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Mario Bautista, has been with the entertainment industry for more than 4 decades. He writes regular columns for People's Journal and Malaya.

Sep 16, 2012

Richard Yap Aka Papa Chen Achieves Stardom As Leading Man In A Soap At The Age Of 45

WHO WOULD have thought that at 45, Richard Yap would still have a successful career as a leading man? He was introduced last year as Papa Chen, Kim Chiu’s dad, in “Binondo Girl”. Now, he plays the lead role no less opposite Jodi Sta. Maria in the hit morning series, “Be Careful with My Heart”. Born on May 18, 1967 in Cebu City and married with two kids, he has also appeared in “Walang Hanggan” and is now also in another new soap, “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw”, with Kris Aquino.

“I’m really thankful and happy that viewers accepted me warmly,” he says. “Maski ako, nasorpresa na puede pa pala ko at my age. Ni hindi ako nag-audition for ‘Binondo Girl’. They just got me based on my exposure in the Chow King commercials. I told them I have no acting experience but they still got me.”

His role as Jodi Sta. Maria’s Sir Chief in “Be Careful with My Heart” gained him more fans even abroad through TFC. Now, he’s on the threshold of another new career: as a singer. He has recorded songs for the "Be Careful With My Heart Album" that was launched yesterday in “ASAP”. He says they really worked hard for the nine songs in the album. "We want the people who'll buy the album to be happy with the songs and how we sang them, and not just because we're part of it.”

The cuts are 'Be Careful With My Heart' and 'When You Say Nothing At All', duets by Jodi and Richard; 'Kaba' and 'Torete' sung by Jodi; 'When You Say Nothing At All,' 'The Way You Look Tonight,' and 'Sorry Na, Pwede Ba?' by Richard; 'I'll Be There' by Aiza Seguerra; and a bonus track of 'Be Careful With My Heart' sung by Juris and Sam Milby.

The series is now also shown on Saturdays as “Be Careful With My Heart Sabado Rewind" before "It's Showtime."

"This is for those who can’t watch our show on weekdays due to work or school," says Jodi.

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