Those who religiously watched the iconic daytime series Be Careful With My Heart, which is now making a comeback around a decade since it premiered in 2012, would recall how cold, harsh, and strict his character Richard Lim was both at home and at work. These traits hindered him from developing a cohesive connection with his three kids, which eventually changed when the bubbly and caring Maya (Jodi Sta. Maria) came into their lives. 

But in real life, actor Richard Yap has been tightly bonded with his two kids, Ashley and Dylan. And in this feature, we’re going to get a glimpse of his lovely relationship with his beautiful daughter, who he fondly regards as his “mini me”.

We often see them together in the photos that they post on Instagram, as well in some vlogs that they upload in their respective YouTube channels. They may have done different things together on-cam, but Ashley disclosed in their Magandang Buhay interview in 2020 that they love having coffee together the most. This may be a normal day-to-day thing, yet this allows them to talk about anything under the sun.

The self-confessed daddy’s girl also talked about the humorous side of her Popshie Richard that many of us might not have seen yet, as well as how he has been very supportive of her ever since she started vlogging and even she was still studying. Despite his hectic schedule at work, Richard would always make sure to be present in their school activities, such as Parents’ Day. 

Unlike other dads who are very strict towards their daughters when it comes to being in relationship, she revealed that Richard was just okay with that, as long as she would wait until she’s 18, which she did. She also told her now-boyfriend to speak to and ask for her father’s permission first before courting her, which Richard really appreciated.

On the other hand, Ashley is able to show her support to her dad by helping him out in his vlogging journey. She aids him in coming up with content ideas, teaching how a certain content should be done, and editing his vlogs, which makes them a real team. 

Now that his kids are growing up so fast, the Be Careful With My Heart actor revealed that his greatest joy in life at present is that he’s able to accompany his children in some of the things they do and he deeply cherishes every moment that she gets to spend with them.

The lockdowns may not be good for many of us, but it brought them closer as they’re able to spend more quality time and do more activities together – from cooking and eating, to vlogging and doing DIY projects. But they enjoy bonding over food the most because this allows them to talk to and get to know one another better. 

Ashley and Dylan may be both grown-ups now, but there are also instances when he would visit them in their respective rooms to simply check on them or even find out what they’re up to. 

Even though she’s already in her 20s, Ashley finds it really important that her parents are still there to guide her and give her advice. She told the momshie-hosts, “Siyempre super important kasi sila naman ‘yong naka-experience na ng mga bagay-bagay. So, parang mas alam na nila compared sa amin [na] magsisimula pa lang.”

Check out some of Richard’s lovely photos with his “mini me” Ashley in this gallery!