Richard Yap enjoys the best of both worlds: showbiz success and food business; awaits taping for new project, ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’
by Leony R. Garcia
Richard Yap is one showbiz personality whose talent is highly appreciated by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC).
During the 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television in 2013, he clinched the Best Drama Actor award for the long-running daytime series ‘Be Careful With My Heart’.
In 2014, he was hailed as the New Male Recording Artist Of The Year during the 6th PMPC Star Awards For Music for his self-titled debut album, Richard Yap.
And at the 31st PMPC Star Awards for Movies on March 8, he bested other nominees and won as the New Movie Actor Of The Year for 2014 MMFF’s top grosser comedy movie, ‘The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin’.
Indeed, it’s a big feat for an artist whose entry in the industry is considered accidental.
“I was more into business and commercial modeling when the father role in ‘Binondo Girl’ was offered to me. Since the producers are my friends, I agreed and the rest, as they say, is history,” Yap said during an earlier interview.
As showbiz enthusiasts know, Yap rose to fame as Papa Chen and eventually as Sir Chief in a team-up with Maya (Jodi Sta. Maria) in Be Careful. He has practically become a household name for two years with the phenomenal success of the ABS-CBN teleserye.
Because of Be Careful, “naging mas grabe ang work load, dumami ang exposures ko sa viewers, endorsements, open up door to my singing career, so medyo maraming nagbago talaga sa akin, I don’t have much privacy like what I did before, pero I think, it all good naman,” he said.
For an industry that capitalizes on good looks, youthfulness and longevity, it really came to a surprise to many that Yap made it. He, himself, was amazed of the instant success. That’s why he is most grateful to fans and showbiz media who supported him in his new found journey and he holds thanksgiving party for them every once in a while.
“This is my way of saying thank you to all supporters,” the chinito actor said.
After the noon-time teleserye, Be Careful With My Heart, came to a close, Yap must have so much time to explore other venues to bent his attention and energy on. Thus, his Wangfu Chinese Bistro branches and Luna J Filipino Gastropub, both in Quezon City came to be.
Wangfu boasts of home-cooked Chinese goodies while Luna J Gastropub offers authentic Filipino dishes.
These new watering holes in QC which he co-owns with non-showbiz partners and friends, has practically become the favorite venues for Yap’s thanksgiving parties and press events.
