Richard Yap on cancelled MMFF movie, debut album

MANILA, Philippines - Richard Yap dispelled rumors claiming that their cancelled film—the big screen adaptation of the morning soap opera “Be Careful With My Heart”—backed out from the Metro Manila Film Festival because of the public’s sagging interest over the project.

Earlier this month, Star Cinema pulled the film out of the MMFF race, citing the cast and crew’s busy schedule.

“Be Careful With My Heart” is the ABS-CBN morning show that stars Richard and actress Jodi Sta. Maria. The show is a surprise hit, as it aired on a timeslot that was unusual for a soap opera.

Related article: 'Be Careful With My Heart’ movie no longer part of MMFF 2013

Because of this, naysayers claim the reason is because of the morning show’s alleged declining ratings. But Richard was quick to clarify the issue.

“I don't think the rating of the show has something to do with it. The main reason talaga is the conflict on the schedule,” Richard told members of the press during the launch of his self-titled album recently.

The Kapamilya star added they’re honored that MMFF chairman Francis Tolentino himself asked the Star Cinema to reconsider their decision to back out of the film festival. “Pero hindi talaga namin kakayanin yung schedule because right now we're already taping four times a week for the show,” Richard explained.

In fact, the 46-year-old actor said the show’s cast and crew felt relieved when the it was announced the “Be Careful With My Heart” film will not push through since they wouldn’t want to release a product that’s “half-baked.”

“For us mas gusto namin hindi na matuloy kesa magpalabas kami na parang pinilit lang namin. We want the people watching na sulit din naman yung ibabayad nila sa movie. For us okay na din, maybe we'll just do something later on,” Richard said.

As for the possibility of continuing the project or doing a movie with Jodi with an entirely new storyline, Richard said: “It depends on the management. It's not my call.”

Given the chance, he would want to work with Dawn Zulueta and Anne Curtis in the near future.

Passion

Meanwhile, aside from acting, Richard has also dabbled into singing. His self-titled debut album, which was launched last week, contains 12 tracks—including the original song “Salamat” and a Chinese version of the song “Oh Babe.”

The actor known for roles in “My Binondo Girl” and “Be Careful With My Heart” revealed singing is actually his passion.

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“My ambition before was to be a lounge singer. I wanted to sing in a lounge. Para sa akin, okay na yun,” Richard said. The Kapamilya actor sang in a glee club in high school.

Richard further revealed, “My inspiration was actually Kenny Rogers, because he started singing at the age of 50-something. I said, ‘May pag-asa pa pala ako’.”

Kenny Rogers is an American country singer and actor.

“So yes, this (the album) is a dream come true for me,” he said.