No day off for Aquino on birthday

MANILA, Philippines–No day off on his birthday but maybe a special date on Valentine’s Day next week?

President Aquino couldn’t help but grin when asked what his birthday wish was now that he was turning 52 on Wednesday.

“If you are the chief servant, your wishes are not that important, especially on a personal basis. So as not to have any frustrations, I will not make any wish anymore,” the bachelor President told reporters on Monday.

The Chief Executive said he would be thankful if his birthday will be quiet and marked with less concerns, as he rattled off many present concerns affecting the country that included the political tensions in Syria and Yemen.

“But if not, I’m still ready (to face them),” he said.

Anyway, Wednesday will still be “the same day” for him as it will be a working day, according to Mr. Aquino, who will celebrate his second birthday as President.

Mr. Aquino said he intended to “work fully” on Wednesday and spend the evening “on other matters that need my attention.”

“If there will be some people who would pray for me, thank you. If there will be some people who would criticize me, that’s how it is. I have no day off on my birthday, thank you,” he said.

Asked whether he expected to have a colorful Valentine’s Day next week, this time the President couldn’t help but laugh as he tried to answer the question.

The question was not lost on Mr. Aquino as it referred to his admission last week that he was dating Grace Lee, a Korean radio and TV host based in the country.

He opened by saying he always tries to prepare for questions the Malacañang press corps might throw him. But for queries that involve matters of the heart, such “study” would go to waste, he jested.

“So can we just watch and wait whether something will happen or not? Instead of planning for nothing, don’t you think so? Let’s just wait okay? And Happy Valentine’s to all,” the President said.