Richard Yap now a certified Kapamilya

MANILA, Philippines - Be Careful With My Heart star Richard Yap (photo) recently signed a two-year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN. Richard is best known now to TV viewers as Sir Chief, the strict but caring boss of Yaya Maya, played by Jodi Sta. Maria.

The 45-year-old actor shared his reaction to comments describing him as the newest Kapamilya heartthrob. “I won’t call myself a heartthrob,” said Richard. “I don’t even consider myself as an extra-ordinary handsome guy. Because the standards of being handsome before was mestizo and Chinese-looking men were never in demand.”

Nevertheless, Richard remains thankful for the undying support of his fans who made their kilig-serye the No. 1 daytime TV program in the country. “I’m so grateful for all their love,” he expressed. “It really feels great every time I see them in mall shows and other special events. It’s their way of showing their appreciation and I appreciate them so much for that.”

When asked about his off-screen relationship with Jodi, Richard shared that it is easy to get along with her leading lady. “It’s just so nice working with Jodi because she’s so down-to-earth,” he narrated. “From the beginning, it was not hard for us to jibe because we have things in common. We both went to pre-med school, we both like doing videoke, and we kid around a lot in the set.”

Be Careful With My Heart airs weekdays at 10:45 a.m. with rewinds every Saturday at 10 a.m.