Younger girlfriend, Mane & Tail for aging Noy

MANILA, Philippines - At age 54, the country’s bachelor President is thinking of procreation and has learned not to mind jokes about his receding hairline.

In a television interview the other night mainly about non-state matters with comedian Vice Ganda, President Aquino said he had accepted the fact that he was losing his hair – “Tanggap ko na” – although he still tries to nourish what’s left using Mane ‘n Tail, a shampoo originally developed for horses.

Aquino also revealed that he prefers someone younger for a girlfriend so that the prospects of having a child would be greater.

His girlfriend will not be able to kiss him on the left side of his neck, however, because a bullet remains stuck in it, Aquino told Vice Ganda on “Gandang Gabi Vice.”

The President recalled his ambush during the 1987 coup attempt against his mother Corazon, who was then the chief executive.

He recalled that retreating soldiers chanced upon his convoy as they were entering the premises of Malacañang and ambushed them in front of St. Jude Church.

He said the bullet could no longer be removed because it would affect a carotid and nerve bond, which control facial expression.

“So hindi pala kayo pwedeng i-kiss sa leeg ‘pag nagka-girlfriend ho kayo (So you cannot be kissed on the neck if you have a girlfriend)?” Vice Ganda asked, to which Aquino replied laughing: “Ganoon na nga ‘yon (That’s how it is).”

The President also revealed that the last time he had a girlfriend was “several months ago.”

Aquino revealed that he had two recent relationships – one being with television host Grace Lee, and another whom he refused to name.

Meanwhile, he described celebrity stylist Liz Uy as “successful,” when a photo of the stylist was shown in one of the program’s segments, although Aquino pointed out that he was not as successful in courting her to be his girlfriend.

Aquino said he remains single at present and wants to keep the prospect of a new girlfriend to himself.

He also shared that he had never experienced the traditional harana or serenading a girl he was courting.

‘Fast talk’

In the interview, Aquino spoke fondly of his Cabinet members and even suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima.

In one segment of the program called “Fast Talk,” the guest is shown photographs of various people and, in turn, he would have to say the first thing that comes to mind when he sees the photos.

For Aquino, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief Manuel Roxas II is industrious and thorough; Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Henares, feared by many; Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, dependable; Vice President Jejomar Binay, a long-time friend; and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, serious about her work but could take some things lightly as well.

He said Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, widow of the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, is continuing the work of her husband, while he described Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago as “combative.”

Purisima, he said, he had known to be a good police officer.

The Office of the Ombudsman ordered a six-month preventive suspension on Purisima over an allegedly questionable contract the PNP entered into with a courier service in 2011. He is also facing other controversies.

Like most uniformed men, Aquino said Purisima would not usually smile and he had been serious about his job.

The President said he could not associate Purisima with the negative image of the police force despite the controversies hurled against him, as he had known his character from way back. Aquino said he had been friends with Purisima since 1987.

Asked what the President thinks about gays in the police force, “like Vice Ganda,” who played such character in the movie Praybeyt Benjamin, Aquino said he would judge people based on their work output.

Meanwhile, he said Kris, his celebrity-sister, is making life “very interesting” for him.

He also said Kris is hard-working and her son Joshua was the sweetest among his nephews.

GMA as former professor

Aquino recalled his days as a student of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Ateneo de Manila University.

He said he was exempted from Wednesday classes so he could join his family in visiting their detained father, former Senator Benigno“Ninoy” Jr.

Arroyo was a very knowledgeable teacher, he said, but she would give long reading lists and examinations. His grade from Arroyo was B+ in college.

The President also shared that he would pray during University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) games so that Ateneo might win.

After his presidency

Aquino shared he would normally skip a meal and read newspapers for breakfast to start his day.

As well, he said he liked being able to look at himself in the mirror before sleeping and say that he had done everything he could for the nation.

The President said he had learned to ignore critics who could not see anything good in whatever he does and would instead draw inspiration from children – like one little girl who gave him a hug as a Christmas gift during a party held in Malacañang, and two others who greeted him “Peace be with you” in a mass which celebrated the consecration of the EDSA Shrine.

Aquino, whose term as President ends in 2016, had earlier announced his plans of retiring from politics.

Upon retirement, Aquino said he would like to see some of the famous spots the Department of Tourism (DOT) has been promoting, reconnect with his neighbors on Times Street in Quezon City, and check out some restaurants nearby.