JODI Sta. Maria and Richard Yap’s show is aired in other Asian countries.
“Be Careful With My Heart” star Richard Yap said he once received a death threat via his Twitter account but that he just ignored it.
“The message read, ‘Papatayin kita! Tandaan mo ’yan!’ It came from a new account. I guess the person had nothing better to do. I just didn’t react to it,” Richard told the Inquirer during a thanksgiving party he hosted recently at the Quezon City branch of Wangfu Chinese Bistro, which he co-owns.
Honest living
“I always choose to dwell on just the positive messages,” he said. “Everybody has something to say—even Jesus had bashers, tayo pa kaya. I make my living in an honest way. I have nothing to hide.”
Richard personally manages his Twitter and Instagram accounts, and uses them to keep supporters informed. “I try to answer as many of their questions as I can,” he said. Sadly, I can’t go online as much as I used to, because of our tight schedule for ‘Be Careful.’”
He announced that the top-rating drama series directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, which was supposed to end in April, had been extended indefinitely. “Be Careful” is seen in other Asian countries, too, like Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The actor said he made sure his family remained unaffected by the program’s success. “At home, I’m just a regular husband [to wife Melody] and father [to kids Ashley, 17, and Dylan, 10],” he said. “I guess it helped that my kids are in school mornings, and don’t get to watch the show regularly.”
He added, “In public places, they know how to handle people who approach me for autographs or snapshots. The kids often step aside, but sometimes they even volunteer to take the photos. They know that we have to be accommodating.”
Just an introvert
Richard, 46, whom many people describe as shy and aloof, said. “I’m not suplado; I’m just really an introvert. What you see is what you get. I’m not unapproachable; it just really depends on the situation. But I’ve been advised to be more friendly and outgoing.”
How does he handle flirting women? “I haven’t experienced anything of the sort. Meanwhile, I also have crushes, like Anne (Curtis) and Dawn (Zulueta), but that doesn’t mean I plan to court them. I’m a married man. More than anything, I want to be a good role model to my fans.”
Practical man
The success of the drama series has made Richard one of the most sought-after product endorsers today. As for comments that he is stingy, Richard said, “I’m simply practical. I don’t spend unnecessarily, especially not on things that I don’t really need. I know a lot of Pinoys who are spendthrifts—they throw great parties but they don’t have money in the bank. Some even borrow money to have those parties. What would you rather be?”
Richard, a Chinese-Filipino, released his self-titled album under Star Records in September 2013. He said he planned to go on more provincial shows, maybe even foreign tours, this year. “I’m not ready for a full concert. I’d like to be more experienced before I perform in a big venue. I don’t ever want to short-change my audience. I want to deliver value for their money.”
He added that a movie version of “Be Careful With My Heart” was not happening anytime soon. “Our taping schedule has improved. There was a time when it got so hectic, we were working four times a week. Still, at the moment, I don’t think there is time to do the movie.”
(E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)