New lady love for Ser Chief

THE ACCIDENTAL actor hoped to learn from Judy Ann Santos, who had to drop out of planned series.

The production team behind the new TV series “Someone to Watch Over Me” is still awaiting word from ABS-CBN bosses on the show’s fate since its lead star Judy Ann Santos has announced that she is pregnant and has opted to rest, according to costar Richard Yap.

Yap also hinted on the possibility of having another Kapamilya actress replace Santos.

“We’ve only taped the pilot episode so far,” Yap told reporters during the opening of the newest branch of Wang Fu Chinese Bistro at the Serendra in Taguig City. “We were all surprised by Judy Ann’s pregnancy. We only heard of it when she came out with the news on Instagram last week. It was unexpected.”

Reports said the 37-year-old actress has already informed network executives of her decision to take a leave of absence in anticipation of a delicate pregnancy. “Maybe our bosses knew about it ahead of time. Judy Ann and I have not worked together for the series yet. I was really hoping to learn from her.”

Likely option

Asked about the possibility of the show getting canceled, Yap said: “Most of us are hoping that the show will still push through (even without Santos). To hire another actress would most likely be an option,” Yap said.

“I hope Judy Ann will have a safe pregnancy. I congratulate her for the new baby. I know that she has long been waiting for it,” said Yap. Santos has two kids with husband, TV host Ryan Agoncillo—Lucho, 4, and Yohan, 10.

Yap’s latest film, Chris Martinez’s “You’re Still the One,” which also features Maja Salvador and Dennis Trillo, is still being screened in some theaters.

“So far, I’ve only heard good feedback,” Yap said. “People said it was good that my role was different from Ser Chief (Yap’s character in the defunct series ‘Be Careful With My Heart’). I play a fiscal in the movie. The audience said they liked that I was able to show arrogance and spunk for a change.”

Yap said he is looking forward to another dramatic film, but “it will all depend on whether or not the material will suit” him.

His big-screen debut was the comedy flick “Praybeyt Benjamin 2” (2014), starring Vice Ganda.

Yap will be seen in the fantasy-adventure “My Kung Fu Chinito” alongside Chinese-Filipino actors Enchong Dee, David Chua, Shawn Wesley Cua, among others.

The “Wansapanataym” series directed by Erick Salud will premiere on June 21 on ABS-CBN.

Superhero

“In the series, I will portray a superhero and will wear a costume,” Yap shared with the Inquirer. “It tells the story of a man who wants to pass on his powers to someone willing to defend and protect the greater good.”

The series also features Sophia Andres, Perry Escaño, Clarence Delgado and Mutya Orquia.

RICHARD Yap got his business acumen from his dad and his love for food from his mom.

Aside from TV shows and movies, Yap is also kept busy by the food biz. The Wang Fu Chinese Bistro chain, which he co-owns with restaurateurs Lester Pimentel Ong and Ace Wang, now has four branches.

“I’ve already gotten involved with different business ventures even before I joined the entertainment industry,” he said. “My wife and her sister manage our pet grooming shop. My family in Cebu runs a store that sells tiles, fixtures and other items for home interiors.”

Yap added that he got his business acumen from his dad. “He used to be a rice and corn dealer before he retired. Back in the 1980s, he was involved in shipping and lumber.”

Meanwhile, Yap said his mom is a foodie, too. She inspired Yap to take on a certificate course at the International School of Culinary Arts and Management some 10 years ago.

“I studied so I can cook at home. When I was in high school, I used to make late-night snacks during summer vacations. I like mixing fried rice with different stuff.”

Yap, however, couldn’t figure out his love for acting. “I don’t know where that came from,” he quipped. “I still consider joining show business an accident.”

The production manager of “Binondo Girl,” Yap’s first TV show, was his classmate in college. “She asked her staffers to contact me. My first reaction was, ‘Are you kidding? Who would start a showbiz career at my age?’ When I realized that they were dead serious, I said I’d give it a try.”

Yap said his eldest child, Ashley, 18, is starting to show interest in joining show business. “If ever she gets offers, I’d tell her to finish college first,” said Yap of Ashley, who is currently a sophomore college student taking up marketing. His son Dylan is 11.

“I don’t mind. I can’t stop Ashley from doing what she wants. She is very artsy. She can sing and she has been involved in school plays before.”