Chinito charmer: The dapper TV star on his children, critics and his Cebu roots

CEBU, Philippines - His surprise daytime hit of a TV show has been on air for a spectacular one year and six months. And while the numerous extensions of “Be Careful With My Heart” is seen as an unnecessary stretch for some, the female swoons and curiousity surrounding Cebu-born actor Richard Yap have yet to taper off.

The businessman-turned-showbiz heartthrob was first introduced to viewers as Papa Chen in the TV series “My Binondo Girl” as the love interest of the characters played by Cherry Pie Picache and Ai-Ai delas Alas. After a stint in another ABS-CBN primetime favorite “Walang Hanggan,” Richard defied norms when he suddenly rose to full-fledged leading man status at the age of 45 — all thanks to his tandem with Jodi Sta. Maria in the daytime light family fare.

During a recent Cebu visit, Richard displayed his down-to-earth demeanor and gave fans more reason to love him with his straightforward thoughts on his critics, parenting style, and the female attention that comes with fame.

What has been the most awkward and the most challenging scenes you’ve had with Jodi?

I think it was the first time we held hands in the condo. Our characters were still uncomfortable with each other then. The most challenging would have to be the wedding, because it was taken without cuts and like a real-life wedding. Everybody had to do it right on the first take.

How have your kids reacted to your TV love team?

I have two kids, a 17-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. They actually don’t have time to watch the show because they’re in school. They don’t have reactions…for them, okay lang. They know it’s just a show and it’s just work. It doesn’t affect them at all.

Is the movie version of ‘Be Careful’ pushing through?

We’re taping four times a week, so it’s hard for us to do something else. We need to rest. I’m supposed to have another soap and movie for this year, but since ‘Be Careful’ is extended, I can’t do another project in the meantime.

What do you do on the side?

I have a restaurant business, it’s called Wangfu Bistro [in Quezon City]. So far, it’s hard to branch out in Cebu because it’s far for us and we want to maintain the quality of the food.

What adjustments did you go through as a showbiz newbie?

I think everywhere you go, you have to adjust. Even if you’re in the corporate world or any other industry, you would still have to adjust to the people that you work with. I think it’s just the same way in showbiz. Of course, in this business, you’re more prone to intrigues and criticisms from people you don’t really know. You just have to learn how to deal with them.

Did it take you a lot of convincing to come out with an all-revivals album?

I was a little bit hesitant because I thought, I’m not yet ready to do an album. But Star Records said that at this stage, kaya na daw. I was in the Glee Club in high school, and our teacher is the cousin of folk singer Florante, ka-panahon ni Freddie Aguilar. So I had that training. In fact, we won in the regional choral group competition in Cebu. My friends and I also used to have a band and we would play during alumni homecomings.

How do you spend quality time with family?

I rarely see them when I have taping, since I normally arrive home early in the morning. When I wake up, they’re no longer at home. As much as possible, when I’m free during weekends, we’re together. We also travel, usually out of the country, if we have enough time. Last December, we went to Dubai and Thailand.

Since when have you been based in Manila?

My dad is from San Carlos, Negros, while my mom is from Cebu. I’ve been based in Manila since 1995. I was born and raised in Cebu. I studied at Sacred Heart School for Boys, which is now Ateneo de Cebu. We lived in Espina Village, but we’ve already sold our house there. I took up three years of Pre-Med at Velez College, before I transferred to De La Salle University where I took up Management. I came back to Cebu and stayed from 1992-1995, and then I returned to Manila.

Are you a strict dad?

I’m very hands-on with my kids. I tell my 17-year-old daughter, who is graduating from high school, that she has to finish school before having a boyfriend. She can go out with her barkada and suitors can visit at home, but we tell her as much as possible to avoid getting into relationships first. There’s a little bit of interest with my daughter to be an actress. She’s really into the arts; she likes to dance and sing, and is very artistic. But for me, it’s better if she graduates from college first.

How do you handle temptation from female admirers?

So far, no one has attempted to tempt me (laughs).

What is the real score with the recent blind item that seemed to be pertaining to you?

I don’t want to mention the guy’s name lest he become famous. But he wrote a blind item, stating that I only pose for a picture with fans in exchange for gifts. I don’t need the gifts of people, and I don’t ask from them. When fans visit on set, they ask beforehand what they can bring, and I tell them they don’t need to bring anything. He was already attacking my family, claiming that my wife and kids have made a business out of getting a photo with me. I said that I don’t need to do that. I already had Rolex in kindergarten, which is true because it’s still with me. There will always be people who will try to put you down no matter what good you do. Especially in this age of technology, everybody has something to say. I try my best to just shrug these off.

Do you see yourself acting long-term?

Showbiz is very fickle, so as long as we’re in demand, then I’m staying. I have plans of investing in other businesses because that really is my first source of livelihood, and it’s what I’m used to.