How Richard handles midlife crisis

Richard Yap

I had a blast with Richard Yap and other stars at the fab birthday bash of Dr. Mark Gan of the “go-to dental center” of celebs, GAOC.

I’ve always liked Sir Chief’s (Richard’s moniker) style. Not too many men his age make it big in show biz.

With the way women swoon over him, Richard can give matinee idols a run for their money. The Kapamilya actor ought to give a crash course on how to age well. Fifty-two never looked so good.

Here’s my chat with Richard:

What’s your secret for growing old gracefully? By not stressing myself out, and having faith that our Lord will always guide me. Exercise, diet and doing the things I love.

How do you stay away from temptation and stay faithful to your wife? I always think of how good she is to me and that, by itself, stops me from doing anything crazy. I also think of my kids before I do anything.

How do you handle midlife crisis? I passed that during my 40s, when I was unsure of what I wanted to do and where my life was headed. I prayed a lot and asked for guidance and enlightenment.

Sure enough, all the answers came. I also leaned a lot on the support of my family.

How do you and your wife handle misunderstandings? By talking about them. Arguments are inevitable, but by making sure you stick to the problem and not drag your pride and other problems into it, then surely it will all work out.

Compromise is the key.

What’s your advice to bachelors who are wary of tying the knot? Marriage gives your life a certain direction. It’s always nice to have someone to come home to, to have a family.

Update us about your business ventures. I concentrate mostly on the office furniture business, which is Cole & Ash International Systems Corp., as I need to help keep it growing. Meanwhile, our partnership in the food business is expanding as our Wangfu branches continue to expand. We are also venturing into the cafe business as my partners have recently opened a franchise of Dean & Deluca Cafe in Quezon City.

What’s your advice to the future husband of your daughter? Just love my daughter and take care of her and you will be just fine.

What’s the craziest thing a fan did for you? Three of my fans had my name tattooed on themselves. It really touched me, but it’s a bit too much for them to do it.

What are some of the things that not too many people know about you? That I’m a bit shy and I don’t talk much, especially if I just met you. And I can be really corny at times.

What’s the best and toughest part of being Richard Yap? The best part is that I am still the same person I was, even before I entered show biz. Only my circumstances have changed, but the person remains the same.

The toughest part is that people expect me to live my life like it is on TV. They sometimes can’t differentiate between the real and the reel.