Richard (right) with Jodi
Some people flirt with each other, even if they know they shouldn’t,” said actor Richard Yap, when asked how he has managed to maintain a strong friendship with onscreen partner Jodi Sta. Maria.
“We respect each other—that’s the key element in this friendship. We’ve worked together almost every day for two years (in the series, ‘Be Careful With My Heart’), but we’ve successfully avoided conflicts,” said Richard during the recent launch of furniture company Cole and Ash International Systems, which he co-owns.
Jodi attended the launch, along with Richard’s other show biz friends.
The actor disclosed that he and Jodi are currently doing another TV project, this time with Robin Padilla, but he couldn’t talk much about the project “because the network has yet to make a formal announcement about it.”
“We’re aware of those who would get into relationships on the side with their costars, which cause problems later on. They eventually quarrel, and their working relationship gets affected,” said Richard, who’s married and have two children.
Jodi has a son (Thirdy) with estranged husband Pampi Lacson, and is now dating Cavite Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla.
Yap said it helped that he had already understood Jodi’s work habits.
‘Makulit’ on set
“People say she’s very reserved and quiet, but she’s actually makulit on the set. She is the type who doesn’t open up about her personal life to just anybody. She chooses who to talk to,” Yap observed. “But, I think there’s been a shift recently. She’s sharing more of herself on Instagram these days.”
Being a businessman even before he joined show biz, Richard has offered these pointers to young artists on how to best handle their finances: “If they think they’re still too young to start investing their money, they should know how to save.
“Many young actors go on shopping sprees as soon as they start earning money. They should save for a rainy day,” he said.
To safeguard their hard-earned money, Richard said that they should get in touch with trustworthy financial advisers.
“Be more discerning about the people who approach you. They’ll go to you if they know you have money,” he stressed. “Don’t give what you have just to anyone. Do your homework. Make sure the business you’ll invest in is legitimate.”
Richard said he wouldn’t stop her daughter, Ashley, if she decided to follow in his footsteps as an actor. “I’d rather that she finishes school first. One more year and she’s done with her marketing course,” said the proud dad. “She sings, writes a blog, and runs a YouTube channel. I’m glad she’s also looking into the business side of things. I want her to explore different things first before deciding on what to do professionally.”