Richard Yap signs 2-year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN

CEBU native Richard Yap cements his stay in ABS-CBN after signing a two-year exclusive deal with the giant network.

Following his successful stint in the hit primetime series "My Binondo Girl," which was topbilled by Kim Chui, the 41-year-old said he's grateful for the confidence shown by the station in signing him as one of its talents.

He said he is also thankful for the undying show of support from the fans. "I'm so grateful for all their love. It really feels great every time I see them in mall shows and other special events. I appreciate them so much for that," he said.

Richard is now paired with Jodi Sta. Maria in the top rating noontime series "Be Careful with my Heart." He is best known for his role as "Sir Chief" in the hit series.

Richard shares a good working relationship with Jodi and revealed that they have a lot of things in common: both went to pre-med school and loves videoke.

"It's just so nice working with Jodi because she's so down-to-earth," he said. "From the beginning, it was not hard for us to jive."

Their successful tandem not only reflects on the ratings of the show, but Richard and Jodi became household names.

When asked on his thoughts that many tagged him as the new "heartthrob" just like teen sensation Daniel Padilla, Richard said he's still the same man who started in a fast food chain commercial.

"I won't call myself a heartthrob," he said. "I don't even consider myself as an extra-ordinary handsome guy. Because the standards of being handsome before was mestizo and Chinese-looking men were never in demand." (Glaiza Jarloc/Sunnex)