We had the chance to join Richard Yap, who everyone knows as and refers to as Ser Chief (from the character he played in the long-running daytime series Be Careful with my Heart that teamed him up with Jodi Sta. Maria on ABS-CBN), during the launch of his new business venture called Cole & Ash International Systems Corporation at a club in Bonifacio Global City recently.
Yap said when we sat down with him for a brief chat on his new business venture (on other, among several, is the Chinese bistro called Wang Fu), he founded Cole & Ash last year (he named it after his two kids, Dylan Cole and Ashley Sandrine, a boy and a girl) after his former colleagues in a company that deal with similar products egged him relentlessly to start the same business.
“I have the knowledge and the connections, so, why not?” he asked. “And I can help some of my friends who want to continue doing the same when they left their previous employments, right?”
Cole & Ash International Systems Corporation is a trading company engaged in the distribution, supply and installation of office systems, flooring, and storage, among others.
“I worked for a family friend who was in the furniture industry, so du’n na nag-start. And I worked for them for about 20 to 22 years,” he shared.
He also has a background in interior design, something he learned from their family business.
“So, du’n nahasa ’yung mga idea ko on tiles, toilet parts, fixture and all that,” he said. “Dahil nandu’n na ’yung expertise, that’s the industry we came from, so sabi namin we might as well go into to that industry again.”
Cole & Ash is guided by the principle H.I.G.H.E.R. which means Honesty, Integrity, Good Heart, Expertise, and Reliability.
“We offer the products like office furniture, flooring system, aluminum customization and designs like storage cabinets and also the seating, the chair,” he maintained.
“So how does he balance his time doing everything,” we asked.
“That’s why I have (business) partners, meron na akong mga tao. Like (pagdating sa) operation, so sila na ang bahala sa day to day operation,” he shared.
Asked how his late father would have reacted on his success, he said, “Most father for sure would be proud, kasi merong sariling business ’yung anak niya.”
Yap said he isn’t turning his back on show business. “Sa ngayon, mayroong nilulutong series, pero hindi ko pa pwedeng sabihin. ABS-CBN hasn’t made any announcement,” he explained.
Richard renewed his contract with the network last February.
He has been appearing as guest in various shows, like Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano and My Super D.
The actor also appeared in Regal Films’ Filipino-Chinese drama Mano Po 7: Chinoy last year.
Add to those following his singing engagements, he released his eponymous debut album in 2013, and the album with Richard Poon called Richard X Richard: The Chinito Crooners.
“We did the mall tours early this year and okay naman ’yung response,” he said.
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GMA Network through its subsidiary and digital arm GMA New Media Inc. and the world’s most popular online video platform, YouTube, have signed a partnership that will allow viewers everywhere to watch full episodes of GMA programs online.
Brought about by the great demand online for clear, complete, and high quality videos of GMA-produced programs, the partnership not only supports the anti-piracy efforts of the Philippine entertainment industry, but more importantly addresses millennial video viewing habits.
This partnership enables netizens to watch quality videos uploaded by GMA Network on YouTube, which reaches over a billion users each month in 88 countries around the world on screens big and small. With YouTube’s unparalleled infrastructure and user experience, GMA can deliver its video content across devices and to every corner of the globe using the latest technology.
GMA New Media Inc. will add full episodes of the most sought-after GMA content every month as well as mid form versions of their upcoming shows. Furthermore, Kapuso viewers will be given bonus behind-the-scene videos, bloopers, and other related content exclusive to YouTube, which will not be aired on television.
“The accessibility of GMA programs is our gift to Kapuso supporters all over the world. Because of our partnership with YouTube, netizens may now watch their favorite programs whenever they want and wherever they may be,” says Felipe L. Gozon, GMA Network CEO and Chairman.
Gautam Anand, director of Content and Operations, YouTube Asia Pacific shares this alliance with GMA is a great example of how a television and technology company can work together to create new solutions and experiences for users in the digital age.
To watch full episodes of your favorite GMA shows, visit www.gmanetwork.com/fullepisodes.