MANILA, Philippines – Korean TV and radio personality Grace Lee is now an endorser of local clothing brand Bench.
"Of course, it's an honor for me," she told reporters at the sidelines of a mall fashion show of Bench to launch the fragrance of actor Dingdong Dantes.
Lee was the host of the mall event held over the weekend.
"For them to get me as an endorser is a privilege," she added.
Lee revealed that Bench had been planning to get her even before it was reported that she was seeing President Benigno Aquino III.
Lee said she was also the host and interpreter during an event with Korean pop star Kim Hyun Joong, who became the brand ambassador of The Face Shop, which is represented locally by Suyen Corp., the same company behind Bench.
"Tingin ko natuwa sila sa akin kaya natuloy itong endorsement," Lee said.
Privacy please
While her manager, Arnold Vegafria, has advised her not to talk about the President, Lee nonetheless appealed to the public enamored by the news of a presidential romance to give them privacy.
"Hopefully people will accept what we have now and just let us grow this relationship," she said. "When we're ready, people will find out eventually."
The President on Monday was asked if he expects to have a "colorful" Valentine's Day.
Aquino, however, told reporters he would rather not make plans lest these get frustrated. He also said he doesn't want media to get distracted from other more important issues.
"Pwede bang abangan na lang natin kung may mangyayari doon o wala? Kaysa magplano na baka wala, 'di ba? Abangan na lang natin, okay? O, e 'di Happy Valentines na sa inyong lahat," Aquino said.
Showbiz community happy
Meanwhile, members of the showbiz community welcomed the news about Aquino and Lee.
Both Regal Films matriarch Lily Monteverde and Metro Manila Film Festival head Marichu Maceda said questions on age and race don’t matter as long as the couple are happy with each other.
“It doesn't matter if she's Korean. At this point, anyone who can inspire to make PNoy happy is welcome, in alleviating the pressure of his work. Let's give him that," Maceda said.
Batangas Governor Vilma Santos is elated that Aquino can look forward to a happy birthday, as well as Valentine’s Day.
Aquino turns 52 on February 8.
“I will be praying for you,” Santos said. “Alam n'yo kasi ang importante sa isang pinuno ay maging inspired. Sa iyong buhay pag-ibig, keep it hot and fiery!”
Santos said she is scheduled to meet with the President on Thursday.
“Sabi nga sa akin ni Kristeta (Kris Aquino, the President’s youngest sister), timing ang meeting n'yo ni Noy. Inspired siya talaga ngayon,” Santos said.
According to Santos, she has already seen Lee.
“Okay naman ang feedback na naririnig ko about Grace so far,” she said. “Hayaan nating maging maligaya ang ating presidente para ganahan siyang magtrabaho"