By Marinel Cruz
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–Kris Aquino says all’s well now between her and cager husband James Yap.

“We attended marriage counseling sessions,” Kris told entertainment writers on Monday during a gathering for White Flower, a brand of liniment she endorses. “There are things you just understand better about each other when a third party explains them to you.”

Kris added that she and James also consulted a priest, believing that a relationship is stronger “if it has a spiritual center.”

The couple, who were married in civil rites two years ago, hogged the headlines in February this year when James was reported to have had an affair. They broke up, but reconciled. In April, Kris gave birth to James Jr.

“Baby James has the body type of an athlete, long and lean,” the proud mom said. He has grown 10 inches, [and] is so active, he crawls and tumbles. He’s showing interest in dancing. He stares at the TV when he sees the Streetboys, Sexbomb or ASF dancers performing.”

Kris’s son Joshua, with actor Phillip Salvador, is now 12 years old.

She is seen weekdays on the game show “Deal or No Deal” and the late-morning talk program, “Boy & Kris,” with Boy Abunda on ABS-CBN.

She said her show with Boy would have a new format starting next week. But she hastily dispelled rumors that the reformat had been brought about by poor ratings.

Fast friends

“Boy and I have long thought of it,” she said.

Kris said rumors blaming her for the ratings have not affected her friendship with Boy. “I guess some people just can’t believe that Boy and I can have such a smooth relationship.”

In fact, Kris said, Boy recently closed four endorsement deals for her.

“My family and I are moving into a new house soon. Boy told me that, until I have moved in, wala siyang kukunin from any of those deals,” said Kris. “He’s super sweet. Forty percent of my house came from Boy’s perseverance. He said, “Just tell my godchild (James Jr.) that these walls were given to him by Ninong Boy.”