‘Papa Chen’ is here to stay
Popularly known as ‘Papa Chen’, a character from the defunct TV series “My Binondo Girl”, newcomer Richard Yap feels flattered that even at his age, he is still considered one of the sought-after male heartthrobs today.
Richard may be considered a late bloomer in showbiz, but his career continues to flourish even without formal acting training. He is now paired with Jodi Sta. Maria in the upcoming ABS-CBN’s TV series “Be Careful With My Heart.”
The former Chowking commercial model landed a role in “My Binondo Girl,” where he first earned his big following and new heartthrob status.
“It’s very flattering for people to consider me as such. As I said before, medyo mature na tayo, hindi na tayo teenybopper. It’s flattering but I don’t let it get into my head. It’s just a title,” Richard shyly said at the press conference of “Be Careful With My Heart” in ABS-CBN compound on Tuesday, July 3.
When asked how he feels about still being fondly called ‘Papa Chen’ even after “My Binondo Girl,” he said. “Nakakatuwa lang, it’s very flattering. ‘Papa’ as in father siguro iyan.”
Juggling work and show business
A marketing manager in a furniture company, Richard is grateful for the blessings he receives, this time, with his showbiz career. Richard gets one project after another, including a stint in “Walang Hanggan” and now plays businessman Richard Lim, Jodi’s love interest in “Be Careful With My Heart.”
“I’m really thankful sa ABS-CBN because they took a chance with someone like me na relatively unknown and pair me with good actresses like Jodi. There’s a lot of pressure also because this is my first time to play a lead role,” he said.
Richard knows that his big showbiz break also means big responsibility.
“I guess it’s a bit surprising because for someone who has just started acting last year, it’s a very big break and a very big responsibility given to me by ABS-CBN. As much as possible, I like to show them that I’m responsible enough na I can bring the show together,” he said.
Nothing's changed
“I don’t think of myself as popular. In fact, I still do the same things I do, I still go to work aside from taping. I don’t think I am somewhat different to what I was before,” Richard said.
How does his family react to his new venture as an actor?
“Okay lang naman sa kanila. As I said before, when I stared out nagpaalam ako sa kanila. Alam naman nila what showbiz entails, napagusapan na namin iyon. I don’t think magkaroon pa ng problema because naiintindihan nila kung ano ang showbiz,” he said.
This may be the first time that Jodi and Richard are working together, but many notice their good chemistry on screen. Despite their age gap, Richard said that he gets many positive feedbacks from people about their team-up.
“Wala naman sa age iyon. That’s good (na) at least nakikita nila ma may chemistry kami together,” he said.
Working with Jodi
After working with Ai-Ai and Dawn Zulueta in previous TV dramas, Richard is happy to work with Jodi, whom he describes as a “strong and intelligent woman.”
“This is the first time na magkasama kami ni Jodi, but in the short time that we’ve been together, I see na she’s a very strong and intelligent woman. We have some things in common rin kaya nagkakaintindihan rin kami. She’s a very fine actress and I admire her also for her accomplishments,” Richard said.
“Be Careful With My Heart”, which premieres Monday, July 9, on ABS-CBN’s Prime-Tanghali also stars Aiza Seguerra, Sylvia Sanchez, Divina Valencia, Gloria Sevilla, Robert Ortega, Jerome Perez, Janella Salvador and Mutya Orquia.
