Even years after their hit morning series ended, Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap have maintained a strong friendship, proven by their warm and candid reunion in Jodi’s vlog.
Richard was the featured guest in Jodi’s “Let’s Drink To That” segment, where the two reflected on their enduring bond, their career breakthroughs, and the unexpected turns of life. They also talked about missing each other since wrapping up their last project, Unbreak My Heart, in 2023.
“It's nice to be here with Jodi. I always look forward na magkita kami kasi marami kami pinag uusapan parati. Parati kami maraming kalokohan na pinaguusapan,” Richard said. “(Namiss) ko yung pagkakulit niya. Maraming kwento si Jodi. Marami siyang mga chika about so many things.”
Jodi revealed that fans had been requesting Richard as a vlog guest since she started her channel, and she was glad to finally make it happen.
The duo reminisced about their phenomenal team-up in the morning drama Be Careful With My Heart, where they played the iconic roles of Maya and Sir Chief. The show became one of the longest-running and most beloved series on daytime television.
Richard admitted he had doubts at first about the show’s potential.
“When we started the show, naisip ko if magtatagal itong show na ito kasi sabi ko noon si Jodi lang kilala rito kasi karamihan kami puro baguhan lang, hindi well known na names at that time. Actually, ipinahiram lang ako kasi I was supposedly doing another show,” Richard recalled.
Richard shared that never expected that people would love their show especially at the time it was aired.
“Hindi talaga natin inexpect kasi morning show iyon. Ayon yung time na wala talagang tao nanonood,” he admitted.
Jodi added, “Ayon yung time na madalas mga talk show yung nilalagay talaga until Be Careful With My Heart. Nakakatuwa doon sa mga taong sumusuporta kahit anong time ilagay, sumusunod sila.”
Their close working relationship eventually led to a solid off-screen friendship.
“Ang nakakatawa kasi alam kong friend ko na si Chenes (Richard) kapag naiiyakan ko na siya ng mga hanash ko in life. Nakita niya yung mga many phases ng life ko,” she expressed.
Richard also shared, “Noong una, medyo closes off pa siya pero nag-open up na rin siya.”
Richard also talked about his unexpected entry into showbiz, describing it as an “accidental career.” At 45, he took a leap of faith and left his corporate job, even without a clear plan.
“Accidental kasi yung pagpasok ko sa showbiz kaya wherever you are at this point in your life, baka hindi pa iyon yung where you are supposed to be,” Richard advised.
“I don’t know what I'm going to do yet at the age of 45 basta magresign na ako. Wala ako kaalam alam ano mangyayari sa akin but (fortunately) at the age of 44 inofferan ako ng My Binondo Girl and at the age of 45 naman Be Careful With My Heart,” he added.
He shared that despite appearing in commercials before, acting was never something he imagined himself doing.
“I’m not that type of very outgoing, hindi ako extrovert. Even though I was doing commercials hindi ko gusto ginagawa ko noon. Never ako nagisip mag-artista.”
Years later, Richard not only built a successful showbiz career but also ventured into business. He now manages food and furniture businesses while continuing to act.
Despite his busy schedule, Richard puts family at the top of his priorities. Jodi praised her longtime friend for being a devoted husband and father.
“Naging witness ako kung paano si Chenes naging head of the family, kung paano siya naging very loving na husband and father. Nakikita ko rin kung paano siya minamahal ng anak niya and kung paano sila nagmamahalan ni Mama Chen,” Jodi said.
For Richard, the key to a strong family is simple: communication and quality time.
“Mas simple yung spending time together kami. Minsan buong araw nasa dining table kami, nagkukwentuhan kami, kumakain. Minsan ayaw na namin lumabas, minsan sa bahay na lang tapos order lang tapos kwentuhan,” he shared.
“It's just you have to give time to family talaga kasi communication talaga is the foundation of a good relationship whether it be with family, sa asawa mo, sa anak mo, kailangan magusap talaga kayo kasi once mawala yung communication, mabilis mawala yung trust, kahit love,” he remarked.
As the vlog ended, Richard expressed his gratitude to Jodi and shared his hope that they’ll reunite again onscreen.
“Nakakamiss na makasama ka. Sana magkasama ulit tayo sa susunod na proyekto.”