By Waylon Galvez
Rain or Shine superstar James Yap shared on Tuesday a funny incident that almost cost him 300 Euros (roughly P17,000) while he was in a coffee shop in Milano Marittima, Italy.
If not for a waiter’s remainder to wear facemask, he could have been fined because of a health protocol in Italy.
“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 facemask,” said Yap.
“Kaso nga, nakalimutan ko isuot uli yung facemask 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 former two-time PBA Most Valuable Player, is in the province of Ravenna, which is 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.
Authorities, however, are still implementing the basic health protocols like wearing of facemask, 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 facemask, kung papasok ka lang sa loob ng shops or boutiques,” said Yap.
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.
“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.
