PEP: Isabel Oli clarifies reported ‘date’ with cager James Yap

A PEP alert reported spotting James Yap and Isabel Oli in a mall and that the actress regularly watches the PBA (Philippines Basketball Association) game. Friends of Isabel immediately called the GMA Artist Center artist for verification but she's too surprised to answer. "Sa 'yo lang ako unang sumagot about this," started Isabel in a phone conversation with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), who personally texted her for clarification. "My friends and my handler from [GMA] Artist Center texted me, nasa scoop box daw ito na nag-date daw kami ni James. Sobra naman yun, nakakahiya kay James. It's so embarrassing. Naaawa ako sa kanya na lahat na lang ng makausap niya, ili-link sa kanya." Isabel admits she was with her constant non-showbiz guy date that time when she saw James inside a mall. "Why kaya parang walang nakakita ng kasama ko that time? Para namang non-existent yung ka-date ko at kami lang ni James ang nakita ng nag-scoop noon. I was with somebody that time. Dahil magkakilala naman kami ni James, nagkamustahan lang kami and that was it. "Nakakaawa na si James. I think he's been through a lot lately 'tapos dagdag pa itong issue. He is a friend. We're both Bisaya and I have been dating someone for the past year na, and you know that." As for Isabel's regular presence in a PBA game, she explains securing a free pass courtesy of her brother, who works for a company that has a basketball team in the professional league. "My brother works for Welcoat, that's why we always have free tickets kapag naglalaro sila. And ako naman talagang mahilig and huge fan of basketball kaya sumasama ako." James is the star player of another PBA team, B-Meg Derby Ace. - Dinno Erece, PEP