Did Mayor Herbert really want that one-on-one interview with Kris?

Mayor Herbert Bautista grilled by ex-flame Kris Aquino (Screengrab from ABS-CBN News footage)

MANILA — In a get-together lunch organized by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista for all the entertainment writers who celebrated their birthdays between January to September, he openly talked about his romance with Queen of All Media Kris Aquino.

It was evident that he was more relaxed and open these days, compared to a few months ago when his reported flame with Kris was catching fire everywhere.

“Hindi naman ako gano’ng ka-open na open. May mga limitations din,” said Mayor Herbert to the media.

The reporters wasted no time and asked about his recent guesting on ABS-CBN’s late night showbiz commentary ‘Abunda & Aquino Tonight’ (A&A) where he had a one-on-one interview with Kris Aquino herself.

According to Herbert, he went on A & A after guesting on Anthony Taberna’s (Ka Tunying) show to talk about another issue involving his un-mayor-like conduct where he slapped a Chinese national on national TV for getting caught redhanded with a trunk full of illegal drugs.

“Ayoko nga [sana]. Dahil siyempre baka humaba na naman yung kuwentuhan… Pero I acceded. Because I know na yung market na nanonood ng A & A is different from Tunying… Magkakaibang market ‘yon. So I have to explain kung bakit ko ginawa ‘yon [pananampal] do’n sa drug pusher,” Herbert explained.

(I actually didn’t want to do it, because I was worried the conversation would take too long… But I acceded. Because I know the market watching A & A is different from [Tunying’s show]. Those are different markets. So I have to explain why I slapped the drug pusher.)

“Wala namang problema sa aming dalawa [ni Kris]. Even if you watch the entire segment, it was purely professional,” Herbert said. “Okay naman siya.”

(There are no problems between us two. Even if you watch the entire segment, it was purely professional. She’s okay.)

With report from Ruben Marasigan