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It’s only a few days until the country’s midterm elections, and it is common knowledge that showbiz personalities are among those running for public office. Once again, some oppose the idea of actors entering politics, believing their involvement leads to political bankruptcy.
Richard Yap, who ran for a congressional seat but didn’t make it, believes this ugly claim is unfair to actors aspiring to enter politics.
“I think that’s unfair because there are a lot of artists who have the brains to be in politics, to be in public service,” said Richard, who recently guested on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” with Allen Dizon. Both actors are part of the Joel Lamangan-directed film “Fatherland.”
“That statement is based on a certain percentage of people who are in power and sinasabi nila, ganun na lahat. So, it’s a generalization. It’s unfair for a lot of us,” he added.
Allen, on the other hand, was invited to join the political bandwagon but declined. He feels he’s not yet ready to enter politics. “I need to study if I want to enter politics. I also must set aside (career) plans and my family. For me, if you’ve decided and you have the passion to serve, you must study. Hindi basta-basta lang at baka hindi ko magawa ‘yung role as public servant, baka mapahiya lang ako.”
The actor echoed the point of view of the late Comedy King Dolphy about joining politics. In one of his interviews with my late dear friend Ricky Lo, who was also the former Entertainment editor of this paper, Dolphy said, “Madaling tumakbo, e paano kung manalo?”
These days, Richard and Allen are focused on their respective acting careers. Did you know that both were into modelling first before they started acting in films and on television?
Richard caught public attention through his TV commercial for a fastfood chain, which opened for him doors of opportunities in showbiz, while Allen was a familiar face in print ads and male beauty pageants such as Ginoong Pilipinas, which I hosted many times.
“Those days were fun,” ruminated Allen. “I was enjoying ‘yung ganda ng katawan, ‘yung pagiging gwapo at kung paano i-handle (my) being sexy,” he added with a laugh. He also once again did his signature pose.
Richard revealed he also participated in a male beauty pageant in his younger days, and he equally found it enjoyable, but he never dared to join again “because I felt it wasn’t for me.” Aside from their good looks, Richard and Allen also possess well-built physiques. The former maintains his weight by working out in the gym at his house. He also does treadmill, yoga and stretching. He plays golf in his free time. Allen keeps a healthy lifestyle by dieting and playing tennis to maintain his ideal weight.
Inarguably, Richard and Allen have many female followers. I asked them how they would react if there were female fans who become so touchy, even if they know both men are married.
“I’m very thankful that I have fans and followers. Melody (his wife) goes to the side and allows them to have the moment. Sabi niya it’s not all the time that they see you so binibigyan niya ng panahon lumapit sa akin ang mga tao,” enthused Richard.
“She’s not jealous at all. There’s even a time when she offered to take pictures of me and the fans. She would offer to do that.”
Allen said his wife Crystal does the same. “She would either go to the side or keep her distance from where I am whenever someone wants to have a picture with me.”
The actor never denied that he once fell into temptation, which caused much distress to his wife. But that’s a thing of the past. Allen has already learned his lesson.
Richard said that there are ups and downs in every marriage.
“There’s never a perfect marriage. I think, when I was younger, I was always out of the house kasi nalulong naman ako sa billiards (laughs), na hindi mo naiisip na may asawa ka, but no third party.”
How do they handle flirtation?
“Takbo palayo na, Tito Boy. Iwas na,” Allen amusingly replied. “Ako, as much as possible, I won’t let it progress,” answered Richard.
