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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Unwavering friendship: Christian Bautista embraces Mark Bautista's coming-out story

Unwavering friendship: Christian Bautista embraces Mark Bautista's coming-out story

Published Feb 19, 2026 08:30 pm
OPM icon Christian Bautista remembers when his close friend and fellow artist Mark Bautista courageously came out as bisexual eight years ago.
In a heartfelt interview on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, Christian shared how Mark’s honesty deepened their friendship and made him appreciate Mark even more.
OPM icons Christian Bautista (left) and Mark Bautista pose during a media conference for their upcoming concert Bautista X Bautista, which will be held at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on March 6.
OPM icons Christian Bautista (left) and Mark Bautista pose during a media conference for their upcoming concert Bautista X Bautista, which will be held at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City on March 6.
“I read it in the paper. I said, 'Hey, no matter what, I am here for you. Parang ganun,'” Christian recalled, expressing unwavering support when he learned about Mark’s revelation.
Mark, in turn, praised Christian’s loyalty, saying, “That's what I like about Christian, also. When things were uncomfortable, hindi siya yung dumistansya or na-feel mo na nawala or something. (He did not distance himself or make you feel lost or something.)”
When he came out, Mark said that was the time his friendship with Christian was tested. "Andyan lang siya. Hindi siya lumayo. (He was just there. He didn't go away.) Mark revealed in previous interviews that he lost several projects and friends when he came out.
Mark, 42, enthusiastically shared that he's exploring the dating scene, excited to meet new people and embrace new experiences, while currently enjoying the freedom of being unattached.
Christian added, "In any friendship, it's not just one big moment. There are many small moments. Do you show up? Will you show up? Merong mga moments na definitely mahirap mag show up for whatever reason. In the next few moments, kailangan ninyo ang isa't isa, andiyan ka. Sa wedding ko pumunta sya. Noong wedding ng kapatid niya, kumanta ako nang walang bayad noon. (There are moments when it's definitely hard to show up for whatever reason. In the next few moments, you need each other, and you're there. He went to my wedding. At his sister's wedding, I sang for free.)"
Christian, 44, also mentioned that Mark is close to his wife, and Mark shared that they all enjoy spending time together.
Mark (left) and Christian
Mark (left) and Christian
During a press conference on Feb. 19, Christian and Mark shared wishes for each other.
"Madali lang yan. Si Mark kasi ay single. So sana makahanap siya ng partner before or after March 6. (That's easy. Mark is single. So hopefully he'll find a partner before or after March 6)," said Christian on his wish for Mark.
Mark's wish for Christian, "Kung ano pa man yung gusto niyang gawin. Marami pa 'yan gustong gawin. Sana lahat ng gagawin niya ay magiging successful pa or madagdagan pa. (Whatever he wants to do. He still wants to do a lot. I hope everything he does will be successful or even more.)"
All-out Sundays mainstays and Kapuso powerhouse vocalists Christian and Mark are gearing up for an exciting musical reunion as they headline Bautista x Bautista,” a concert that celebrates their shared passion for music and years of performing excellence.
Set to take place on March 6, 2026, at 8 p.m, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, the show promises an evening of memorable performances from the two acclaimed singers. Fans can expect a heartfelt night of music as the “Bautista brothers” come together for this much-awaited event.
The concert is directed by Paolo Valenciano and presented in media partnership with GMA Network. Produced by NA Management. For tickets, you may call 0995 7365768 or visit ticketnet.com.ph.
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