So who’s the pretty girl with James?

MANILA, Philippines - Now it can be told: Yes, the pretty girl in the picture with James Yap is his Italian girlfriend (whose name The STAR is withholding until the sweethearts give their go-signal).

The picture that went viral last week and splashed on the front page of some papers (this one included) was uploaded on Instagram by a friend of James who, until then, was secretive about his love life. James himself was surprised when he learned that the picture surfaced on the Internet

“All I can say is that James is very, very happy,” somebody close to James told The STAR. “He couldn’t have found a better girlfriend.”

The girl, who is pure Italian, is with ADB (Asian Development Bank). She and James met through James’ friend who is also with ADB.

“She’s simple lang,” added The STAR source. “She owns a car which she herself drives. But when she and James are on a date, she leaves her car home and rides in James’ car. Marunong siya makibagay sa barkada ni James. Madaling pakisamahan.”

It’s the couple’s second (or third?) vacation together in Italy. They will be back today.

Are wedding bells ringing for the couple soon?

“Hmmmm,” the source hesitated, “ewan ko lang. Basta, hmmmm…”