MANILA -- Richard Yap, whose role in a hit ABS-CBN series as a widowed businessman has catapulted him to leading man status, is not one to be "tempted" by the pleasures he can now afford as a showbiz favorite.
As "Sir Chief" in the top-rating daytime series "Be Careful With My Heart," the 45-year-old actor is said to have gained popularity across age groups.
On top of his growing number of product endorsements, Yap is also one of the most in-demand personalities for event guestings, alongside TV idols Piolo Pascual and Coco Martin.
But Yap, who is married and with two children, is careful not to take advantage of his growing popularity.
"I think at my age I know better. I know that you have to keep yourself away from these things and something that’s not right, you stay away from it agad.
"And my wife is always with me so that helps me also to stay grounded, good, so you know. You also have to think of your family," he was quoted as saying by entertainment news site Push.
At his age, Yap said, going on "gimmicks" is the farthest thing from his mind.
“Hindi ko na kasi naiisip yung ganun because I am here for work. Siguro if I was younger siguro maisip ko pa 'yun pero ngayon hindi ko na naiisip na magba-bar. Tapos na kami diyan," he said.
Yap is currently busy shooting scenes for "Be Careful With My Heart," which has reportedly been extended anew, as well as a world tour promoting the series alongside fellow cast members, including leading lady Jodi Sta. Maria.
Referring to his "screaming" fans, the actor said, “Nakakatuwa e siyempre you make people happy so for me kung 'yun lang ang magpapasaya sa mga tao, okay na para sa akin 'yun."
He added: "Kasi we are here in this world for a reason and if you can make other people happy that’s already a very satisfying job."
Despite his fame and the massive success of "Be Careful With My Heart," Yap is not resting on his laurels.
"I guess it is something that you shouldn’t be resting on. If you do something which is very successful, you try to improve yourself and try to do better so success is relative," he said.
