"[4] In addition to his film career, Yan appeared in several television shows, including Mara Clara (1996), 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila (1996), Saan Ka Man Naroroon (1999), Magandang Tanghali Bayan (2001), and Whattamen (2001).

He was the son of Roberto Yan, Sr. (1947–2015), an ethnic Filipino Chinese from Metro Manila, and his Ilocana wife, Teresita Castro-Yan, who hailed from Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

[5] He was the grandson of Manuel T. Yan, Sr. (1920–2008),[6] former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Ambassador to Thailand, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, as well as Colonel Isabelo Ruiz Castro.

Yan was discovered at age 20 while he was a senior student at De La Salle University, waiting in line at a fast food restaurant.

In June 1996, Yan portrayed the boy-next-door character Ricky Salveron in the youth-oriented show Gimik,[9] directed by Laurenti Dyogi and aired on The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Yan starred alongside Judy Ann Santos, Jolina Magdangal, Giselle Toengi, Mylene Dizon, Patrick Garcia, Diether Ocampo, and Marvin Agustin.

In 1997, Yan played the protagonist Gabriel Maglayon in the successful primetime television drama Mula sa Puso,[10] portraying a dedicated cab driver willing to give up everything for his family and loved ones, alongside Claudine Barretto.

In 1996 and 1997, he starred in Paano ang Puso Ko?, portraying Jason Delgado, a free-spirited, mischievous, and playful repatriate who, despite being indisposed, wanted to live a normal life and enjoy it to the fullest.

In the romantic drama Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, directed by Rory Quintos,[12] Yan played Alex Medina, an aspiring businessman whose only dream is to open his own restaurant.

Paired opposite Judy Ann Santos, whose character must choose between her family and Alex, the film was shot in one of the most romantic places, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, in September 1998.

In September 2001, he showcased his comedic talent by portraying the charming and witty Castro in the all-male comedy sitcom Whattamen[15][16][17] alongside, Dominic Ochoa,[18] Marvin Agustin, and Ai-Ai delas Alas.

He was also cast in a major role for the play Sinta with Dulaang Sibol of Ateneo Theater, directed by Johnny Manahan, and was involved in the sequel to Fernando Poe Jr. and Judy Ann Santos' film Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko....[citation needed] He had two shows, Magandang Tanghali Bayan[22] and Whattamen,[23] airing at the time of his death.

[24] On March 29, 2002, while on vacation during Holy Week, Rico was found dead inside his hotel room by his friend, actor Dominic Ochoa, at the Dos Palmas Resort in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

[26][27] His public wake was held at La Salle Green Hills, and an estimated 10,000 people attended his final funeral rites in Metro Manila.

[40][41] Yan was also a successful entrepreneur and owned several businesses, including Orbitz Pearl Shakes, Java Hut, Buddy Burger, Timbuktu Cafe, and Tequila Joe Grill and Restaurants.

In addition to establishing the Pinoy Yan Movement, a non-profit organization aimed at encouraging youth to stay in school and value education, he assisted the Are You a Forest King?