MANILA - Richard Yap did not beat around the bush and kept it simple when asked about his advice for half-Chinese, half-Filipino parents who have trouble expressing their love for their children.

Just talk to them, the actor said, as he sat down for a interview on "Tonight with Boy Abunda" on Tuesday to promote the newest installment of the long-running "Mano Po" film franchise.

In the movie, Yap plays a wealthy Chinese-Filipino businessman who is incapable of showing his emotions.

He explained that the film should serve as a poignant warning to parents thinking they can go on being indifferent to their kids, ignoring their need for attention, whether it be on purpose or not.

"I think you really have to learn to express yourself. You really have to know how to talk," Yap said, adding that a typical Chinoy parent is not "touchy, feely. They don't give out hugs, they don't embrace their children."

Directed by Ian Loreños, "Mano Po 7" opens on theaters on Wednesday.

It also features performances from Janella Salvador, Jake Cuenca, Jessy Mendiola, Kean Cipriano, Marlo Mortel and Jana Agoncillo.