By Waylon Galvez
Rain or Shine superstar James Yap bared Tuesday that had it not been for a restaurant cashier’s reminder to wear his face mask, he could have been fined for violation of a health protocol in Milano Marittima, Italy.
Rain or Shine's James Yap strolls at the town's center in Milano, Marittima, Italy. (Photo from James Yap's Instagramaccount @jamesyap18)
Yap said he was alerted by a coffee shop employee that police authorities were patrolling the area and that persons found not wearing face masks inside any establishment will be fined 300 Euros, or roughly $350, which is approximately P17, 000.
“Actually nasa labas ako ng coffee shop, kinuha ng waiter yung order, pagkatapos sa loob ako magbabayad. Kasi kapag nasa labas naman OK na dito na hindi magsuot ng face mask,” said Yap when contacted by Manila Bulletin Tuesday night.
“Kaso nga, nakalimutan ko isuot uli yung face mask pagkapasok sa loob (coffee shop) kaya mabuti nga na-remind ako ng cashier… napasuot ako bigla. Biro mo multa ako ng 300 Euros kung nahuli ako ng pulis,” Yap said laughing.
Yap, a two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, is in the province of Ravenna, about four hours drive from the capital Rome, with his wife Michela and their kids Michael James and Francesca Michelle since June 1.
Since last week, Yap said they were able to spend time outside the town’s center.
Yap said it’s almost back to normal where they are now, that kids are allowed to go out.
Rain or Shine's James Yap plays with daughter Francesca Michelle at the town's center in Milano, Marittima, Italy. (Photo from Michela Cazzola Instagram's account @michelacazzola)
Authorities, however, are still implementing the basic health protocols like wearing of face masks, social distancing and sanitizing or washing of hands with soap.
The town, he said, has zero case of the coronavirus.
“Wala na ditong kaso ng COVID-19, kaya talagang allowed na lumabas. Pero mahigpit pa din sila sa protocols. Kung nasa labas ka naman, hindi naman required ang face mask, kung papasok ka lang sa loob ng shops or boutiques,” said Yap.
“Kaya talagang ingat pa din, sabi nga hindi naman nakikita yung kalaban. Dito naman kasi maski lumabas kami, walang gaanong tao ang makikita sa labas,” he added.
Yap said that he continues to workout by running for nearly an hour in the morning. Since gyms are already open in the area, he said he’d try to lift weights next week.
As for his return, he is scheduled to return early July.
“Inaayos pa pero madali naman makabalik. I-settle ko muna sila dito, ako lang muna kasi ang babalik, mga three months pa muna sila before umuwi sa Pilipinas,” said Yap.
“Sa ngayon kasi ako ang yayo (nannie) ng mga bata e, ako taga bantay. Namamayat na nga ako kasi takbo ako sa umaga tapos takbo din ako sa kakahabol sa dalawa,” Yap added in jest.