YOKOHAMA, Japan?What could be his "pasalubong" (homecoming present) for the new apple of his eye upon his return to Manila on Monday?

On the eve of his departure for Manila Sunday night and hours after he asked people to let him enjoy his love life in private, President Aquino still answered media's query regarding Liz Uy, whom he has admitted he is already dating.

The President, who arrived in Manila after lunch Monday, was asked what he intended to give Uy as present from his five-day trip here.

The 50-year-old bachelor President readily admitted that he wasn't able to buy anything for the 28-year-old Uy, who serves as his and other celebrities' stylist, due to his hectic schedule during the 18th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which ended Sunday.

"When did you ever see me shopping on any trip? I can't really do any shopping in this kind of trips,'' he said in an interview.

But Mr. Aquino said he may try to look around for a present for Uy, probably at the duty free shop at the Narita airport before boarding the plane.

The President caused a media frenzy when he admitted here last week that he was dating Uy.

Even the newspaper "The Japan Times,'' picked up the story, prompting Mr. Aquino to appeal at a gathering of the Filipino community here for people to just allow him to enjoy his love life without much scrutiny.

Uy is the President's stylist since he ran for president last year. She was hired by actress Kris Aquino, her friend and Mr. Aquino's sister.

Mr. Aquino had recently split up with Valenzuela City councilor Shalani Soledad, who has since started a show-biz career as co-host of controversial television personality Willie Revillame in the prime-time variety show, ?Willing-Willy? on TV-5.