New Actor Richard Yap Gains Fame Playing Kim Chiu'S Dad In 'Binondo Girl

AS THE DAD OF Kim Chiu, newcomer Richard Yap gives a breakout performance in “My Binondo Girl”. He was discovered when he appeared in a TV commercial for a Chinese food chain. “I was surprised when I was asked by ABS to appear as Kim’s father in the show at kapareha ko pa sina Ai Ai de las Alas and Cherry Pie Picache,” he says. “I enjoyed the experience and it’s really an honor na mapasama ako dito considering that I’m nobody and wala naman akong experience sa acting.”

A late bloomer in showbiz at the age of 44, he’s married and has two kids aged 18 and 14 who are both excited about he’s being an actor. He’s now tagged as Papa ng Bayan. What’s his reaction? “It’s very flattering considering ang age ko at hindi na ako binata.”

Didn’t he wish he joined showbiz when he was younger? “No, I think this is just the right time for me. Kasi if I were younger, I wouldn’t know how to handle this. Now, I’m more level-headed and more serious sa trabaho.”

So what’s next for him after “Binondo Girl”? “I don’t know yet. Bahala na ang ABS whatever they’d offer. As long as it’s a good project, I’m open to anything.”