“Alakdana” is Ritchie Paul’s biggest break after his supporting role in “Pilyang Kerubin”. As the youngest in the Gutierrez clan, is he a spoiled brat? “No, I’m 23 and very independent,” he says. When his mom is involved in controversies, does he offer her his own advice? “Yes, but she doesn’t listen, pero okay lang. The important thing is I get to tell her what I feel. Pero siya, she’s also full of advice for me so there’s no need for me at all to ask advice from her.”
Is there pressure on him to follow in the footsteps of Richard? “None. I’m just having fun. Before, mom was just making kulit to me na mag-artista, but I realized sayang naman ang opportunity so I’m taking this more seriously. I’ve taken several acting workshops na, with Laurice Guillen, Pen Medina, Leo Martinez. I’m not choosy with my roles. Bahala ng GMA what they’ll give me, I’ll just do my best.”
Rocky is the tallest among the brothers at 6’3” and also the eldest, coming after Ruffa. He’s a late bloomer in acting. “It’s a long process kasi 13 years old pa lang ako, pine-pressure na ko ni mom na mag-artista, so nagrebelde rin ako, ayoko. I’ve previously played small roles in Richard’s shows, ‘Kamandag’, ‘Asero’ and ‘Zorro’. ‘Machete’ is my first show without him at biggest role ko rin. GMA said mas mabuting hiwa-hiwalay kaming brothers. I’ve now realized I enjoy acting at okay naman ang showbiz kaya dapat ko lang seryosohin. Sana, magtuloy-tuloy na nga ang career ko this time.” He has a love child, David Michael, 6 years old. “Weekdays, he’s with me. Weekends with his mom. Kinukuha na rin siyang mag-artista but he’s studying now in San Agustin.”
One time, his mom had a twit against him for not attending an acting workshop. “Yes, that’s why I’m cold to her kasi yung mga ganung bagay, di na dapat tinu-tweet yun. Kasi she still treats us like we’re 15 years old when we’re already grown men. Na-trapped na siya dun sa mentality na mga bata pa rin kaming anak niya.”
