Richard Yap (Photo by Edd Buenaviaje)
After more than two years of doing the well-loved daytime teleserye “Be Careful With My Heart,” Richard Yap, who played the stern but charming widower Sir Chief is back, this time on the big screen for his first full-length film “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin.” The movie is currently the top-grosser in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, breaching the P200 million-mark in box office receipts as of Dec. 29.
Richard portrays General Wilson Chua, the commanding officer of Benjie Santos VIII (Vice Ganda), a character that has similarities with his character, Sir Chief.
This is the first time for the 47-year old actor to do full-fledged comedy, albeit with his signature poker-face.
“I’m a bit strict but a funny gentleman here,” Yap said during the movie’s press conference held recently at Feria restaurant of Radisson Blu.
The businessman-turned-actor, who started gaining popularity as Papa Chen in the primetime series “My Binondo Girl” a few years ago, said it wasn’t that hard for him to get into character because his co-stars were very effective comedians.
Also in the cast in the Wenn Deramas-directed film are Alex Gonzaga as Amazing Yaya, Tom Rodriguez as as the villain, and Bimby Aquino Yap as General Chua’s son. Returning as “amazing soldiers” are Nikki Valdez, Vandolph, Kean Cipriano, DJ Durano and Ricky Rivero.
Completing the cast are Al Tantay, Malou De Guzman, Abby Bautista and Angeline Urquico.
“The atmosphere (during filming) was very nice. Even while Direk Wenn was doing the script, you could already imagine their jokes,” Richard said. He said he didn’t feel pressure to be in the company of seasoned comedians because the co-stars made him feel comfortable and encouraged him to just enjoy himself.
To look the part of a general, Richard did “circuit training exercises” (described as a “form of body conditioning or resistance training using high-intensity aerobics which targets strength building and muscular endurance”) and was mindful of his calorie intake.
For 2015, the fit and health-conscious actor is bent on expanding his restaurant, and is looking forward to recording a new album and doing another teleserye. A dream role is something similar to James Bond. “I also know martial arts,” he said.
His dream leading ladies? “Anne Curtis and Dawn Zulueta,” he said with a smile.
