Richard Yap: ‘The ultimate thing a fan has done for me? Having my name tattooed on her wrist.’

MANILA, Philippines - Richard Yap is clearly a superstar like no other. He is 46 years old, hardly the age for an actor to start a career. Please Be Careful With My Heart is just his second  exposure in showbiz, yet his is one of the most recognizable and idolized showbiz faces in the Philippines and abroad. Pinoys swoon over him in the United States, Canada and the Middle East.He is also popular in Vietnam and Malaysia where PBCWMH is telecast in English.

“The best thing about Richard is that success hasn’t gone to his head,” says  teleserye director Jeffrey Jeturian. “And he doesn't have to make an effort in acting, he is a quick learner, he is a natural.”

Another phenomenon is that PBCWMH does not have the typical formula for a morning soap  bestseller, “adds Jeturian. “Walang kontrabida, walang patayan. It has no larger-than-life conflicts. It is the longest-running, highest-rating  morning soap of ABS-CBN now. It is the TFC best-seller  perhaps because it appeals to the Filipinos abroad who value love for family and miss time-honored values and traditions. Perhaps the show provides therapy for homesickness.”

There are fans who say that Richard Yap and Jodi Santamaria are the John and Marsha of the new generation.“Yes, Jodi is the new Nida Blanca because she can do both comedy and drama," agrees Jeturian. “And funny that there are such fanatics  who want Richard and Jodi to end up as real-life partners, Pinapakulam pa nila ang partners nila para lang magkatuluyan ang dalawa. And there are fans who give us comments and suggestions everyday. Of course, we always listen to feedback.”

Jeturian says this is probably the only teleserye where  the biggest day-ender thrill for fans is when Ser Chief and Maya hold hands, or when they say “I love you” to each other.

Is it a sign that televiewers are looking for something more sublime than all the violence and gore that  fill their screens?

The fact that a refined, clean-cut and respectable-looking gentleman like Richard Yap should be the new superstar tells clearly: Just like in real life,people  are tired of the bad and the beastly. We want someone gentle and pure.

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Many thanks to Benedict Sison, Candy Jeturian- Sison,Olive Zarate and Bench Skin Expert.

PHILIPPINE STAR: You have a big following from all sectors of Philippine society, including high society. Have you had interesting encounters with some? Tell us about it.

RICHARD YAP: Yes, I’ve had encounters with some people. It’s quite interesting actually because you would think that people from this sector would have no interest in the show or the actors from the show. I was once in a mall, and when a lady in a wheelchair asked for a picture with me. I soon found out that she was from a family of jewelers that are famous throughout the Philippines.

Have you received indecent proposals, whether serious or funny, from women or men?

Now that’s funny. I was once in Greenhills walking around when this gay guy called out to me and said, “Papa Chen, anakan mo naman ako.” So far, aside from that, most people have been very decent.

How does your wife feel about your being the “crush ng bayan” now? Is she the jealous type? Do you bring her to tapings and concerts?

My wife has always been very supportive, from the very start. If it wasn’t for her I would never have gone into this business and if not I would have quit already. She knows how the business works and she’s very open-minded about it. When we started out she used to go with me to tapings but that was because she was taking care of my clothes and my schedules, but now that we have other people to do that, she doesn’t need to go with me anymore unless it’s a special occasion or an out of town show. 


In real life, what ways are you similar to and different from Ser Chief?

I think the similarity is that I value my family as much as Sir Chief does. Family always comes first. 


What is your personal favorite line and scene in the movie?

I think it would have to be the wedding because it is the most emotional part of the love story between Maya and Richard. My favorite line would be the marriage vows because it tells you how much Richard values their relationship.

What have been the most memorably outrageous things done by your fanatic fans?

Well, I guess the ultimate thing that a fan has done for me is to have my name tattooed on her wrist. Now, that’s what you call a long-term commitment. I appreciate that because that is not something just anyone would do for you.

Are you still able to go to malls to enjoy shopping with your family without being mobbed? Or eat in restos without people asking you for photo ops? How do you feel about such loss of privacy?

It’s a bit difficult for me now to go to just any mall. There are a few malls where the people still respect your privacy but there will always be a few people who will approach you for pictures. I think it comes with the job and we try to accommodate everyone, but there are certain times that we wish for some consideration specially when we’re eating. 


What has been the most touching experience you’ve had with fans?

Well, I guess it would have to be the fans who are sick, sometimes their last wish before they pass away is to see me. It’s actually so hard to see them, especially if they’re already weak and in pain, but we do what we can to try to make their wish come true and hopefully lift up their spirits amidst all the pain that they’re going through. We sometimes wish we could do more than just lift up their spirits.

How many endorsements do you have now? What have you not endorsed)?

Maybe all in all, around 21 including the ones that I’ve done in the past, I haven’t endorsed an airline, motorcycle or watch company yet. (Laughs) 


Would you consider running for a political seat, if asked? You command not just adulation, but respect.

You know, I’ve been asked that question before. I think I’m too straight to go into politics. What you see with me is what you get. Politics is a bit like showbiz in a way that you have to play the part, but for me, it’s not like that. If you really want to get this country to improve, you’d have to bite the bullet and people would have to sacrifice in the meantime for long-term gains for everyone. I think you’d make a lot of enemies because people are so entrenched in the old system that they would not want to give it up. I personally look up to Lee Kuan Yew and his style of governance. Now the question is if that is what the Filipinos want for their country or not. 


What has been the most meaningful life-changing part of your stardom? How has it changed your views or life direction?

I think that the most meaningful part of all this is that I can see that what we do affects other people. So if you want to spread goodness, you have to be a good example. Our views and our actions can help others, especially those who emulate us. I used to think that you needed to be a multinational company or one of the world’s richest men in order for you to be able to help others. I’ve since found out that there are more ways to help others than through financial means. In using our influence we can do so much more and we can do it with the help of others. It has broadened my mind to accept the fact that we are placed in a position because we are needed to bring about changes for the good. Unfortunately, not all people realize that. 


Why do you think Filipinos love PBCWMH? What is it about the series that you personally admire?

I think because they see in the series the ideal family that everyone aspires for. All the values and lessons we see in the show are all the good things that people want in their lives. I personally like the fact that there does not need to be violence or drama in the show for the audience to like it. 


If you could do a project that would enable you to give back to the people who put you where you are, what would this be?

I think that what we need in this country is really to educate everyone so that they would know the difference between right and wrong, and that their choices affect the path of our country. I think the only way we could give back to all those who have put us here is to try and make our country a better place to live in. We can do this by paying it forward and help educate the masses and the less-fortunate people. This in turn will bring about positive changes in our society.

What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?

I’ll probably be back in the business world and spending more time doing charity work.

What is your goal or dream that remains unfulfilled?

My dream would be to see the Philippines become a progressive country like Singapore and a lot of first world countries.