father figure in Bimby’s life.

“He Stopped Showing Up”

Kris revealed that during the early years after their separation, she made repeated efforts to keep James involved in Bimby’s life. She allowed visits, encouraged bonding time, and even kept communication lines open. But over time, James allegedly became more and more distant — until the visits stopped altogether.

“He had access. He had opportunities,” Kris shared. “But he stopped showing up. And a child notices when a parent just disappears.”

She recounted how Bimby would often wait for messages or calls that never came. Birthdays passed without greetings, milestones were missed, and eventually, Bimby stopped asking.

“It broke my heart to watch my son try to understand why his father didn’t come around anymore. And at some point, I had to stop covering for him.”

No Legal Barriers — Just Emotional Ones

One of the more surprising parts of Kris’s statement was her clarification that there is no legal order preventing James from seeing Bimby. Contrary to public assumptions, Kris never filed for sole custody or denied visitation rights.

“I never legally blocked him. I never needed to. He just stopped trying,” she said.

Kris emphasized that while she has moved on from the relationship, she always believed that Bimby deserved to have a relationship with his father — but it had to come from both sides.

“You can’t force someone to be a parent. You can’t schedule love.”

How Bimby Feels Now

At 17 years old, Bimby has grown into a thoughtful, well-spoken, and sensitive young man. He has spent his life under the public eye, but through it all, he has maintained a level of maturity beyond his years — a testament to Kris’s devoted parenting.

When asked how Bimby feels about his father’s absence, Kris said:

“He has accepted it. It still hurts sometimes, but he knows he’s not lacking in love.”

Kris shared that Bimby has found father figures in his uncles and family friends, and that he’s surrounded by people who support him unconditionally. Despite everything, Bimby has never spoken ill of his father — a decision Kris says comes from a place of grace and inner peace.

James Yap Responds (or Doesn’t)

As of this writing, James Yap has not publicly responded to Kris’s latest statements. This silence has only fueled more criticism, with many netizens calling on the basketball star to address the issue or explain his side.

It’s worth noting that James has since moved on with his life as well — remarrying and having other children. Some speculate that his new life has created emotional distance from his past, while others argue that no matter the situation, a father should never abandon his child.

Netizens React: “Team Bimby”

Social media exploded with support for Kris and Bimby. The hashtag #TeamBimby trended on X (formerly Twitter), with fans praising Kris’s bravery and applauding Bimby’s maturity. Many single parents also shared their own stories, saying they felt seen and validated by Kris’s experience.

One post read:

“Kris Aquino raised a kind, brilliant son without James Yap. That’s real strength.”

Another said:

“You don’t need both parents to grow up loved. You just need someone who shows up every single day. Bimby had that in Kris.”

Still, a few netizens urged reconciliation and encouraged James to step forward and reconnect with his son before it’s too late.

The Strength of a Mother’s Love

Despite the pain, Kris Aquino has made it clear that she harbors no hatred for her ex-husband. In fact, she said she has already forgiven him — not for his sake, but for Bimby’s.

“I didn’t want to carry anger into my son’s future. He deserves a mother who is whole, not bitter.”

Kris ended her message with a reminder that love isn’t always perfect or complete — but that it should always be consistent. And that, she says, is what she’s given Bimby every day of his life.

Final Thoughts

Kris Aquino’s revelation about James Yap and Bimby is not just another celebrity headline. It’s a reminder of the invisible battles many single parents face: protecting their children not just from the world, but from the pain of absence, rejection, and broken promises.

And while Kris continues to face her own health challenges, one thing is clear — her greatest legacy will never be her fame, fortune, or family name. It will be the love, strength, and values she instilled in her sons, especially in the face of adversity.

In Kris’s own words:

“He may not have had the perfect family, but he had me — and I gave him everything.”