By Waylon Galvez
There is no rest for Rain or Shine superstar James Yap as he continues to work out even in faraway Italy.
Rain or Shine superstar James Yap spends time with son Michael James in Italy after his workout in the morning. (Screenshot from a Viber Call with MB Sports)
“Yes, tuloy pa din naman ako, kung ano yung ginagawa ko noong nandiyan ako, tinutuloy ko naman dito,” said Yap, a two-time PBA MVP when contacted by Manila Bulletin late Tuesday.
“Siyempre kailangan kundisyon pa rin, hindi natin alam na baka pagbalik ko nandon na rin ang teams sa pag-ensayo. Kaya nag-spend talaga ako ng ilang oras para sa training.”
Yap said that part of his workout is a 40-minute jog in a forest trail located just behind his in-laws’ residence in Milano Marittima, a town in Ravenna province, about four hours drive from the capital Rome.
“Sakto may trail dito… forest siya pero may nagdya-jogging. Konti lang naman kasi nga hindi masyado din lumalabas ang mga tao. Siempre ingat pa din dahil nga rin sa virus,” he said.
The decision of the Yap’s to leave caught many by surprise due to the pandemic brought on by the coronavirus which infected more than seven million people and claimed thousands of lives globally with Italy currently at No. 7 with 235,561 positive cases.
Yap said that running outside is the only time he goes out of the house since they avoid malls or parks.
“Ingat din kami dito… bahay lang talaga. Maski naman puwede na din lumabas – marami kaming nakikita na lumalabas na – wala din naman kaming plan sa ngayon na lumabas,” said Yap.
“Kung sakali man, practice ng health protocols. Social distancing, face mask and wash hands. But now, laro lang kami ng mga bata – alaga ako sa mga bata.”
Just like when they were still in the Philippines, Yap said he spends time with Michael James and Francesca Michelle, and he mentioned that though he misses Filipino food, his mother in-law cooks the best Italian food.
“Kaya nga talagang kailangan mag-workout kasi yung mom ni Mic (Michela) ang sarap magluto at napapa-rami ako talaga ng kain. Kaya tinatakbo ko sa umaga para papawis,” he said.
Yap said he plans to return in three weeks, when everything is settled in Italy.